‘Aye, we can do that. I like Austwick and it would be just right, as you say. Plus, your grandfather is always right with me. I’ve a lot to thank him for, as it was him who brought me here.’ Ethan smiled and wanted to hug Rosie again, but quickly put thoughts of that to one side as her mother came to the garden gate opposite them.

‘Rosie, come on in now – tea is on the table and, as it’s your birthday, I’ve made a trifle, so you’d better get yourself in before your grandfather eats the lot of it.’ Harriet looked across at the two love-birds sitting on the step. She remembered how she used to look at her Danny that way, and her heart melted a little towards Ethan. ‘Are you coming and all? After all, there’s no show without Punch, and it’ll make our Rosie happy.’ Harriet folded her arms and waited, watching the disbelief on both of their faces. ‘Aye, get yourselves in. I might not be suited with this courtship, but I’ll not have you miserable on your birthday.’

‘Thank you, Mother. It is kind of you to ask Ethan in. Look what he’s made for me.’ Rosie passed the miniature set of drawers to her mother to inspect, as Ethan took his cap off and walked quietly past her.

‘Not a bad job, lad. They are right bonny. I wouldn’t mind some of them myself.’ Harriet passed the miniatures back to Rosie. ‘You’re not as daft as you look.’

‘Thank you, Mrs Atkinson. I’ll make you some, if you want.’ Ethan grinned.

‘Aye, you can – in your own time, though. You’ve enough on this next week or two, gathering the fell with Mr Atkinson and bringing the sheep down for winter. He’s decided to give you a few more responsibilities.’ Harriet passed Rosie the set of drawers back and smiled. ‘Now get yourselves in for some tea; there’s salmon sandwiches and a present waiting for you, Rosie, because no doubt you’ll be expecting something.’ Harriet watched the two of them enter Crummock. Her eldest was no longer a little girl; she was a woman, and she’d have to realize that.

Ethan felt uncomfortable sitting at the table in the dining room of Crummock Farm. He looked around him at the fine china that embellished the oak plate-rack and didn’t quite know what to do with his hands and arms, as Harriet sat down opposite to him, giving him a knowing glance.

‘Pass Ethan a sandwich, Rosie. Do you like salmon or would you have preferred something else?’ Harriet looked at him as he gingerly took a sandwich from the gilt-edged plate, then watched as everybody else helped themselves and started to eat.