‘I couldn’t take that, Grandpapa, it’s a pound – that’s more money than I’ve managed to save up all year.’ Rosie went round the table and hugged him and tried to give it back, but Archie shook his head and thrust it back in her hand. ‘Tha’ll need it someday, lass, I’m sure it will come in handy. Besides, I’d rather see you happy while I’m still here to see it, than when I’m six foot under and no good to anyone.’

‘That’s a long way off yet, Grandpapa.’ Rosie kissed Archie on the cheek and looked at Ethan, who looked as black as thunder and had not touched the trifle in front of him.

‘I’m sorry, but I’ve things to do. The calf pen wants mucking out, and I need to go and clean the horse harness.’ Ethan got up from the table, taking everybody by surprise.

‘But you’ve not had your trifle, and I thought we could go for a walk after tea,’ Rosie exclaimed.

‘No, I’ve too much to do. I thank you all for asking me, and I’m glad that you’ve had a good birthday, Rosie. Now please excuse me, I’ll be away.’ Ethan pushed his chair back while the family watched him walk off. Rosie was nearly in tears. As he left, he looked at the miniature set of drawers that it had taken him hours to carve and make. They were rubbish; he could never compete with her family and he was a fool even to have thought it. If Rosie started attending all the social events in the district, her head would soon be turned. Perhaps that was what her mother was hoping, when she had given her that fancy dress and the posh evening bag. He was a fool to think she would ever be his, and he was sure his father would say the same to him in the morning, if he went.

‘Ethan! Ethan, wait!’ Rosie got up from her chair, dropping her precious gifts to the floor, and rushed to be with him as she heard him close the kitchen door.

‘He takes after his father, does that ’un.’ Archie looked across at Harriet. ‘Doesn’t like to think he’s been shown up or outdone.’

‘I wish we’d never invited him in. And yes, I’m not ashamed to admit that if Rosie goes to the dances and balls coming up, in that dress, I hope she’ll meet somebody a lot better suited to her than Ethan Haygarth.’ Harriet looked at the untouched trifle and sighed.

‘Be careful what you wish for, and don’t try to alter the path of true love, for you’ll only get hurt.’ Archie looked across at Danny. ‘What does thou say, lad?’

‘I’m not saying owt. But he seems nowt but trouble, does that lad,’ Danny said.