‘Now then, Jethro. Ethan landed back the other day and I’ve told him to come and make his peace with you and his mother, but I need a word before you set into him. That’s why I’m here, stopping off on my way to see the blacksmith at Settle.’ Danny looked at Ethan. He had been quiet all the way to Windfell. He knew Ethan was not looking forward to confronting his father. ‘Let him go into Windfell and see his mother first, while I have a word with you. I’m sure she will be glad to see him.’

Ethan climbed down from the flat wagon and watched as Danny walked into the stable, his hand on his father’s shoulder, talking quietly; he hoped that was the way it would stay, as he tied up the team of horses to the metal ring outside the stable, before making his way around the back of Windfell Manor. He stopped just outside the kitchen door as he plucked up courage to face his mother, Mazy, thinking of the fuss she would make of him, now that he had returned, and of the shock she would show at his confession of love for Rosie.

‘Hey up, young Ethan! Now you are a stranger, but I know someone who will be glad to see you.’ Ruby the cook turned to see who was entering her kitchen as she stirred the year’s last batch of blackberry jelly on the stove. ‘Mazy! Mazy, look what the cat’s dragged in,’ she yelled through to the pantry, where Ethan’s mother was checking the supplies, ready for winter.

‘What are you yelling at, Ruby? I’m only here, not a mile away?’ Mazy stepped into the kitchen and stopped in her tracks as she saw her son standing in the doorway. ‘Ethan, you are home! Thank God for that. Where have you been? I’ve missed you so much.’ She rushed to his side and hugged him as he put his arms around his mother.

‘I’m sorry, Mother, I should have come earlier, but I . . .’ Ethan put his head down, not wanting to say that he hadn’t forgiven – and couldn’t – his father for the braying he’d been given, and that he’d missed her so much.