‘Just like you had to? Don’t you realize I know that you worshipped the ground Charlotte Atkinson walked on? I used to watch you helping her with her horses and doing anything you could for her. She could have asked for the moon and you would have tried to get it for her. It’s no good lecturing our Ethan; he’s only doing what his father wanted to do, and courting the lass from Crummock.’ Mazy stopped short; she hadn’t meant to say what she had, but over the years of her marriage to Jethro it had become clear to her that he secretly loved his employer. But now it was out, she realized that’s why he had vented his wrath on their son so much, for Ethan had done what Jethro had never dared to.

‘You are talking daft, woman. I never thought anything about her. I married you, didn’t I?’ Jethro looked blackly at his son and wife as they stood together, ready to take him on. ‘Do what you bloody like. You always have hidden behind your mother’s skirts, and if Danny bloody Atkinson has no more sense than to let you see his lass, then I’ll have to be bloody quiet. It’ll all end in nowt anyway, but don’t think you can come trailing home again, because I’ll not make you welcome.’ Jethro turned and walked towards the door. ‘Behave your bloody self and don’t bring us any shame.’ He grabbed the door handle and slammed the door behind him, leaving both Mazy and Ethan looking at one another.

‘Don’t fret, he’ll come round. You know what he’s like.’ Mazy reached for the teacups and kettle.

‘I thought he’d bray me again.’ Ethan breathed in deeply.

‘Nay, he won’t do that, not if Mr Atkinson says that he is alright with you courting Rosie. Now, we never mention what I said to your father – it’s not to be talked about ever again, and I only said it because I knew if he’d have been in your shoes now, he’d have done the same. You enjoy your time with Miss Rosie and leave your father to me.’ Mazy poured the tea and smiled at her beloved son.

Ethan looked at his mother, trying to understand his father’s secret love for his employer, and the love that his mother must feel for Jethro. She’d been second best all her married life, and had only just now let his father know that she was aware of this. That was no marriage; he and Rosie would be more secure than that – of that he was going to make sure.