‘Leave it to me. We both know a few young men who might take her fancy. There’s the Knowles lad at Feizor, and the Robinson lad at Horton. He’s just been left some land by his grandfather – he would be a good catch. And let’s face it, your Rosie is a good-looking girl. Dress her up and I’m sure, by the end of the night, we will find somebody more suitable.’ Isabelle smiled. ‘Now about work: when do you want to call it your last day? Do you agree with my choice of Margery Sutcliffe? I think she was the most adept of the bunch and, between you and me, she is too old and set in her ways to turn James’s head. I’ve learned by my mistakes, Harriet, I really have.’ Isabelle looked thoughtful as she thought back to the flighty Madge, and then of the woman she had just employed. ‘Plus, Margery will be a steadying influence on Jane to learn the skill of dressmaking, and it looks like she will not take any nonsense when it comes to her work.’

‘She’s a bit stern, but she does have very good skills. So, yes, you have made the best choice. If she is to start next week, as you have agreed, I’ll finish working here the following week. We seem to have caught up with the orders now. Another week here will give Margery time to settle in, and time for me to spend with Jane, although she is showing great promise in her skills. I don’t think you will have any worries with Jane. She seems to have settled down and realizes now, after her silliness with her so-called suffragette friend, just how much she thinks of this wonderful shop. Especially as she knows that one day it will be hers. I wish Rosie had as much sense. I’m sure she is going to ruin her life, if she doesn’t see sense soon. The more I moan at her, the more she digs in her heels and swears undying love for her Ethan.’