‘Well, at least you haven’t been fluttering your eyelashes at him like I have all night. I had no idea who he really was.’ Jane looked at her mother.

‘That’s typical of you. No more sense than the day you were born on,’ Luke teased his sister. ‘Desperate – that’s what you were!’

‘Why, you cheeky devil!’ Jane scalped her brother with her hand. ‘Come on, let’s go outside and get a bit of fresh air. It will stop all these folk from looking at us as if we are exhibits in a showground.’ She looked at her mother and father.

‘Christmas sky tonight, let’s see if Saint Nick is on his way.’ James laughed, for the magic of Christmas could not be forgotten.

‘I hope he’s put his hand in his pocket this year. Nuts and sweets are alright, but I wouldn’t mind a surprise or two.’ Luke grinned.

‘You’ll get what you are given,’ said Isabelle. ‘Now go on, get some fresh air while we make sure all’s calmed down among our guests.’ Isabelle watched as the three of them walked arm-in-arm out of the ballroom and hallway into the winter’s evening.

‘They are growing up, James. They are no longer children.’ She sighed.

‘I know, and I fear for their futures. We can but be here for them. We can’t tell what 1914 will bring, but if it’s anything like this last one, we are all going to have to be strong.’ James kissed Isabelle, before stepping out with her on his arm to mingle with their guests. War was coming, of that he was sure. But for tonight he would try and forget, and would be there for his family.

‘Just look at those stars.’ Jane looked up to the star-studded sky. ‘Listen, you can hear the church bells in Settle.’

All three children looked up at the sky over Windfell.

‘I hope my mother and father will be alright, and that the appearance of Daniel Bland does not cause even more upset in the family.’

‘I know. Let’s make a wish all together, a Christmas wish to the stars – as Father said, it’s bound to come true.’ Jane put her arm around Rosie.

‘I know what I’m going to wish for. My red star, so that I can become an officer,’ said Luke as he closed his eyes and made his wish.

‘Shush . . . you shouldn’t tell us,’ Rosie said, as she closed her eyes and wished for herself and Ethan to be allowed to wed, and for peace at home.

‘Well, I’m not telling you mine, but it is hopefully going to come true, if I have my way.’ Jane closed her eyes and thought of Daniel Bland, despite the scandal he had brought with him.

All three stood on the gate leading to Windfell Manor, lost in their thoughts, until Danny’s voice was heard calling down the drive.