‘She’s a bonny thing, isn’t she?’ Ethan leaned over the drystone wall and chewed a grass stalk as he leaned back and admired the foal and the young woman standing before him.

‘She is, she’s got spirit.’ Jane watched the young chestnut foal race up and down the paddock, its short stubby mane and tail blowing in the wind as it played in excitement at being able to enjoy the freedom of the warm summer’s day. ‘I wish I was her, wild and free. Not be-holden to anyone.’ She flashed her eyes at Ethan and smiled at the dark-haired lad, whom she knew her cousin, Rosie, had feelings for.

‘You moving in here then, next week? My father says he’s going to miss your grandfather and hopes we will all be keeping our positions.’ Ethan moved closer to the lass he’d partly grown up with. He was now starting to realize just how beautiful the ugly duckling she had once been had become, and that he had to acknowledge Jane as the next heir to Windfell, along with her brother.

‘Yes. Mother says we are moving in next Monday, once Grandfather has moved out. I can’t see her changing any of the staff, so your father needn’t worry.’ Jane turned to look at Ethan, who stood just inches from her face. ‘Why, would you miss me, Ethan Haygarth? Would it break your heart not to see me each day?’ She smiled.

‘Aye, I’d miss looking at you every day. We’ve always been good friends.’ Ethan reached for her hand and pulled it towards him. He’d been building up the courage to kiss the girl, who was now nearly a fully grown woman. The flash of eyes and the warm smile had confirmed Jane’s true feelings, and now was the time to make his move.

‘What do you think you are doing? I don’t want to hold your hand. Remember your place, and be thankful that you’ll be keeping it, as stable boy,’ Jane spat.

Ethan pulled her towards him and held her tightly as he kissed her hard on the lips. She might be the granddaughter of his late mistress, but she’d been flirting with him for months, of that he was sure. He held her against him as she wriggled and protested, finally giving in as she kicked him on the shins.

‘How dare you!’ Jane slapped Ethan hard across the cheeks as he let go of his grip. ‘You dirty gypsy, don’t you dare put your hands on me again,’ she screamed. ‘I’ll tell my parents, and you and your family can start packing your bags.’