‘It starts with one fish, and then we’ll find him liming the river for all the fish. I think we should watch that lad. Mazy should never have married into a family like that. She was worth more than becoming a gypsy’s wife.’ Isabelle strutted along the landing, her skirts rustling as she reached the top of the stairs, and stopped sharply.

‘I think you are wrong. Jethro and Ethan have always been good with your family.’ James knew that disagreeing with his wife meant harsh words to follow, for she always spoke her mind.

‘James, leave the running of Windfell to me. I am the new mistress and I aim to make everyone know that. I appreciate your participation, but the household is my concern. Your help with business is more than enough worry for you, along with your photography studios. After all, you have studios in Leeds and Bradford in our stores – you seem to be always busy with them, the amount of time you spend there.’ Jane waited for his reply.

‘Yes, my dear. Of course you know best. But I am here, if you ever need—’ James was stopped in his tracks.

‘I am my mother’s daughter. She taught me everything I know. Just like I’m teaching Jane. I was brought up to be strong, and that is what I’ll be; and while I know you are more than capable of running the household, it is my job.’ She descended the stairs without looking back at her husband.

‘Yes, dear,’ whispered James. He was married to a stubborn woman.

5

5

Things had not been easy between Danny and Harriet since he had announced his father’s intention of coming to live with them at Crummock. And today was no exception.

‘You never once thought of consulting me, did you? You just said, “Of course it will be fine with the wife,” because my wants don’t even come into it.’ Harriet felt stressed. Ben was back on form and had decided to do one of his disappearing tricks, making up for the weeks that he had been confined to his bed with German measles. Plus baby Georgina was still not 100 per cent, crying at the least little upset. On top of that, it was clipping time, and the sheep were in the normally tidy farmyard waiting to be sheared and have their thick woollen coats removed for the hot summer months ahead. The noise of their bleating was driving her mad, and the mess that would have to be swept up after they had been shorn would be unbelievable.