He ran his hand down the mock-Roman pillars on either side of the porch as he stepped down the pristine white, donkey-stoned steps. He would miss living in Settle, and would have to get accustomed to the quiet evenings at Windfell. He looked around him at the grand house they were putting into storage. Life would never be the same, now that Isabelle was the new mistress of Windfell. He was just thankful that he worked in Skipton and was his own master in his photography studio at Atkinson’s. That was a part of his world that Isabelle knew better than to interfere in. He should be grateful for small mercies.

Archie sat next to Jethro as they made their way gently, with the horse and cart filled with the possessions that Archie had decided he wanted for his new life up at Crummock. The horse ambled amicably along the rutted track out of Austwick, and Archie looked across at the scars of white limestone called Norber, feeling content with his lot.

‘We’ll miss you at Windfell, sir,’ said Jethro quietly, as he gently encouraged the horse while they climbed the hill towards the turn-off to Sowermire Farm and then on towards Crummock itself.

‘Aye, well, I’ll still be about, and you’ll be alright with Isabelle and her family. She’s her mother’s daughter – she’ll take care of you all.’ Archie leaned back and looked at the rolling hills and fields that stretched out in front of him.

‘Nay, sir, I hope I’m not talking out of term, but Mistress Isabelle is not totally like her mother; she’s causing a bit of a stir at our house at the moment.’ Jethro had thought about biting his tongue to Archie, but then he had reconsidered, knowing that Archie would not be happy that Ethan had been told to look for work elsewhere.

‘What do you mean, lad? What’s she been up to?’ Archie leaned forward and looked at the worry that lined the tanned face of Jethro, a man he respected for his horsemanship and his country ways.

‘Perhaps I shouldn’t tell you, but she’s told our Ethan he’s to look for new employment. That he’s not needed.’ Jethro paused and waited as a silence came between them. He watched as Archie shook his head and licked his lips as he took in the news.