‘Well, I’m not going into one of the Lock Cottages or into one of Lorenzo Christie’s cottages. I’ve got my pride, I’ve got savings – I’ll find my own little cottage. So she needn’t worry her head about where she’s going to put me, just to ease her conscience. I’ll have a look down in Settle this afternoon; find myself something small, just right for one. And then, when I’m settled in, I’ll take in a bit of mending, to earn a little money. I’ll not go without, don’t you worry.’ Lily breathed in and looked around at the long faces that surrounded her. ‘Aye, I’m not dead yet – just moving out.’ She tried to muster a smile.

‘What with you and our Ethan, I don’t know what she’s thinking about. It isn’t as if she’s skint.’ Mazy leaned against the kitchen sink and looked around her. ‘She’s even talking about putting that new fancy electric all through the house – imagine the mess! We’ve only just got over the new boiler and the bathroom being put in.’

‘It was good news that Mister Atkinson is going to take Ethan up to Crummock, but you’ll miss him, Mazy.’ Ruby rose from her chair and put her teacup and saucer next to her, before patting Mazy’s shoulder lovingly.

‘Aye, both Jethro and I are grateful to the master. He’s a good soul. We can grin and bear what life throws at us, but you always wish for something better for your children. Ethan says he’ll come back down home on a Sunday and he’s not that far away, so we will just have to grin and bear it.’ Mazy glanced up at the stairs leading to the main hall, hearing the sound of feet approaching, and placed her finger to her lips to stop everyone from gossiping as Dorothy Baines entered the kitchen.

‘Is Mistress Isabelle alright this morning?’ Ruby looked at the newest pretty maid to arrive at Windfell, trying to divert the conversation and stop the silence that fell when Dorothy was present.

‘Yes, thank you, Mrs Pratt.’ Dorothy looked around at the group, which she knew was hostile to her new position at Windfell and which she’d never be part of. ‘Look, I’m sorry the mistress has decided to replace Lily with me, and I realize that I will always be the odd one out because you have all been here so long. But what would you all have done, if you were in my shoes? I could hardly have said no to keeping my position. I’m just like the rest of you – I need the money to survive.’ She slumped down onto the pine chair at the head of the table and put her head in her hands.