Ruby walked over and ran her hand over the young girl’s shoulders as she talked to her. ‘We know, lass, but we have all been together so long; and if you kick one of us, we all limp. We know it isn’t your fault. We’ll just have to adjust to the changes that are coming and make the best of things. God bless Mistress Charlotte – she was one of the best. We can only hope Mistress Isabelle is going to follow in her footsteps. And don’t worry, lass, you’ll get used to us and our ways and will soon forget these first few weeks.’

Dorothy raised her head and smiled across at Lily. ‘Sorry, Lily, I’m so sorry that she has sacked you.’

‘Don’t be sorry. I was Mistress Charlotte’s maid, and not really Isabelle’s. My work is done here and it’s time to move on. All things come to an end. I wish you all the best, Dorothy, and hope you will be as happy here as I have been.’ Lily put her arms around the young girl and smiled at her companions. She was going to miss the kitchen of Windfell and its occupants.

7

7

‘So, I’ve not only acquired your father, but I’ve also got his stable lad to feed.’ Harriet looked at her husband’s reflection in the dressing-table mirror as she brushed her hair with fervour, while she took in the news of Ethan coming to work at Crummock. ‘I just knew this would happen – you can never say no to your father.’ She swivelled round on her stool and watched as Danny pulled his shirt over his head. He sat on the side of the bed, bare-chested and as handsome as the day she met him.

‘Oh, Harriet, Ethan will not be any bother. In fact if he takes after his father, he’ll be a blessing. And as for feeding him, he will like enough feed himself. He’s a dab hand at catching rabbits and tickling trout, and as long as he supplies the house occasionally, I don’t mind turning a blind eye. Unlike our Isabelle, who, as far as I can see, has cut off her nose to spite her face by not keeping Ethan in her employment. The rest of the staff will not be happy with her actions.’ Danny looked at his wife, whom he still loved. He just wished that for once she’d see the good side in things instead of being so negative.

‘Well, it’s typical of your Isabelle: someone helps her and then she does them an injustice. Is Luke making a good recovery? It could have been so much worse, if Ethan had not rescued him. Isabelle should be grateful to that lad. Thinking about it, perhaps he is better off with us. At least he will be appreciated.’ Harriet yawned and walked over to the edge of the bed.