‘You can ask yourself how Luke is. Isabelle sent word with Father that she would like us to join her for Sunday dinner next weekend. She probably wants to show off her new home to us.’ Danny laughed and leaned over and played with the ends of Harriet’s long brown hair, hoping that for once she’d be in the mood to please him.

‘Oh, do we have to go? I really can’t abide the way she talks down to me nowadays. She changed completely when your mother put her in charge of all the stores. As for poor James, I don’t know how he puts up with her bossing him about; he’s just like her toy poodle.’ Harriet sighed. She really didn’t want to go to Windfell and feel like the poor relation.

‘We will all go. We didn’t when it was Mama’s funeral; and besides, you now hold shares in the stores, so it would do you good to keep your hand in and make sure all’s well with the businesses. You’ve no excuses; all the children are well now, and it’s time you and Isabelle made up. As for James, he enjoys being her poodle. He makes his own way in life, lost in his photography and being given orders to obey.’ Danny lay back and pulled gently on Harriet’s arm, urging her to join him.

‘I’m tired, Danny, leave me be. I’ve been up since five. Unlike Isabelle, I haven’t lots of people looking after my needs.’ Harriet pulled the sheets back and climbed into bed, turning away from her husband and the passion he was requesting.

‘You are always tired. I sometimes think it’s just an excuse and that you don’t love me any more.’ Danny lay down next to her and kissed Harriet’s neck gently, trying to get some of the attention and love that he craved.

‘I love you more than life itself, Danny Atkinson, so don’t you dare say that. I am genuinely tired; there’s always something to do, and the youngest two take so much watching. Rosie does as much as she can, but daydreams looking out of the window all day, wanting to be off over fell and dale, or to be with you. Now her grandfather is here, she’s even worse, because he’s forever telling her tales of when he was a lad. He fills her head with rubbish.’ Harriet turned over and kissed Danny on the lips.