Rosie and Ethan watched out of Crummock’s kitchen window as the family’s carriage disappeared over the hill, down the rough track towards Austwick.

‘When they are past the thorn bushes on the hilltop, we can outride them and take the shortcut down by the wash-dubs, through Wharfe and Helwith Bridge. We will just catch the ten-thirty train at Settle.’ Rosie wiped her falsely ashen face with a tea towel and urged Ethan out of the house.

‘You are sure you want to do this? Your parents will be so angry with both of us, if they ever find out.’ Ethan hesitated. Ever since Rosie had suggested that she pay for the train fair to Appleby he had worried, but at the same time he couldn’t help but feel a bit excited at the prospect of his first ride on a train, and a visit to Appleby Fair with a girl on his arm.

‘Of course I want to do this. I wouldn’t be spending my savings on train tickets if I didn’t. Besides, my parents are not going to find out. I heard my father say they were to dawdle and, once they are at Windfell, they won’t return until suppertime.’ Rosie watched as Ethan mounted the horse that he’d saddled for them both, and which waited outside the back door of Crummock.

Ethan held his hand out for Rosie to join him and sat forward in the saddle to make room for her. ‘I know travelling this way isn’t very ladylike, but neither of us is heavy and the horse will cope with two of us on it. Using one horse saves money at the Lion’s livery stable, and they won’t suspect anything if I just take one horse to be stabled.’ He hauled on Rosie’s hand as she pulled up her skirts and sat down tightly behind him. She wrapped her arms around him. Ethan smiled, enjoying the feel of having her body so close to his. ‘Right, hold tight, if we are to catch the train, we’ve not a minute to waste. You are sure you are alright?’

‘I’m fine, Ethan. Don’t worry about ladylike manners – you forget that I’m not as precious as my cousin. Now go, just in case my parents take the same road as us and not the road via Settle, as I heard my mother request.’