Rosie listened and watched as her cousin showed her all the way round the store. She was amazed at all that was on offer and at the number of customers the goods attracted, but what also amazed her was Jane’s arrogance. She only worked in the warehouse with Bert and was still learning the job, with fewer responsibilities than she herself had back at Crummock Farm. Jane’s mother might own most of the firm, but Rosie’s mother owned a part of it, too – a fact that Jane was definitely overlooking. Rosie breathed out with relief when they finally climbed the stairs to join their parents in the tea-room. She’d had enough of the precious Jane and her forthright views, and was ready for home.

‘So, I can’t entice you back for a day or two each week? Just to take fittings and help Madge Burton, while I look over the accounts and do the other things that I now find myself doing.’ Isabelle lifted her teacup to her lips, curling her little finger elegantly as she sipped.

‘I’m sorry, but no, those days have gone. I’ve got the children and the farm and, now that Archie is living with us, he takes looking after as well. He’s not as good on his legs as he used to be.’ Harriet shook her head. She had been tempted as she looked through the design books and at work in progress in the busy cutting room. It had reminded her of the love she had once felt for her work. But she knew her place was at Crummock, helping Danny with the farm and bringing up her children.

‘You could bring baby Georgina with you, and you need only work when Ben is at school. Surely Rosie is old enough to take on some more responsibilities, like my Jane? After all, she’s not far off seventeen.’ Isabelle smiled at her sister-in-law. She’d noticed the glint in Harriet’s eye as she looked around the cutting and fitting room; there was still a love of fashion running through her veins. A love that she aimed to rekindle.

‘Rosie has enough on. Besides, she helps her father more than me, as she loves the farm more than housework.’ Harriet smiled at her daughter and caught a smirk on Jane’s face; a smirk that she would have liked to wipe off it, if Jane’s mother had not been there.

‘Well, think about it. You don’t have to decide here and now. I’m just glad we are back on better terms with one another, and that I had the chance to tell you how much I have missed you.’ Isabelle looked across at Rosie. ‘You know, your mother is a wonderful seamstress – a hundred times better than the one I’ve got at present. I do wish that you’d try to persuade her, my dear.’