Rosie glanced at her mother and then smiled at her aunt. She knew why her mother didn’t want to return to work at Atkinson’s. It was true, Harriet did live for her children and the farm, but Rosie also knew that deep down Harriet did not want to become involved in family politics again. That was what had torn the family apart previously, and it was likely to continue to put strain on the situation for some time, if Jane was ever put in charge of the firm.

‘It’s up to Mother, Aunt Isabelle, but I will try and persuade her, if you wish,’ said Rosie. She glanced at her dark-faced uncle, who definitely did not look amused at her aunt’s suggestion.

‘Thank you, my dear. I hope Jane looked after you this afternoon? She’s such a well-mannered young lady that I’m sure she did. I think I’ve taught her well.’ Isabelle glanced at her daughter.

‘She was the perfect host, Aunt Isabelle, thank you,’ said Rosie. Although she didn’t enjoy it, she could play the game as well as anyone else.

11

11

‘Well, how did you go on today with Isabelle?’ Danny looked across the table at Harriet.

‘Alright. I think she wants me to come back and join her again.’ Harriet looked at her father-in-law as he grunted.

‘Missing her mother’s work already, is she? She never was one for hard work.’ Archie looked up from his supper plate and thought of the hours that his darling Lottie had given to Atkinson’s. The hours that his stepdaughter was now beginning to appreciate.

‘I might be wrong, but I don’t think she likes her new seamstress, although even I found her a bit demanding. She’s only young, but she has this air of complete confidence about her.’ Harriet had not been impressed by her first meeting with Madge. It had only been brief, but she could see why Madge perhaps did not fit into the ethics of Atkinson’s.

‘It’s called being young, my dear. Can’t you remember when you and Isabelle had your first shop in Settle? You would have taken on the world, back then. Besides, our Isabelle can be a funny one, and you of all people should know that.’ Danny sat back in his chair and smiled at Harriet. ‘Would you like to go back and do a few hours? It would probably do you good. Rosie can do a bit more around the house, and we could always get somebody else in for a few days. I can tell that you’ve missed it – you look full of life this evening.’ Danny was pleased that Harriet had enjoyed her day with his stepsister. It had been a long time in coming, but the wounds were gradually healing.