‘I don’t know, I’ll think about it. Georgina is still so young. Perhaps in another few years; then it gives Rosie more time to enjoy her life before settling down in her own marriage and home.’ Harriet drank her tea and smiled.

‘Where is Rosie anyway? I know Ben and Georgina are in bed, but Rosie is usually around the table with us.’ Danny breathed in and watched as his father finished his supper.

‘She asked if she could take some bread and cheese and a piece of bannock for her supper. She’s been cooped up with Jane all day today, and you know she hates not being outside, so she said she was going for a wander before it gets dark. She’ll not have gone far, she’ll be back before nightfall.’ Harriet stood up and collected the dirty plates.

‘I’d want to be out and all, if I’d been with Jane all day,’ said Archie. ‘I used to think she took after my Lottie, but lately she’s got an edge to her. One I don’t like. I think I might have to bring her up sharply soon. She should be a kinder soul. Not everyone is as privileged as her, she should remember that,’ he commented as he made his way from the kitchen table to his usual resting place next to the kitchen fire. He sat down in his trusted Windsor chair and reached for his pipe from above the fireplace. ‘She does right, does Rosie. She needs a bit of fresh mountain air to clear her head of all the sarcastic remarks she will have had to have put up with today. I don’t blame her.’ He lit his pipe with a spill and leaned back and looked at his son. ‘She’s like you, is your Rosie. Happy with the land, and doesn’t want owt else.’

‘She’s growing up, Father. Soon lads will be coming a-calling.’ Danny joined his father, sitting across from him next to the fire.

‘Time enough for that yet, lad. Let her enjoy trailing the fells first. Then she can find herself a fella.’ Archie puffed on his pipe, content with his lot. He loved Rosie; she was a grand lass and he hoped she would stay young and innocent for as long as possible, God willing.

‘I thought you were never coming!’ Ethan propped himself up on one elbow and looked across at Rosie as she ran across the clapper bridge to the grassy bank where he lay.