‘No, no, look at the ticket. I’ve brought all me savings to spend. If I . . .’ She licked her lips in anticipation. ‘If I don’t spend so much on presents, I could get it. I’m sure I could.’

Ella shrugged. ‘You do what ya like. It’s your money,’ she said, trying to stop the resentment creeping into her voice as she thought of the meagre few pounds she had to spend on presents for everyone she wanted to buy for; precious little would be left for herself.

Then, giving herself a mental ticking off for such selfish thoughts, Ella grinned, linked her arm through her friend’s and laughingly dragged her away from the window. ‘Come on, then, let’s do all your other shopping and see what you’ve got left.’

With a lingering last glance at the dress, Janice allowed herself to be led away.

They walked on up the hill and came to a large bookshop. Inside they joined those browsing and Ella ran her eyes along the shelves.

‘I ain’t never seen so many books in one place,’ Janice said, gaping round, ‘’Cept in a library.’ There was a bookshop in Lynthorpe but it was about a quarter of the size of this one.

Rob was top of Ella’s list for presents, but she couldn’t think what to get him. What did boys of sixteen aiming to go to farming college want? she thought wryly. A book on pig-killing, perhaps!

She came to the section devoted to books for men and ran her eyes along the pictures and titles. There was a book on traction engines which had been built in this very city over the years, with pictures and details. ‘That’s perfect for Grandpa,’ she murmured and picked it up, remembering how he had told her that before coming to Brumbys’ Farm he had worked in a factory building such engines. He would love it. Next to it was the ideal gift for Rob; a book about motorbikes. It even gave instructions on how to strip down the engine. He was crazy about them, always talking about the day when he would own one.

About as much chance as Janice buying that dress! Ella thought with amusement, but she bought the book for him all the same.

Then she chose a diary for Uncle Danny but could find nothing she thought suitable in this shop for anyone else. Still, that was three presents bought. She glanced around for Janice to see her friend picking up a magazine on beauty tips.

‘Have you bought any presents?’

‘Eh?’ The girl looked at her in surprise. ‘What? Oh no. Plenty of time for that. I can always get them in Lynthorpe.’

Ella gave a click of exasperation. ‘But that’s why we’ve come here, isn’t it? Christmas shopping? For other people?’ she added pointedly.