Page 5 of Beneath the Harvest Moon

“Elijah, do not be unkind to your sister.”

Her son rolled his eyes. “She knows I am only teasing.”

Violet tutted. “I cannot wait until you return to school; then I will not have to see you again until Christmas.”

“And I will not have to listen to your snivelling.”

“Your grandparents will love you both. If you are on your best behaviour and use your manners, Grandmother Dixon will adore you. There is nothing she likes more than well-turned-out children. She is very proud that her grandchildren live in York and are growing up to be a fine businessman and an elegant young lady.”

“What if I do not wish to be a businessman?” Elijah asked. “What if I wish to be a farmer?”

She leaned forward. “You will have my support no matter what profession you choose.”

“You know nothing about being a farmer,” said Violet.

“I could learn.”

“You can both enjoy the country air and learn about farming. There are plenty of things you can do to help. When I was a girl, I milked the cows, churned the butter, fed the pigs and chickens, and collected the eggs.”

Violet’s nose wrinkled. “I do not want to feed the pigs! They probably smell.”

“Then you will be in good company.”

“Mama!” her daughter whined.

“Elijah, are you four or fourteen?”

“She is annoying.” Elijah slouched on the swabs and crossed his arms. “It would do her no harm to get her hands dirty for a change.”

“Grandmama Simmonds says a lady should never have dirty hands.”

“Grandmama Simmonds is not here, and I cannot wait to get my hands dirty. Whenever Mr Drake takes me to the bank, all he talks about are profits and investments. It is so dull. I would rather do something useful.”

“I enjoy talking about money.”

“Then you can work at Papa’s bank.” Elijah scoffed.

“I might.” Violet continued with a sad lilt in her voice, “Papa said I have an excellent head for numbers.” Her lower lip protruded. “Why can a lady not run a bank?”

“Perhaps one day you will prove the world wrong.”

“I do not think Grandmother Simmonds would be pleased.”

What a shame Violet had inherited her tendency to please domineering maternal figures. “You do not need your grandmother’s approval. If you wish to run the bank when you grow up, then you will have my full support too.”

The carriage rolled past the gateposts of Squire Rodgers’ estate. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach.

“Perhaps I will become a doctor,” said Elijah. “I could help people rather than make money for them.”

Blythe cleared her tightening throat. “A physician is a very worthy profession.”

“But you will have to speak to sick people.” Violet grimaced.

Elijah sighed. “Why do you not concentrate on being pretty and I will concentrate on doing something useful?”

Violet flicked her loose blonde curls over her shoulder. “There is more to me than being pretty.”

Their bickering grated. “You will both make yourselves useful during our stay.”