“Faith, Rosie …” her expressive face fell at his forbidding tone. “My dear, do … I beg you, believe me when I say that there are compelling reasons why you should not venture into town at this time.” “But, Papa!” her voice was sweetly coaxing, “If you are talking of the shocking – but also prodigiously exciting events in Derby, Mrs Glover assures me that the rebels are now fully retreated back across the border.” “That may be so, my dear, but we do not know how many of the desperate ruffians are still dispersed throughout the county. I cannot agree that it is yet safe for you to venture abroad. Besides,” glancing out of the window, he looked pointedly at the laden skies, “It looks likely to snow.” He raised his newspaper again with what he hoped was finality. A tiny, forlorn sigh assailed his ears. The newspaper descended once more, “What is so important that you must needs make the journey today, child?” Rosie’s eyes sparkled expressively, “Morley’s has taken a delivery of the prettiest chintzes, Papa, and the lavender ribbon I ordered for my new bonnet must have arrived by now!”“You are a minx, my dear,”
