She put both babies down and headed to the kitchen, which was within sightlines. She filled the water from the tap, as Lorn had updated the cottage to include indoor plumbing. The kettle was set on one of the unoccupied burners. On the other burner was a pot of stew and in the oven was a loaf or two of bread. The house smelled like good home cooking and lavender. She returned to the parlor and gestured toward the settee, "Please, do have a seat, Father Richards."

The twins continued to burble and make baby noises while she bustled about to get tea ready.