Ben shook his head again and looked down, trying to calm himself. Maggie knelt down in front of him and handed him a cup of hot tea, which he took gratefully. Then she handed tea to Elijah and Will. John had fallen asleep against his grandfather. "It's great if ye can take Bram for a few days, Elijah. Thank you. You ain't done owt wrong. I am grateful for everythin' ye do for us. It was just..." He shook his head. "Alice... I wish there had been a better solution. It's a beneficial match financially, but..." He swallowed, rubbed his lips together and took a deep breath, to make sure his voice was under control. "Poor thing's terrified. He said he'll treat her well, and all I can do is pray he keeps his word."