Upstairs, Lottie remained silent, her eyes closed trying to manage her emotions.

Bill did have a point. Though Joe knew first hand that his wife was excellent in the kitchen, everyone was under stress and for Pearl, this kitchen was terra incognita, so accidents could occur. Joe popped into the main room. There was no fire. Just a pot of tea silently steeping on the table.

"It's okay, dad. Pearl has made tea." Joe called up.