"Oh! She's my..." she looked at Anne, who looked at her with interest. "Acquaintance." Father had told Rose to discontinue the friendship when he had found out. Getting on familiar terms with people above her station would only get her in trouble, like it had done for Simon.

"Aye, she doesn't seem to like her family that much. I was glad ye was there to cheer 'er up." The water boiled and Rose put her basket down and started preparing the tea.