The woman gave her a nod, and began to gently rock the stirring infant to calm it.

After a few minutes, the door open, and a red-bearded man entered, wearing an old pair of work trousers, though he had put on a waistcoat and jacket, to cover what was probably a dirty shirt. He was red and sweaty, as he marched over to Iris and extended his hand. "Tobias Appleton. I'm told you're the wetnurse?"

The young girl re-entered and closed the door behind them.