So here it was then. Joe's idiotic behaviour had been the final stroke and his wife had finally lost his mind. Like a mother cat that had lost her kittens, Lottie was desperate to nurse anyone's young.

Bill sat back, sighed and shook his head slowly. "Lottie, we can't do that. The lass has a home of 'er own, whatever Ben Ward may 'ave told 'er in a moment of anger. 'E may be lookin' fer 'er already. We'll talk to 'im in t' mornin'. Ye'r upset about all this stuff with Joe. But 'e'll be back tomorrow, ye'll see, if not tonight."