Ellie knew Anne well enough, they were neighbours of sorts in the Cragg and classmates too back when school had been a part of their lives. For a time, they had even been 'sisters' of a sort, with the shared bond of domestic service. Anne wasn't doing that anymore, or so the Cragg gossip line had said. Ellie felt sorry for the family, and Anne in particular, for good things seemed to elude them like the prize catch slipping away.

"Anne. Want some?" Her words were garbled because she was sucking a sweet, but she handed over her bag of confection. She swallowed.

"Ye look well. I like yer hair." Ellie was slightly envious of her friend's fiery curls. Surely the vibrant locks made her stand out to all the boys, which meant more dances at the pavilion, more free sweets.