[CW: reference to domestic violence; cruelty against a child]

She hoped the flat was secured. Ruth was only slightly bothered by what she had done. Mostly by the possibility that Mr. Willaby would actually tell his wife what he had done. But look, if Rose found out her husband was a dick, that would just help her be more realistic. He still provided for her and it didn't sound as though he was aggressive toward her, so really, Rose had nothing to complain about.

She was on her way back to her parents' home when she spotted James! Getting into some bloody cart with her kids! She marched over, ready to lecture him, when she noticed the constable and priest and stopped in her tracks. Uh oh. That looked like trouble. She caught James' nonverbal warning. And then...

Ruth walked over, picked up the crying infant - oof, the smell - and knocked James on the head. "I told ye to stay put!" she yelled at him. Then she put her hand on her son's head and turned to the constable and priest. "What's goin' on?!" she demanded.

Her hair was still damp. Her clothes were old and showed neglect. At least unlike her brother and children, she wore shoes.