Anne was still horrified and embarrassed over what had just come out of her mouth. But some small part of her was satisfied as well. She looked at Lory and that part blossomed. She turned her eyes down.

Then Rose spoke, and she looked back at her sister timidly. Rose had turned as red as she had a few moments ago, but her chin was lifted ever so lightly and her voice was a faux neutral that tried to match Lory's adult tones. "I suppose ye're right. We need to decide what to do with the children if... if me dad doesn't return before tonight."

Anne lifted her upper lip a little in disgust. But she was more concerned about what would happen to Alice than with Rose acting like she was a grown up and Anne a child. She glanced sideways at Alice, but her sister was staring out of the window as if she didn't hear anything that was being discussed inside the carriage. Anne considered taking her hand to show that she was there for her, but she had a feeling Alice would pull away from her and she didn't think she could bear that.

"Bram, you can stay with us. Ye can 'elp Andrew in t' bakery." Rose continued. "Will can stay with Maggie's, as 'e'll need to go fishin' anyway. Anne, we'll ask aunt Mary if ye can stay with 'er."

Anne looked up at Rose as if her sister had just revealed the intention to brutally murder her.

"No." She looked at Lory for support.