Lottie said nothing about the misfortune that had befallen the Ward patriarch. She did roll her eyes and take a deep breath though. Plans had been made to disperse the children among the Ward clan, but had Anne had requested to stay with her. Lottie was touched. The last time the girl was here was sad experience all around. Hopefully Lottie could make up for it.

"Oh she did, did she?" Lottie asked in a tone half way between humour and gravity. Then she relented, how could she turn her away? "Alright. For a night at least. It'll give us a chance to catch up." Kate would probably be delighted. Complaints from the menfolk would be squashed ruthlessly.