Maggie too had gotten up early. She envied her sleeping toddler daughter on her arm. There was always more work for a fisherman's wife than there was time in a day, and being pregnant made everything worse. Carrying a child on one arm and a basket of fresh fish under the other was heavy enough. Her belly was big now and her legs hurt. All she wanted was to stay at home, get as comfortable as her body allowed her, and rest.

At least little John was nearly going to school. She had told him to help his aunt Anne today, as he was no use at the market.

When she spotted Louise, she approached. She didn't sell at the market often and she hadn't seen her cousin in a while. Had Louise already been told what her sister was up to? Perhaps she had known for longer. Perhaps Lory had confided in her. Perhaps she had updates. Gossip did make the day pass faster.

"Hey, Louise," she greeted, when he reached the young woman's stand. "Mind if I join ye?" She put her basket down without waiting for an answer, glad to dispose of the weight, and gently shook Hannah to wake her up.