The roar subsided. Rose lowered her arm and her fingers weaved through Pearl's. She squeezed her friend's hand.

"Those gossipmongers at the Gazette will be busy cleaning up their workshop and think twice before printing any nonsense about anybody again. And as for yer parents, if they can't be 'appy with a grandchild, they're not worth a second thought. Joe is good. And so is 'is family. They will love that baby and 'elp you in any way they can. I've no doubt of it."