"I've not been in Whitby that long. I only came after me brother and now I have to stay," she reminded the priest with a look that included sadness. "If ye feel they'll like me enough ta do this..."

"I'm sure I can find someone. I'll talk to some people and we can plan a visit," he said, and for some reason, he felt a little happier. He picked up his cup and sipped some tea.

She frowned softly, wondering how he was going to do that when the whole town probably thought of her as a jezebel. She wasn't. Instead of asking that question, however, she merely sipped her own tea. "Thank ye, Father," she said softly even still.

Gabriel nodded. "It must be hard raising taking care of two little ones on your own and bring in money," he said emphatically.

"I still have me money from the sale of the house me husband built, and I should be workin' as a nurse but I am doin' laundry instead. Tis not a hard job to do, though it is hard work, mind. I don't mind it, it keeps me mind occupied with work." The babies both started babbling back and forth to each other and she chuckled as they started belly laughing at each other.

"That's something at least," he said. He looked in the direction of the noise. "They seem very cheerful."

"They get ta laughin' at each other lately. I think they find each other hilarious." She smiled, sipping more of her tea.

He smiled. "That's a delight. I'm glad you have them, at least."

"They are everything to me," she said and reached in to touch one of the babes on their belly. "Their laughter has certainly made things feel better."

Gabriel put his cup down, stood up and walked over, so that he could take a proper look at the infants. "They're so innocent and trusting at this age."