The table was soon set and the stew was set to cool some. “Thank ye,” she said. “I was reluctant, at first, to let someone new watch me bairns,” came the admission with a look on her face. “I’ll have ta thank her when I see her next. It’ll be a joy to see yer little one too. I am only sorry that the babes aren’t old enough to play with her yet.”

When he spoke about Heidi showing up at her house without supervision, she nodded, “Aye, I shall make sure to do that. We wouldn’t want the little miss to get into some kind of trouble along the way.” She reached behind her and started to work at the knot of her apron strings.

“Supper is done, but we have time ta let the stew cool a little,” she replied to his comment about the smell. The knot was firmly in place and she gave a grimace as she started to tug harder, realizing she must have tangled it up in her haste to get working in the morning. “I am glad me work is appreciated. I try me best to make things right.” That and she had learned a few things about stain removal.

“They are more,” she paused and then tisked at herself, dropping her hands, “more than welcome to bring their laundry. I’m happy ta have me hands busy.”