The girl smiled. "Oh t' master will be glad. 'E's not been 'imself worrin' o'er t'bairn." She stood up and put her work down. "Come let's tell 'im!" She led Iris out of the kitchen, provided she followed. The older woman was gone, and Mr. Appleton, who had been pacing, stopped in his tracks and looked at the women.

"She's drinkin' as well as a bairn ever did, ser!" said the girl, and her master visibly relaxed. He looked at Iris.

"Thank you. You don't know how glad we are that you could make it so quickly." He held out his hands for the babe. "Jenny, bring Mrs. Carpenter some tea and cake, she must be tired after her journey. Mrs. Carpenter, please sit down. Jenny will take your bag up in a moment." The servant girl disappeared back into the kitchen.