While Iris fed the child, the creaking noise began again, first in front of her door and then removing itself, until a door opened and closed quietly on elsewhere. The infant's baptism gown was long and white with fine home-made lace integrated into the fabric; a costly item, both in material and in labour, and yet it had a few small holes as if moths had gotten to it.

The minister was already there when Iris came downstairs. He was rather short and thin, but with a dark suit, stern glasses and an even sterner set of eyebrows that gave him an air of authority despite his small stature. Yet his grave features softened a little upon seeing Iris and the infant. "Aha, you must be Mrs. Carpenter. Mr. Appleton tells me the child's drinking well now, bless you. Reverend Grimes. How do you do?"

Mr. Appleton, who stood behind the minister nodded. "Let me see if Mrs. Appleton is well enough to attend," he said, and he went upstairs.

Jenny made her way into the room with a bowl of water. "Ah, Mrs. Carpenter. Is your room to yer wishes?" She stared at the gown Iris was wearing.