"I know she would." Lottie eased herself back into her own seat. The older woman paused for a moment to collect herself with a gentle sigh as Anne's pain touched her emotions deeply. Such a heavy burden for young shoulders to carry. Lottie couldn't change the world, but she might make Anne's a little better.

"Now, Anne. I want ye ta listen. Things aren't easy fer ye now, and they're not likely to be any easier soon either, but I want ye to know ye can come ta me to talk. We can 'ave tea, any time. Bout family troubles, fisher problems... boys." she smiled at that last point. "Ye're never alone dear. Do ye understand?"

Such an offer would be expected of a mother to her own daughter, but Anne didn't one and Lottie would be damned if yet another girl, this one so near to her, be forsaken and cast out into this cruel world. She owed Hannah that much at least.