The offer surprised him a little. Bess had become so remarkably independent and seemed to enjoy her life away from home so much that he had not expected her to return home for a longer time willingly. But she too was about to lose her only remaining parent.

"Ye know ye're always welcome 'ere," he said and he meant it. "But I wouldn't want ye to do it for me. I'll manage. 'E'd be happy to see ye more. Perhaps when 'e gets sicker and needs more 'elp or someone watchin' over 'im. Amy's a smart lass and responsible for 'er age, but there's already so much for 'er to do, especially while there's no Mrs. Appleton. We'll need some 'elp when father gets poorer."

They approached the gate. A light trail of smoke was rising from the chimneys on either side of the cottage. A few hens chased a cat across the yard. A boy came running out of the stables and opened the gate. "Welcome 'ome, Miss Appleton," greeted young Adam Cook.