“Yes, it did,” Bess replied when William asked about his equipment. “It’s in the storage room.” Sometimes it was difficult to believe that they had a house with its own room to store things in. She kept a few things of her own in it as well as the clothing and toys the children had outgrown, which would eventually be given to the poor.

“Another order?” Her eyes lit up. “It seems we are going to be quite busy at the shop.” They were definitely moving up in the world and Bess loved working with William nearly as much as she loved being married to him.

Both boys were excited at the prospect of seeing pictures of London. At William’s admission that he would like food and a bath, she told Will and James to go back upstairs and play. After their father’s luggage arrived, they would be called. They hugged their father again and ran up the stairs. Luckily, they said nothing about Stephanie’s absence. That news could wait until later when William had rested from his long journey.

“I instructed the cook to prepare a meal for you,” she said, entwining her fingers with his again. “You know where the bathroom is.” Bess smiled teasingly. “Do you need any assistance with your bath?”