“What a wonderful aroma,” Mamma said as she came into the kitchen. “I could smell it even from outside. What are you twodoing?”
“Katherine brought us a basket of plums so we’re making jam,” Susan said, as she wiped the rim of a crock and sealedit.
“How’s married life for Louisa, Mrs. Wilton? Have you heard from her?” Katherineasked.
Mother sat down at the table and poured herself a cup of tea from the still warm pot under thecozy.
“I have… almost every day. Their house is just down the road, you know, and she manages to come by often with questions about this and that. She’s still setting up house and needs any number of household items that we have extras of. Evidently, our Mr. Tunbull was not much of a householder. Typical bachelor, I should image. He just needed a lady’s hand to sort himout.”
“And I’m certain she’s just the one to do it,” Susan saidlaughing.
“When do you start teaching?” Katherineasked.
“Week afternext.”
“Are you excited to goback?”
“I am. My London adventure gave me a greater appreciation for what I havehere.”
“But she didn’t meet any suitable young gentlemen in London, she tells me.” Mamma sighed. “I don’t know what’s to become of her. I reallydon’t.”
“Mamma, please. Let it go. There is more to life than justmarriage.”
“Susan Wilton! Let me not hear you say such blasphemy in this house again. We don’t say such things in thisfamily.”
