Ellen was cleaning up. She paused, seemingly surprised that Emily had suddenly asked about this. "Why do you ask?"
Emily's head was bowed. "I was just curious. After all, I was only two when the engagement was agreed upon. Why...?"
"I can't remember something from so long ago." Ellen didn't want to bring the past up. She turned to look at Emily and sensed that something was up. "Come on, spit it out. What's happened?"
Emily could tell that Ellen was avoiding her question. She didn't press the matter and took the opportunity to say tentatively, "Mrs. William's opening up a branch and she wants me to be in charge."
"That's a good thing," Ellen said.
She nudged Emily. "Let me chop the vegetables."
Emily moved aside and leaned against the counter. "The new branch is going to be in Countr
