Elizabeth Cullen looked across the kitchen table at her husband. This morning he looked all of his 76 years and although he appeared fit and healthy she wondered if he wasn’t hiding something from her. Most people were surprised to learn James was 32 years older than her, his appearance belied his age. Sarah Blay had commented on how James had a straight back, had well-defined muscles and how strong he looked. But Elizabeth noticed he didn’t appear as strong, he lost his breath when lifting bags of maize and wheat and was in bed much earlier than he used to be.
‘The new house is coming on nicely, James. How long do you think it will be until it’s finished?’
‘It’s taking longer than I wanted, but the priority is the farm, so we can eat.’
‘Are you sure you’re not doing too much? After all
