Catherine and her girls flourished in the home William and John Blay had built for them on James Jr’s eighty acres. She was happy being close to her sisters, her parents-in-law, and her mother. Margaret and Sadie revelled in the feeling of “home” and of being near the people they loved. At eleven, Margaret was taking on more responsibility for the tasks involved with keeping the house in order and food on the table.
Although Margaret’s schooling had finished, William Blay was a regular visitor to the cottage, still teaching Sadie. He completed any necessary repairs and slaughtered chickens, and pigs when required. Catherine kept a close eye on Margaret who followed William around the farm. He seemed to be taking more notice of her.
James Jr hadn’t been seen for over a year. This was the
