It was an unexpected thing—what happened next after she has told them of Rebecca’s meeting with Thomas. They were not allowed to go to the house for days. She wants to think Barkis is punishing Rebecca for it but it feels more like a punishment for her since she cannot see them for a long time. And it pains her that mayhap Barkis would forgive the woman and she will be left out forever.
But one night when she went down to eat dinner after letting Stephen sleep, she saw Barkis on the table with her husband.
“Sir Barkis,” she exclaimed. “I am not expecting you here.”
He did not say anything. He just bobbed his head as an acknowledgment of her presence.
They ate their dinner in silence even her husband who always has something to say had turned quiet for the duration of the meal. Besides,
