Breakfast was the usual feast. Afterwards, The Freak Show cast packed away the dining benches and began the routine task of unloading the Big Top in sections – this time in Hyde Park. It was a task that came as second nature after centuries of practice.
Work was a part of life within the troupe. It was expected in exchange for a yurt, food, and the family’s hospitality. That went for every member, no matter their size, strength, intelligence, or the airs with which they conducted themselves.
Even Violet had to chip in, though Toby recognised that she had been given an easy workload because of her youth and weak lungs. Not that she noticed, being too distracted by the challenge of feeding and brushing the reindeer. Toby was glad of that. Having her kept busy under the watchful supervision
