Chapter Nine
Even with the oxen, it took three weeks to plough their farm. John threw himself into the task, recovering from his beating as only a young person could. Daniel helped, despite greater injuries and less youth. No word came from Laffite, no trouble from de Erdington. Life was never easy, but it now seemed secure. Marion asked for nothing more.
On the last day of ploughing, Marion found John and Daniel unhitching the oxen, while Clement threw stones at an audience of crows. “They just want the worms you’ve turned over,” she said. “Maybe you should save some ammunition for when you’re sowing.”
“No harm in him sharpening his aim,” said John. “We’re not like to run out of stones. Is supper nearly ready?”
“Yes. I came to see if you had finished for the day.”
“We’ve just got to
