Chapter 8When Lydia bolted awake at her customary hour, well before dawn, she startled herself by feeling… fine. No discomfort. No regret. Well, except for being alone when I want Dylan with me. Here then, was the most compelling reason their marriage had to be sanctioned by church and law. Her man could sleep beside her instead of creeping out into the alley and hoping not to be seen. Stretching, Lydia rose and fumbled across the room to the table in the corner, where she lit a lamp. By its dim and flickering light, she made her way to the wardrobe and retrieved garments, dressing herself mechanically as her mind dwelt on the previous evening.
Once in the kitchen, she hummed to herself as she puttered around the kitchen, shaking flour onto the counter by the light of a lantern, portionin
