IsobelIsobel had baked three loaves already and was sweeping the kitchen floor when Esther appeared in the doorway. The kitchen was stiflingly hot and her clothes clung to her, but she resisted the urge to leave. No one wanted to enter the kitchen while it was warm outside and the stove was lit, so Isobel felt safe. She was alone to knead out her thoughts into the dough, away from Esther and Jack, and the crying, feeding, gurning baby.
Isobel winced when Esther walked into the room. She had her back turned to the door, but knew it was Esther from her sigh. Isobel turned around and saw that Esther’s face was pink and her eyes were bright. Isobel could not tell if she had been crying or laughing.
‘Are you feeling well, Esther?’ she asked, leaning the broom against the storeroom door. ‘Do y
