Chapter 22
1898, Southampton
Leander and Emil were eating a beef roast for dinner. Even though roast was reserved for Sunday dinner, it tasted as delicious during the week.
“You’re unusually quiet,” Emil said between bites. “What’s on your mind, Lee?”
“Nothing.” Leander smiled. His face, though still youthful, had begun to show the fine lines of character that came with age. He grabbed Emil’s hand and squeezed.
“Come on, love. Something’s on your mind. I can always tell.”
“I had another family come to me today and ask about child care so the missus could go to work.”
“That’s a tough situation to be in,” Emil said.
“I wished there was something the church could do, that I could do to help them,” Leander said. “The middle class families can afford domestics to help out or even for th
