Lydia hung her head. “I’m sorry, Mother. It was my fault. I know the rooster is just trying to protect the hens.”
Barely appeased, Matilda gave orders as she turned back to her work. “Put those eggs away, and mind you don’t break any more. I’ll need to use every one of them today.”
A tiny bit of hope soared in Lydia’s heart. Mother was going to make her a cake! She was sure of it, but she dared not ask. She did as she was told and then hurried about helping her mother with breakfast chores. She set the cups, plates, spoons, and forks around for Papa, Mama, Uncle Will, little Jake, and herself, then filled the porridge bowl for baby Josiah so it would have time to cool. Mama finished cooking eggs just before Papa and Uncle Will burst through the door. Jake climbed up to the table, and Lyd
