Chapter Seven
The floorboards creaked in protest as they sat down at the table. With only the two of them dining, Mrs. Poplar fixed their plates in the kitchen and left the meal in the oven, bringing only a basket of rolls to set between them. They took their usual seats despite being the only ones in the room. Returning with two glasses of tea, she motioned for him to eat as she took her seat; he picked up his fork and watched her, letting her take the first bite to ensure she was indeed forgoing her ritual of saying grace. Overhead a rumble of thunder vibrated the china in the hutch behind her.
“How did you get on with your first day at your post?” She pierced a piece of chicken with her fork and scooped up a slice of softened potato.
“I’ll have plenty to keep me occupied.”
“A good s
