Safely deposited on her in-law’s front verandah, Catherine thanked the labourer and opened the door into the warm, welcoming home she had become accustomed to. Her joy vanished as she heard the voice of her husband coming from the parlour. Straightening her back, she raised her chin, took off her coat and cap, and walked into the room, a smile plastered on her face that would have her husband guessing.
‘Hello, James. It is wonderful to see you. I have exciting news, everyone, Sophia gave birth to a little girl today. She and William have called her Jessy Catherine. Isn’t that lovely?’
James Jr nodded, an almost imperceptible movement of his head. He sat on the chaise lounge that occupied the space under the window. When you sat there at just the right time of day, the afternoon sun would
