Chapter Ten'Sarah!' Mother knew no other name save mine that morning. I scurried back downstairs, mop in hand and perspiration on brow.
'Yes, Mother?'
'Get you along to Mrs Downer in Chale. Ask her if she has any more chickens ready for us yet.' Mother gave me her most venomous glare, 'well move then, girl: what are you standing there for?'
Leaving the mop and bucket behind the counter, I picked up my travelling cloak and fled. It was something of a relief to get away from Mother's harping voice that morning, and I breathed deeply of the bright air the second I stepped outside.
The air was crisp with a cheerful bite that reminded of the past winter and made it good to be alive. Chale is our nearest village, a short stroll along the road, but Mrs Downer lived in a cottage all by itself
