Her options, in short, were limited indeed. After eight years of toil, she was no nearer to improving her situation.
‘You need not answer at once,’ said Mrs. Aylfendeane. ‘There is time to consider.’
Was there? She could hardly expect this obliging couple to continue to house her while she debated her choices — especially knowing that, in the end, her choices numbered but one.
‘I must accept your offer,’ said Bess. ‘And I thank you for it.’
Mrs. Aylfendeane looked concerned, and a frown appeared upon her perfect brow. ‘I do rather wish that—’ she began, but she did not complete the sentence. She stopped speaking, lips parted upon whatever the next word would have been. ‘I think I hear...’ she said, and then turned to her husband. ‘Do you hear that?’
‘Aye, love,’ he said grimly. ‘I hea
