Chapter 35: Meeting The Neighbours II

The thought of a meal with her neighbours put a spring in Amelia's step for the rest of the afternoon. She finished preparing the garden for planting, packed her produce ready for her trip to Port Marden the following day, and washed up in the water from the well.

Once inside, she placed her pot of stew to the side and banked the fire. Moving the loaf of bread into the pantry, she then filled a basket with apples to take with her. After closing the door, she allowed herself the luxury of warming some water and giving herself a proper clean before going into her bedroom to change.

Choosing a simple cotton dress to wear, she dressed then twisted her thick black hair back into one long plait. Her reflection in the small mirror showed working outdoors had turned her face a darker shade, which strangely made her black eyes appear deeper and more luminous. Tucking back a stray hair, a knock at the door interrupted her preparations.