“I thought our first stop should be my workshop,” Patrick Kennedy said, as he and Blackie walked up Town Street the following morning. “It’s not too far.”

“I’ll enjoy seeing it, Uncle Pat, and I can’t wait to start working there with you.” His nephew was busy taking in his surroundings in daylight, his head turning to look around him as they walked.

Patrick nodded, gave him a wide smile and said, “Likewise, Blackie, and you’re fast, have a bright mind, and you’ll pick things up quickly; so I think anyway.…” There was a pause. Patrick pursed his lips and said, “I hope that you had enough to eat for breakfast.” Eileen had commented on how thin the boy was.

Blackie nodded vehemently, and added, “I had a good breakfast. Thanks, Uncle Pat.”

“Your aunt makes the bread, and it’s always good,” Patrick told him. “She helps out a little at the baker’s shop in Town Street, making sponge cakes, pies and tarts. She has quite a talent for cooking and enjoys it. And she likes getting out a bit, going to the bakery.”

“I realized she’s a good cook, sure and I did. The tea last night was the best meal I’d had in ages, except for the rabbit pies, o’ course. They were a treat.”

“And when did you have them?” Patrick asked curiously, giving him a quick glance.

“At the beginning of this week. Ye see, Uncle Pat, Mrs. O’Malley had two rabbits. Joe O’Donnell caught ’em and brought them to her. Even skinned ’em for her, that he did. And she made two pies.”

Blackie couldn’t help laughing. “If ever ye have an odd rabbit or two, Uncle, I’ll make a pie for ye. Mrs. O’Malley taught me how.”

“And you can knead the dough, can you?” A brow lifted questioningly.

Blackie laughed again. “I believe I might need a bit of help, only too true.”

Patrick said, “Aunt Eileen will teach you. It’s not a big job. I look forward to a pie made by your hands. I’m sure it will be excellent.” There was a hint of amusement in his voice.

Continuing to walk up Town Street, Patrick explained, “As I told you some time ago, I have two apprentices: Benny and Alf, for the general building work, and one full-fledged carpenter, Tom. I am going to bring Alf on more in a few weeks, because he has become very skilled. I myself will train you, Blackie, and I will enjoy doing it.”

“I can’t wait, and thank ye for … taking me into the business.”

“I promised your mother and, anyway, your aunt and I want you with us, Blackie lad. You’re company and, well, family. Same blood. We’ve got to stick together, move up in the world together.”