"That's complete and up to date," she said when she'd finished, suddenly finding it difficult to hide her emotion. She was going to miss the work, the struggles and victories, and most of all the people. The sense of loss was even worse than she had expected.

Margaret was looking at her, aware for the first time that there was something new and harsh still unsaid. "What is it, Hester?" Her voice was so gentle it brought Hester to the edge of tears.

How much could she say that it was Monk and not she who was forcing this decision?

"I have agreed to stay at home for a while," she began. "William's new job is ... different." She swallowed hard. "You're managing very well now. Claudine is excellent, and Bessie. I could never raise money as you do."

Margaret looked stunned. "A while? How long a while?" She bit her lip. "You mean always, don't you?"

"I think so."

Margaret stepped forward and put her arms around Hester, hugging her tightly. She did not say anything. It was as if she understood. Perhaps, knowing Monk and remembering last year, she did.

Hester did not want to say good-bye to Bessie and the others girls, especially Claudine, but it would have been cowardly not to. She promised to call in occasionally, and she would keep her word. Monk could not object to that.

She left into the cold, sharp morning again, not as confident or light of foot as she had come. That was foolish, even vain. She must shake herself out of it.

She arrived at the Applegates' house still a little early for the most civil calls, especially to someone she barely knew. However, she had been in the morning room only a matter of minutes when Rose Applegate came sweeping in. She was dressed extremely elegantly, as if she was expecting important company. Hester's heart sank. Perhaps Rose's original enthusiasm was more an intention of kindness than a real desire to become involved, and Hester had misread it because she wanted to. Certainly Rose's high-necked gown with its gorgeous lace collar and tiny velvet bows on the skirt was up-to-the-minute fashion. By comparison she herself was dowdy. She was acutely aware of the social gulf between them. It seemed at the moment an uncrossable abyss.

"Good morning, Mrs. Monk," Rose greeted her, her curious face alight with pleasure. "Has there been news? Is there something we can do?" Then she looked a trifle self-conscious. "I'm sorry, that is most discourteous of me. How are you?" It was not customary to offer refreshment of any kind at this hour, and it seemed Rose observed the proprieties exactly. The room was formal; the maid had been immaculate in starched cap and apron. The hall was already polished and swept. Hester had smelled the pleasant, damp aroma of wet tea leaves scattered and taken up to collect the dust, and of lavender and beeswax to shine the wood.