She glanced up at the faces. The Baxters were glowering at her. Jessie snivelled and wiped her nose on her sleeve. Miss Graham was shaking her head.

‘So, once the funeral is over, you are all free to continue working for me in your present roles. Or, should you wish to leave, I shall arrange a small sum of money and excellent references. It will be your choice.’ She smiled graciously, every bit the munificent employer.

‘After we have finished in here, I need you, Jessie, to take this letter to the police station in Union Street and hand it to the police. Wait for them to copy down the details and bring it back here. Do you understand?’

‘Aye, I’m to take it to the police then wait and bring it back.’

‘Precisely. It is an important document.’

‘Whatever decision you reach on your futures here, I should be grateful to know soon please. I intend to begin to make funeral arrangements today.’ She looked at each of them in turn.

‘Condolences, Mrs Craig,’ mumbled Mr Baxter. ‘Our condolences.’

‘Thank you, Baxter. You have been particularly helpful to me, especially in those early hours after the disaster. I shall not forget that.’

She heard a low growling noise from Mrs Baxter and looked towards her, expectant, but the older woman remained silent.

‘Mrs Craig, may I also pass on my sincerest condolences for your loss.’ Miss Graham was blinking, as if stemming back tears.

‘Thank you. There is just one more thing: I want the house to remain as it is, calm and peaceful for the sake of the children. Is that understood?’

They all nodded. ‘Jessie, take this letter. Go and do as I’ve bid.’

She handed Jessie the envelope and turned away as they filed out. Mrs Baxter’s hand locked onto Jessie’s arm as she guided her out the door with a tight grip.

* * *

Ann stepped out of the carriage and paid the driver. What a long and arduous afternoon. The minister had taken forever as he pondered the most suitable choices of hymns and paraphrases and she had not expected the undertaker to have so many questions. But she only wanted the finest casket for her husband. This would be a funeral many would attend, everything must be well taken care of. As she walked up the drive, she worried about what to do with the children during the funeral. Ordinarily she would have asked Margaret to keep them but she did not want to ask that woman anything. She would have to ask Miss Graham to stay at home with them.

She opened the door and noticed there were two black capes on the coat stand. Who could possibly be here when she was not at home?