March, 14th

Bertha:

Today marks a month since Maria died. Margaret called and asked me, really asked and it was not a rhetorical question, how I was doing. I've always been closer to Frederick - the fact that he's biological while she's adopted is not of minor importance for me but I admit she's a really nice girl. A good daughter, even if she stabbed Maria by getting in touch with the woman who gave her up, but otherwise attentive and considerate.

Her concern for my grief is so kind that I regret not having been closer to her while she was a child. This call notwithstanding, I am aware that I'm drifting away from the Hale household. One month... for almost fifty years it had never been that long without dropping by or calling each other.

Soon we'll probably be estranged. I am sorry but only to a certain extent. It was Maria the one who was my friend, and with her gone there isn't much in common left.


Margaret:

After last Saturday's memorable evening at the Black Dog, yet memorable for only wrong reasons, I've spent a lot of time in my room. I have a small desk my laptop fits perfectly and a cozy chair, the late winter sun comes from a window and it's very pleasant up here.

Every morning at 8 AM I prepare breakfast and discuss with Mr. West the plans for the day (he does plan everything even if it may not seem so), meals included. Mornings are devoted to housekeeping and afternoons to myself. I've been writing to almost everyone in my acquaintance (not to Henry, though), and also, I've been looking around to either get a job or go back to study some more, or maybe both.

There are a couple of good courses in Manchester and I write requesting further information. They start in August and even if it seems far I guess now it's as good time as any.

This week Phil only came after school just once, yesterday, and I'm glad it didn't coincide with Mr. Thornton's class. Last time we met I made such a fool of myself! Why did I think he wanted to hear my thanks for hiring Bessy? It was such a surprise to find him there, and when he approached the counter I thought... I wanted to think that maybe... it doesn't matter. I was wrong. I hope he didn't notice me leaving the pub because that would have been too embarrassing.

Mr. West takes over my duties of opening the door and making tea but I have the feeling that he suspects something. In the days since his arrival he's struck me as possibly the most perceptive man I know, and it's hard to hide things from him but fortunately, he's also supremely discreet.

Coming down the stairs after Mr. Thornton's car left our street I hear him praising my father's student, and not for the first time I try unsuccessfully to remember what was it that I didn't like about him the first time we met.

Mr. West leaves tomorrow afternoon for a few days in Oxford with his daughter but I'm sure we'll see him again soon.


Bessy:

Last Saturday Margaret left early, right after she had a few words with Mr. Thornton. I wonder if he poisoned her drink. Thing is, a while after she left he came up to me and asked if it was Margaret that "someone" who had suggested my asking for my job back. When I said that was right, he asked why I hadn't named her before and I told him, clearly, that I rather owe favors one person at a time.

He laughed at me when he heard that but it wasn't a mean laugh. Beneath his bulldog ways I think Mr. Thornton is a good person.

He talked a little more asking questions about my son, and asked for my opinion about a daycare room at the shop (or very near), so children would go there from school, have activities or someone supervise their homework until the parents pick them up in their way out from work, and everyone would get home together.

I thought it was a great idea and I sat down to sketch a more detailed plan taking into account all I know from other employees' children, a grand total of three dozens or so. I asked Margaret for his opinion too, and she said that a shy child like Phil may have a hard time adapting and perhaps scholarships were a better idea. She instructed me to think it over, and I still think the daycare is a better idea.