(I decided to forward a bit, making Mattie about 10 now instead. Just a little snippet between the plot.)
Mattie had been downstairs checking on Asa, she had tried to take over Danny's chores after he moved to Melbourne, when she heard thuds coming from the kitchen. Lucien had already left to go check out a lead which meant the slamming of cabinets and clanging of pans had to be from Jean. That was very uncharacteristic of her. In fact, she had only seen Jean this way once in the past two years she's known her.
With that in mind Mattie went to investigate, walking quietly, not making a sound. When she peeked her head around the corner she could see Jean had tears creeping across her cheeks, her expression sullen. Seeing Jean like that made Mattie's chest feel tight as she stepped around the corner.
"Jean?"
Spotting the girl, Jean quickly turned her back to her.
"Mattie, can I get you something?" She asked the counter while attempting to wipe away her tears with subtlety.
In the midst of composing herself she felt slender arms wrap around her hips and a head came to rest against her side. She felt her heart squeeze at the amount of compassion that this little girl had and instinctively pulled her closer. She was really beginning to love her.
"I'm sorry you feel sad," Mattie whispered, making no move to release her comforting hold.
Jean shifted to kneel in front of Mattie.
"Don't worry about me darling, I'm fine," Jean said softly as she brushed Mattie's hair behind her ear, a move Mattie had come to take much comfort in.
"Okay" was Mattie's simple reply. She reached out to brush off a stray tear that had escaped to Jean's cheek. She knew better than to pry. She would let Jean keep it to herself for now. "Shall I make us some tea then?"
"I'll get it, you sit down." Holding Mattie's chin between her forefinger and thumb, she lifted her face to give it one more look over then smiled and shooed Mattie to the kitchen table. She turned back to the counter and once again began prepping to make tea.
Yes, this day was hard for Jean but with Mattie's presence she could hold herself together for yet another year.