Page 21 of A Fierce Wind

“I tend the home and still do a bit of sewing,” said Polly. “That much ain’t changed.” Zoé had noted the cottage’s windows framed with muslin curtains neatly sewn and embroidered with yellow flowers. They were very pretty.

“I brought you some cloth you might be able to use,” said Zoé’s aunt. “It comes from France via Jersey. It will make you and Briney lovely dresses.”

Polly’s countenance brightened, a smile forming on her round face. “How generous of you, m’lady. I will surely use it!”

“I thought of you and your skill with a needle and thread the minute I saw it at the dressmaker’s.”

Freddie said to Zack, “Jo and I have often thought of you and Polly and the children. I’m glad to see you and your family happy and well.”

“Aye, we are,” said Zack with a fond look at his wife. “The Good Lord has blessed us and we are content, save that we pray Danny will come home from this miserable war. And ye? How do ye like living on Guernsey?”

“It suits me,” said Freddie, “though much of the time I’m on one of Donet’s ships.”

Polly poured them more tea and then came to stand behind her husband, placing her hand on his shoulder. “We live a simple life here but our needs are met and, unlike the people in France, we do not live in fear. ’Tis a comfort to know you are no longer living there.”

Zoé exchanged a knowing look with Freddie but neither mentioned they were often in France.

A short while later, Tante Joanna thanked their hosts and rose to leave. “It’s been too short a visit but we must go. I will keep your growing family in my prayers.”

Freddie got to his feet and extended his hand to Zack. “I will inquire about Danny and the ship on which he serves.”

“We’d be much obliged,” said Zack. “Only remember when you do, Danny is a Barlow now.”

“Indeed, I will,” said Freddie. “If you need anything, send a message to The Harrows. You are part of our family, as is Nora.”

Zoé eyed him curiously as she stood and bid goodbye to the Barlow family. Something about Freddie had changed. The winsome lad of her youth, who had proudly showed her around his family’s estate, had become a man, taking on a man’s responsibilities and caring for The Harrows’ tenants.