“It must be hard for your mother, traveling back and forth to North Horsham every day,” Elizabeth said, putting off the moment when she actually had to taste the pie.

“You can take that look off your face, young lady.” Violet leaned over Sadie, dropped her own plate on the table, and sat down. “It’s not going to poison you.”

“What’s in it, then?” Sadie demanded.

“Everything that’s good for you.” Violet picked up her knife and fork. “Potatoes, carrots, onions…”

“But no meat,” Sadie said with disgust. “Why is it so sticky?”

“That’s the oatmeal,” Violet said, her voice rising. “Just eat it, will you, and stop complaining.”

“Where’s Martin?” Elizabeth asked, more to defuse the tension than anything. “He’s not usually this late for his midday meal.”

Violet shook her head at the empty chair. “Taking one of his long naps, I suppose. I’ll put his plate in the oven to keep warm.” She got up from the table again and shoved the plate into the oven. Everyone winced when she slammed the door shut.

“Are you going to watch them pull down the factory tomorrow, m’m?” Sadie asked. She took a mouthful of the pie, wrinkling her nose as she tried to get it down.

“Lots of people are going up there to watch,” Polly chimed in.

“Well, neither of you will be there,” Violet said, coming back to the table. “You’ve both got work to do.

Though I must say, I’ll be glad to be rid of that eyesore. It looked so ugly after half of it burned down. It’ll be lovely to have the rest of it gone now.”

“They say they’re going to use a big ball and chain to knock it down,” Sadie said, her words muffled by the bread she was chewing.

“Don’t speak with your mouth full,” Violet snapped. “Finish your meal then go out there and get that washing in. It looks like rain this afternoon.”

Apparently glad of the excuse to leave the rest of her pie, Sadie jumped up. “Excuse me, m’m. I’ll go and get the washing now.”