Uncle John was a taller version of my pa, but not as sturdy, and his freckled skin was not weathered from outdoor work. He reminded me of a plant that had not had enough sun and had drawn up pale and weak. But, I knew he was smart and every morning he went out to the farm to do the books for the farm and for the family’s other business, a blacksmith shop in the yard behind the farmhouse. Pa works in the smithy after his morning farm chores are done.
Uncle John and Will sat and watched me as I got their tea ready. Ma had packed cheese and fresh made biscuits and a hearty vegetable soup for this first evening. I soon had the soup simmering on the back of the stove and I was well satisfied that I had prepared a good meal for them. There was no conversation. Uncle John said the Blessing before we ate and when we finished our meal, they left me to clear away and headed off to Church for the evening. At least, Uncle John went to Church. I don’t know where Will went, and I don’t care. Uncle John did thank me, and so did Will. The men in my family were always polite. I was glad to have passed the first test.
Uncle John and Will sat and watched me as I got their tea ready. Ma had packed cheese and fresh made biscuits and a hearty vegetable soup for this first evening. I soon had the soup simmering on the back of the stove and I was well satisfied that I had prepared a good meal for them. There was no conversation. Uncle John said the Blessing before we ate and when we finished our meal, they left me to clear away and headed off to Church for the evening. At least, Uncle John went to Church. I don’t know where Will went, and I don’t care. Uncle John did thank me, and so did Will. The men in my family were always polite. I was glad to have passed the first test.
When the kitchen was spotless, I set out the breakfast things and put the oatmeal on the back of the blackened coal stove to soak overnight. I turned off the coal oil lamp, lit a candle and went up the narrow stairs to my room. Tomorrow was Sunday which meant Church in the morning. Ma and Pa and my younger brothers and my baby sister would be there. I was glad I would be able to tell them that I had got a good tea for Uncle John and Will.
After Church, in the afternoon, I would have time to get myself ready for school. There was a cold joint of lamb already cooked and in the meat safe, and I would cook some of the vegetables that Ma had sent along, so their tea should not be a problem. Uncle John’s daily woman came each weekday and always left a meal ready to be warmed up when I got home from school. I hoped she would also be sure the stove was warm. This made me think about getting it hot for breakfast and I almost went back downstairs to see if there was kindling and coal for the morning. But I was just too tired and after I had used the chamber pot and readied myself for bed, I said my prayers, blew out the candle, crawled under the quilts and was soon fast asleep.
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