The men stood on the other side of the table, and the women stood to the one. Nobody knew why the men were so worried about it. But whatever it was, it didn't seem so good.
Ida came with Mrs Payne but kept Laila back in her room. The girl didn't need to see what was about to blow all of their minds.
Ruth quickly stood by Mrs Payne's one side, and Thea stood on the other. Rees was very displeased with Thea's decision to stay, ignoring his warnings. He didn't want her to see it in that state, but he knew how stubborn his wife could be.
When Mrs Payne came, her eyes met with Edwin, and the look in them told Edwin that she knew!
He clenched his jaw but remained silent.
Nobody said anything. They didn't need to when the tensed air around did all the conversing. Everyone held their breaths in anticipation before Edwin nodded his head, signalling Rees to open the box on the table.
