Madeline chose not to speak of the day's earlier events, fearing her parents' worry. However, with a sizable crowd gathered, she worried they might have overheard what had happened.
"You should feed yourself," she scolded Jo gently, yet held the spoon near his mouth, trying to divert attention from her parents seated at the opposite end of the table.
"I wonder how it feels to be fed by the queen," Jo teased.
"Is that so?" Madeline laughed. "Then I shall feed you from now on."
Jo beamed excitedly. "You make a fine queen, Madeline."
She patted his head and began spoon-feeding him, all the while avoiding her parents' scrutinizing gazes. Only when Josiah had fallen asleep, did she gather the courage to confront them, knowing they must have heard the rumors.
Mr. Gavin leaned against the door, his expression stern. "I heard unsettling rumors at the shop," he remarked.
