Chapter 59

David and Tommy ran home with reddened eyes, tear stains still wet on their little faces.

"What happened?" Emily Johnson set aside her work and immediately crouched down to check on them.

Grace stood nearby, holding little Jack's hand, and explained in a hushed voice, "Aunt Emily, the village kids said you're mean. They said you sent Peter Wilson to jail."

Emily chuckled softly and wiped the boys' tears. "Silly boys, crying over something like this isn't worth it."

She pulled them into a gentle hug. "Think about it—if Peter hadn't stolen from us, would he have been arrested?"

"No," David sniffled.

"Exactly. Actions have consequences." She ruffled their hair. "Didn't you say you wanted to be brave little men?"

"We are brave!" Tommy puffed out his chest, though his voice still wobbled.

"Then brave men don't cry over nonsense."

Once the boys had calmed down, Emily stood and headed to the kitchen. "Come on, I'll make you some warm milk."

The four children sipped from their cups, small smiles finally returning to their faces.

"How about sweet potato cakes for lunch?"

"Yes!" they chorused.

Grace hesitated before asking, "Aunt Emily... can I stay and eat too?"

"Of course." Emily nodded warmly. "Let's eat early then."

In the kitchen, Emily swiftly washed, sliced, and steamed the sweet potatoes. The rich, sugary aroma soon filled the air.

She remembered her father teaching her how to make sweet potato cakes—back when her pregnant mother had craved them, and he'd gone out of his way to learn the recipe.

When the first batch came out, golden and fragrant, the children could hardly wait.

"Let them cool first," Emily reminded them.

While they waited in the main room, she quietly took out yeast, mixed it with flour and a splash of milk, and began preparing steamed sponge cake.

"Mom, hurry!" David called.

"Coming!" She wiped her hands and poured each child another cup of milk.

They ate eagerly, crumbs dotting their cheeks. Grace and Jack practically closed their eyes in delight with each bite.

After seeing Grace and Jack off, Emily found Mary Stone busy by the stove.

"Grandma, Aunt Emily gave us sweet potato cakes and milk," Grace reported.

Mary frowned. "Did someone in the village say something bad about your aunt?"

Grace nodded. "They said she's mean for sending Peter to jail."

"Nonsense!" Mary smacked the counter in frustration. "Those busybodies have too much time on their hands! Since when is a thief the victim?"

The more she thought about it, the angrier she grew. These gossips would scream bloody murder if they lost so much as an egg—yet here they were, defending a thief.