Chapter 46

"Stop it!" Emily Johnson snapped, grabbing Tommy and Grace by the collars of their shirts.

Tommy flailed his tiny fists, desperate to charge forward, while Grace squirmed like a wildcat, ready to pounce. Emily held them firmly, afraid they'd dart straight into the chaos.

Mary Stone and Margaret Wilson were already locked in a vicious tangle. Dust swirled as Mary flipped Margaret onto her back, yanking her hair and slamming her head into the dirt.

"Ow! Damn you—" Margaret howled. "Sarah, help me already!"

The gathered villagers gaped in shock. No one had expected the usually mild-mannered Mary to fight so fiercely.

"Grandma!" The two little girls stomped their feet in frustration, but Emily kept them pinned in place.

"Let go of me!" Margaret thrashed. "Don’t think you’re special just because you’re the captain’s wife—ow!"

Mary struck again, snarling, "My son’s not home, so you think you can bully us? Stealing and hitting—do I look dead to you?"

"Hit her! She hurt Mom!" Tommy bared his teeth.

"Bullied Auntie!" Grace echoed.

Jack stood frozen, wide-eyed. He’d never seen his sister and cousin act so ferocious.

As the fight escalated, John Stone Sr. finally arrived with George Wilson in tow. The onlookers reluctantly dispersed.

George hauled his wailing wife away while John scanned the scene, his gaze lingering briefly on Emily.

"Dad, don’t forget lunch," Emily said cheerfully. "There’s meat stewing."

John sighed. Even after being provoked, his daughter-in-law could still smile.

"Alright."

Once he left, Emily fetched a basin of water and called the children over to wash up.

"Grace, Jack—" Her eyes suddenly lit up. "Oh, my Tommy’s so brave! Take your sister and cousin to wash up. I’ll make you some milk."

Tommy flushed pink and led Grace and Jack to the basin. None of them had ever tasted powdered milk—only malt extract—and the sweet aroma made them swallow hard in anticipation.

"Mom, thank you for today," Emily said sincerely.

Mary smoothed her disheveled hair. "That woman had it coming. Her son got caught stealing—serves her right!"

Emily poured each of them a bowl of milk. Mary started to refuse until Emily added, "Let the kids try something new."

A large plate of wild berries sat on the table, their ruby-red hue irresistible.

"Are these safe?" Mary asked skeptically.

"So sweet!" Grace had already popped one into her mouth.

Jack munched happily while the two little ones stared at their milk bowls, waiting for them to cool.

"Mom, watch them for me. I’ll check the pot." Emily lifted the lid, adding potatoes and water before placing a bowl of rinsed rice in the steamer.

"David, go eat with your siblings in the main room."