I determined to watch the other women closely as the day wore on. However, watching others when you are closely confined, as I quickly discovered, is no easy task. Not least because the others were openly watching each other. All of us were also exhibiting a natural nervousness, not unlike that of a group of hens who fear a fox is in their midst. Abigail Stokes had withdrawn as far from the group as she could. Her eyes darted back and forth as she surveyed the group. Martha Lake had also retreated to a corner and was staring dismally at the small barred window high above us. Her thoughts obviously elsewhere. The twins were seated once more on the bench. Jasmine leant against her sister with her eyes closed and snored softly. Eunice’s bright eyes met mine and I sensed she had appointed herself guard to her sleeping sister. Angela had taken a third corner. She appeared awake and watchful. She flashed me another broad grin when my eyes encountered hers. This left only Constance, Mary and myself.
