Sarah Ann had cried, saying she wanted to go, too. Mary May had leaned down and kissed the tears away. “I’ll be back next week,” she promised. While Ben had learned the rest of “To Market,” Mary May had talked to Mrs. Culworthy. Worry puckered his companion’s face as she left the house, this time carrying a bag of food prepared by Mrs. Culworthy. Ben helped Mary May mount. He was close enough to see the tears in her eyes, though she tried to hide them with a smile. Seeing she was unsuccessful, she turned away. Ben didn’t say anything, waiting for Mary May to talk, and finally, after an hour she did. “I don’t know what to do,” she said. “I tried to dissuade Mrs. Culworthy from leaving, but she has to go, and she hasn’t found anyone to care for Sarah Ann.” “Why don’t you?” he asked frankly. “I don’t want her shamed,” she said, her mouth frowning. “She knows you’re her mama,” he said. “What does she think you do?” “I don’t know,” Mary May said with anguish.
