Shocked, they turned to see Aggie standing in the door behind them, shaking with anger. “What’s wrong with you? Why can’t you see what a blessing you have? I’ve lost all three of my children and now my man. If God was good enough to give me back just one of them, I’d be down on my knees thanking him. Molly, Andrew is a fine man. There’s no better farmer or blacksmith around. He was kidnapped and tormented by the Indians. He never forgot about you. You can make a life together. It don’t make no difference you made a life with the master while he was gone. That was lucky for you and left you a rich woman, but now you’re free to be with Andrew again. No man around could run this farm like he can. You need him and he needs you. It don’t matter none about that baby he brought in. You got two babies with Wharton, didn’t you?

And you, Andrew. You need to git over your anger at Molly. She’s a good woman and just done what she was made to do. You ain’t so much different. Any fool can see that baby is yours. You took comfort where you could, not knowing if you’d ever git home.

Your pride is hurt but you and Molly took vows that still bind you. The two of you and your young one’s are all I’ve got and I ain’t going to stand by and let you take that from me if I can help it. Now, sit down and talk this out. I can’t take no more loss.” With this, she turned and left.