Chapter 31

In the morning, Maeve worries that the chickens are cold. To comfort her, Natalie proposes they ask the “ladies” what they want, and Maeve playfully “translates” that the birds are chilly. Natalie decides they will make hats, choosing fun despite Mary’s warning to finish chores and avoid waste.

After watching Mary leave to collect saffron, Natalie feels a pang of envy but checks herself with a prayer. She and Maeve discover coats are impractical and settle on hats, spending the day sewing at the kitchen table.

Mary returns much later than expected, notices their fabric scraps, and—uncharacteristically—does not scold. Natalie senses something is off as Mary’s hands shake. When pressed, Mary claims she found a mink suffering in a trap and was upset by it.

Remembering Mary’s toughness, Natalie doubts the story and says so. Mary avoids eye contact, brusquely sends Maeve to fetch water, and then pointedly snaps, calling her “Natalie” for the first time—a formal, distancing move that mirrors their fear and mistrust.

Before Natalie can press further, Noah and Abel burst in, followed by Old Caleb, and the house fills with noise. Mary slips away, refusing further engagement, and the evening ends with the tension unresolved and a new rift opened between Natalie and Mary.