Catherine hesitated. It didn't feel right to take the girl with her without her parents knowledge. Would that be considered kidnapping? Her father hadn't asked any questions when she requested to bring 'a friend', but he probably wouldn't appreciate her getting into a legal tangle.

Then again, what did some half literate fisherman and his wife from the Crag or wherever know about the law? She was probably on the safe side. If not, she could always blame it on Miss Pennyfeather. For her part, Catherine was glad she didn't need to meet or write to Ellie's parents.

"Very well then," she concluded. "I meant to go on a Friday, but we can go on a Tuesday and return on Saturday, if you prefer to attend your local church." Probably better. Now that her mother and sisters were gone, she felt obliged to attend St. Mary's weekly. Her family owned a pew right under the chancel, and it wouldn't look good if it was completely empty. She represented her family in most social engagements nowadays and she rather enjoyed the status.

"We'll travel by train, but we'll pick you up from here, so you won't have to carry your luggage. I'll let you know what time. Bring you best dresses. Have you a decent coat?" Most fisher girls didn't have coats at all, as far as she was aware. They wore their thick woolen shawls. Catherine was mortified at the mere thought of Ellie wearing something pauper-looking like that in her presence.