A helper indeed

The news of her fall had spread everywhere. The dawn of the next day had broken with Kora gone, alongside her child. Her sudden disappearance did not bother her family—rather, Mr. Fineland appeared relieved, like one who had just dealt with a long-hidden secret. 

Eve and Nancy carried on with their day like it was all right, but Emma couldn't bring herself to do the same. She was worried. Kora had disappeared within the depths of the night with nothing to her name but her child and a little clothing.

Amongst the rest of her family, she alone knew poverty. She alone had experienced lack and knew just how deep its bite cut. Emma couldn't sit still. She stormed into her father's study, her eyes bagged with urgency.

"We have to go after her... something may become of her or the baby," Emma muttered.

But behind the oak desk, on a fine leather chair, Mr. Fineland sat unbothered. He did not raise his head from the file in his hand.