The matter recorded and the dead done, the clerks dispersed to their own duties even as the magistrate shook his head at Ebenezer. "I would not say ill of Judge Mayhew, who has served this community well for almost as many years as your father-"

"But you fear the matter is not settled with his son," concluded Ebenezer piously. "I will trust to God to grant him the wisdom in this, and pray for tranquility, Magistrate." Willford shook his head again, then lowered his eyes towards the preacher significantly. Reverend Stone nodded in turn wearily before saying, "Ebenezer, take your wife home. There are additional matters that I will need to discuss. She is young and was raised without benefit of maternal guidance, so she may as of yet be unaware of her duties."

Leading Mirabella out and back down the road to his house upon the colony's edge, Ebenezer spoke quietly to her as they walked. Whenever those passing by might stare at them curiously or in astonishment, the preacher's son would merely nod pleasantly at them to wish them a good day. Still hand in hand with the younger woman, he limited their walk to a slow amble so as to not appear rushed. Should they scurry out of public sight too quickly, tongues would wag all the faster! They would either be seen as too eager to the marriage bed or too afraid of Enoch's wrath, neither of which would put them in good standing with their neighbors. So the walk home became a stroll. And instruction.

"To be sure you know your duties, I will remind you of them now, wife." Ebenezer's tone was casual, nonchalant even. "Keeping the house and seeing to the laundry, including mending, of course. What shopping as needed and cooking. You will have your own purse for such expenses, although any large purchases should be checked by myself first. Should I succeed my father here as preacher, there will be additional duties to learn. The laying out of the dead, for example. It may also be useful for you to learn midwifery; while not considered an acceptable occupation for the wife of a clergyman, it seems many women... or more often their mothers... ask that the preacher's wife often stand in attendance. As the preacher's daughter-in-law, you will also be expected to help keep clean the house of God."

Ebenezer then squeezed her hand as they neared the front yard to his home... their home. "And of course, there is the ultimate duty to God. Procreation." He stopped them before the doorway and took up both hands in his again. "Despite what I suspect Enoch may have implied to you, it is not just about your duty to me. It is also my duty... to you."