During the many delays

During the many delays, is a writing prompt from my current work in progress, as yet untitled. The section it comes from is shown below. The story is a sequel to River Witch and a dual timeline.

Ellen sleeps against Hester’s shoulder, exhausted by travel and heat.

They had woken early, Hester to feed the chickens and the tabby, Ellen to gather a thank you posy for the neighbour who would look after both until Hester’s return. They had walked the short distance to the train station through ...