Feeling a stab of sympathy, Amy hugged her around the waist. Aunt Elizabeth had lost her three children to smallpox last year. “We need her artistry here,” Amy’s father protested, poking his sister good-naturedly. “Your shop will have to do without.” “Ah, Hugh, how selfish you are!” Aunt Elizabeth chided. “Hoarding my niece’s talent for your own profit.” She aimed a mischievous smile at her brother. “No wonder we moved to France to escape the competition.” Amy grinned. Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle William had been forced to move their shop when business fell off during the Commonwealth years. But
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