She had been turning in the bed all night. Even the slightest of sounds would flick on her nerves and keep her awake, let alone Hans' snoring. For once or twice she thought she heard mice running. She had half a mind to grab a broomstick and go for them, like Nucky did when he was a kid, but thought better of it. Was that really mice? We don't have to eat mice, but we're not better by much. The cold crept into her like Nucky her mind. He was so... elegant and confident. A kid who had to eat rat once, now the esteemed treasurer who runs the city. She gave in to her thoughts eventually. It was too cold to fall asleep anyway, though Hans and the kids didn't seem bothered.
New Year's Eve had been a peaceful night. Hans didn't even know she was in the Temperance League. He was busy out drinking up his legal share and came home the next year, too hammered to even take off his clothes, let alone do anything untoward or worry about their bills now that the baker did not need him as an apprentice.
She turned even bolder when she realised Hans wouldn't be bothered even if she slapped him right in the face. How are the children supposed to get by? The coldest days are honing their spears and arrows, ready to infiltrate houses like ours and people with insufficient layers like us. She had read her fair share of books and liked to think she knew a thing or two, but women could hardly find any job except for babysitters and help in America. She couldn't do those, now that they were expecting their third child.
It's hardly better in the old country. Ireland - or rather, the United Kingdom, had passed an act to give women the right to vote. But she didn't think she could find a decent job even as a voter back there. Besides, she was no longer welcomed in Kerry. A maid who eloped with her master's son... Would their opinion change for the better if they knew that bastard never came and left me alone in a huge ship across the ocean? Would it if they knew I miscarried and nearly died on the way?
The more she thought, the more it weighed on her. She did not know who to turn to. Her family shunned her. Her husband, who was supposed to support this family, gave in to alcohol and the dice games. She tried talking some sense into Hans but gave up very soon when he took the belt to her. He wouldn't have his wife upset him, especially when he was losing money. But must our children be reduced to freezing and starving?
Another boy dashed into her mind. Maybe he doesn't want to see other children suffer as he did. They all say he loved helping people. A strange warmth filled her body as the room grew brighter. She knew she had to prepare for her first breakfast in the 20s. She also knew she should get ready for an afternoon appointment with the treasurer.