Philippa's letter, from an afflicted conscience, was not very much longer. … if I don't look for him, no one else will. You know I'm sorry. But I couldn't leave that little thing to wither away by itself Don't be sad. We're all going to come back. And you can teach him Two Legs and I Wot a Tree, and save him the top of the milk for his blackberry pie. He'll never know, if we're quick, that nobody wanted him.… Which had, Kate considered as she scrubbed off her tears, a ring of unlikely confidence about it, as well as rather a shaky understanding of the diet of one-year-old babies.
Philippa's letter reveals her guilt and concern, expressing that she feels compelled to seek out someone important to her, despite her sorrow. She admits her remorse but justifies her actions by saying she couldn't let a vulnerable little one suffer alone, hinting at her deep sense of responsibility and love.
Kate reflects on Philippa's words while cleaning her tears, noting the mix of confidence and uncertainty in her tone. She considers how they plan to care for the baby secretly, sneaking food and hiding the child's existence from others, indicating their desperate hope to protect the child at all costs.
