Summary

In 1948, Hortense awakens to a cold, dark morning. Gilbert, leaving for work, asks her to prepare chips while he is away. Gilbert considers the “trepidation” (183) that he feels towards Queenie. Queenie visits Hortense in her room. After a series of miscommunications, Queenie offers to take Hortense shopping.

In a flashback, Queenie—born Victoria Buxton—grows up on a farm. Her parents operate a butchery. The family works hard, often employing young men and women from the town to assist with the business. Queenie’s father attempts to join the military, but he is “too old and had a weak heart” (198). One of Queenie’s three brothers dies of rheumatism. At school, Queenie condescends to the children of impoverished miners. She proudly remarks that, “I was the tallest in the class and a butcher’s daughter” (201). Queenie begins working for her parents, until her...