Sunday leaves Whittleford Lodge for Yew Tree Farm

Sunday Small leaves Biddy Spooner’s household for a new position at Yew Tree Farm, choosing distance from Albert Pinnegar over the security of a home where she has found affection and belonging. The departure is not a rejection of the Spooners: Sunday is happy there, but believes that remaining nearby exposes the household to danger. Her journey therefore carries two meanings at once—escape from a continuing threat and a wrenching farewell to the people who have become family.

The decision to leave

Sunday tells Biddy Spooner that she had been considering leaving for some time, but postponed the move after Stephen Huntley died and as Christmas approached. By the time she speaks, she has found another position. Biddy is hurt and asks why Sunday would go when she seemed happy. Sunday answers sincerely that she is happy, then explains that the danger no longer falls on her alone: she could not forgive herself if anyone in the household were harmed because of her.

The decision is grounded in Sunday’s understanding of a pattern of intimidation. She believes Albert Pinnegar will not leave her alone and is convinced that he caused the fire, the attack on Nell, and the harm to the animals. Rather than wait for another incident, she intends to move out of town—not so far that she cannot return, but far enough that Pinnegar will not find her. The move shifts the immediate risk away from the Spooners, even as it requires Sunday to give up the protection and companionship she has found there.

Biddy initially seems ready to object, then recognizes that Sunday’s reasoning is sound. She is not chiefly worried about herself, but understands that Pinnegar will continue to pursue Sunday while she remains in the area. With everyone on edge, Biddy accepts that something must change and regards Sunday’s willingness to act as brave. She regrets losing someone who brought warmth into the house, and asks whether Sunday will visit. Her affection makes the departure harder, not less necessary.

A considered separation

Sunday has taken care not to leave the household unprepared. She has told Annie, who can arrange a replacement, but has not yet told the others because she wants to speak to Biddy first. Annie has already approached Verity Lockett about finding someone from the workhouse to train in Sunday’s place. Sunday is distressed by the circumstances of her leaving, yet sees one good consequence in that arrangement: another girl will be released from the workhouse and gain the opportunity to work in the household.

Her farewell to Biddy is also an accounting of what the position has meant. Sunday says that she has been happier there than at any other time in her life and will always be grateful for the opportunities Biddy gave her. The gratitude is not a reason to stay. Instead, it clarifies the cost of leaving: Sunday is choosing to walk away from genuine happiness because she fears that Pinnegar’s pursuit could endanger the people she loves.

Biddy also raises Jacob, who still regards Sunday fondly. Sunday returns his affection but says she is not ready to commit to anyone, and believes he has accepted that. Jacob later wishes her well and acknowledges that he had not thought she returned his feelings in that way. Sunday gives him a quick kiss on the cheek. Their exchange closes off the possibility that her departure is simply a romantic choice: she leaves without making a commitment, and with her future still open.

The journey to Yew Tree Farm

On Friday, Mickey loads Sunday’s possessions into Biddy’s trap. She has more belongings than when she first arrived, a small, concrete measure of the life she has made in the household. Treacle waits contentedly with a nosebag while the people who have gathered at the door see her off. Biddy has insisted that Mickey take Sunday to her new position, turning the journey into one last act of practical care.

The parting includes an arrangement for Tommy Branning, whose return Sunday still hopes for. Biddy knows that if Tommy appears, she is to give him Sunday’s address but ask him to keep it private. The address offers a possible bridge between the new life and the old one, while its secrecy acknowledges why Sunday is leaving. She embraces Biddy and hugs Nell, who clings to her and cries into a large white handkerchief. Sunday is close to tears herself as she climbs beside Mickey and waves to the familiar faces.

As the trap climbs Bucks Hill, Sunday calls back that she will visit soon. Then she sinks into her seat, aware that there is no going back now. The promise of a visit softens the farewell, but cannot undo the decisive change: she has left the household that made her happiest because staying would, in her judgment, expose it to Pinnegar.

Arrival and significance

Mickey is quiet on the journey. When the track to Yew Tree Farm comes into view and the farmhouse appears, he draws in his breath and remarks that the place looks run down. The arrival therefore offers no immediate assurance that Sunday has exchanged one secure home for another. The destination is a new position and a necessary distance from Pinnegar, not yet a demonstrated refuge.

The scene makes departure an act of protection rather than simple escape. Sunday’s belongings have accumulated, her farewells are affectionate, and her promise to return preserves the possibility of connection; nevertheless, the ascent of Bucks Hill marks a threshold she knows she cannot cross back. By leaving a place of genuine happiness before danger reaches the people around her, Sunday accepts loneliness and uncertainty as the price of keeping them safer.