“It’s all right, but try to remember next time. I’ve been cleaning all day long.”

“And it really smells good in here too. What are we having for supper?”

“Fish and rice, and berry tarts.”

JT grinned. “Can I have one now? I’m really hungry.”

Gloriana shook her head. “No, but you can have two cookies and go get your homework done.”

“Luke said he’d help me with it. It’s grammar.” JT frowned. “I don’t like it.”

“I never did either, but I know it’s very useful.” Gloriana helped him discard his coat and hat. “Clean up your boots and then go get started. When Luke gets here, I’ll have him come see you straightaway. Since he trained as a lawyer, he probably knows lots about English.”

But Luke didn’t arrive at the usual time. Where could he be? It was just a half hour until supper. She added wood to the fireplace and waited to make sure it caught. Sally was cooing and playing in her bed as if the world were a perfectly ordered place.

“Well, just look at you,” Gloriana said, checking to see if Sally needed a fresh diaper. She did. Gloriana went to work, talking and smiling as Sally reached for her. “You are such a pretty baby.”

And she really was. Her golden blond hair and chubby cheeks were just part of her charm. Her big blue eyes had the longest lashes, and her nose was a little button.

“Just wait until you can move about on your own. What fun we’ll have then.”

Gloriana finished with the diaper and lifted Sally. “When you’re walking and running and climbing, I’ll probably wish you were back to the sitting and scooting stage, but honestly I find myself eager for your first steps.” She kissed the baby’s cheek. “Oh, my darling girl, how I love you.”

“They want me to mark all of the nouns,” JT said from the doorway. “Where’s Luke?”

“I don’t know.” Gloriana turned with the baby in her arms. “Maybe Sally can help. Sally, what are nouns?” She looked at the baby, who began to babble. Gloriana laughed. “Sally says they are people, places, or things.”

JT came to see her. “She’s gotten so much bigger. When is she going to really talk?”

“Oh, probably not for a long time. Babies just like to make their own words for a while.”

“Do you think other babies know what they’re saying?” JT ran his finger along Sally’s cheek. She reached for him and drew his finger toward her mouth.

“Oh, no you don’t,” Gloriana said, pulling JT’s finger away. “You’ll have a bottle in a moment.” She looked at JT’s forlorn expression. “Why don’t you wait on the homework? I’m sure Luke just had extra work to oversee.”