She went to the basin in the kitchen and poured hot water into it. Next, she washed her hands with soap. She didn’t know if it really helped or not, but keeping clean seemed a good way to avoid spreading the disease. She started the bottle warming, then went to change Sally and get her up from her nap.

“Hello, beautiful girl.” Gloriana smiled, and the baby immediately calmed and looked up.

Gloriana undressed Sally to rid her of the wet diaper. Each time she’d performed this task over the last two days, Gloriana had held her breath, looking for the telltale signs of measles. So far there was no rash and no sign of fever. She let out a sigh and put the diaper to soak with several others. Laundry would have to be done soon.

“Oh, I hope you stay well, little one. I cannot imagine the misery you and I would both suffer should you fall ill.”

Sally kicked and cooed as if she understood.

Once she had a dry diaper and new gown in place, Gloriana lifted the baby and snuggled her against her neck. How she loved this child. She had never really thought of the fact that she had become Sally’s mother, only that she loved this child enough to sacrifice anything for her. Even life itself. It was clear that Gloriana needn’t have carried Sally in order to love her.

“And I do love you, little one. With all my heart.” She kissed the baby’s face, and Sally pressed her fingers against Gloriana’s mouth. Gloriana pretended to nibble on the baby’s fingers, and Sally giggled.

For just a moment, Gloriana could forget about the miseries of the day—the week. She longed to rest in the moment and enjoy the sweetness of Sally’s amusement. Closing her eyes, she pretended that the world was in right order and all was well. But, as if to keep her from even that momentary pleasure, a knock sounded on the door.

She opened her eyes and looked at the baby. “Well, so much for a quiet moment.”

Crossing the room, Gloriana could see through the window that the visitor was a man. Perhaps Pastor Sedgwick had come to check on them. She opened the door.

A stranger looked at her with a stern scrutiny. “Quarantine? For what, if I might ask?”

“Do I know you?” Gloriana returned the man’s studying gaze.

“I’m Martin Carson, Lucas Carson’s father.” He looked at the baby on her hip. “Sally Carson’s grandfather.”

Gloriana was determined to show no fear. “I’m Gloriana Womack, soon to be your son’s wife, and yes, we’re under quarantine for measles.”

He was still as sober as a Puritan minister. “Does my granddaughter have the measles?”