She hugged the baby close. “No, at least not yet. We’ve seen no signs, but the disease varies as to when you might see symptoms. So far Sally is quite healthy.”

“And this . . . is Sally?” he asked, nodding toward the baby.

“It is.”

He gave the first signs of softening. “She reminds me of her father.”

“Yes, but she also bears characteristics of her mother, as you can probably see for yourself. Luke tells me you knew her. She was my dear friend.”

“She scarcely lived here long enough to form much of a friendship with anyone, I daresay.”

Gloriana held her temper. “Some friendships are formed more easily and quickly. When Scott and Sally arrived, they had no one, and our family quickly took them under our wing. Scott was like a son to my father. They worked well together.”

“And died together.”

“Yes, tragically so. The lake is unforgiving when storms come up without warning. My father sailed her for over fifty years and knew her well, but there is no accounting for rogue storms.”

“Still, a man with such experience should know better than to risk the lives of everyone on board. No doubt he felt he could take that chance, but it has robbed me of a son.”

Gloria stiffened. “Your son went willingly, as did the other members of the crew. They were loyal to the ship and one another. They entrusted their lives to one another.” Gloriana found it harder and harder to hold her tongue. “I would wager a guess that you know nothing of such a bond. You strike me as a man who has trusted solely in himself.”

She saw the edge of anger in his eyes and regretted her words. She let out a sigh. “I apologize. That was uncalled for, but I am quite busy, and your appearance has called me away from my duties. Luke isn’t here, so you should check at his office or even the cottage next door if you’re looking for him.”

“I came to see my granddaughter.”

She nodded. “And so you have.” Sally played with one of Gloriana’s loose curls. “But now you must excuse me, because she’s hungry and I have a bottle warming.”

She backed up and began to close the door, but Martin Carson put his hand out to stop it. “I won’t be dismissed. This is my granddaughter, and I’ve come to take her back with me to Philadelphia. I’m sure Luke has probably made you aware of that.” He stepped forward as if to cross the threshold, then seemed to reconsider.