“I’m afraid we’ve been quite busy. JT is just a couple of days out of quarantine,” Luke replied. “Not only that, but my work with the railroad requires much of my time. We have an August deadline to see the line complete, and there have been a myriad of problems.” Luke gestured to Gloriana and JT. “I know that you’ve met Gloriana and Sally, but this is JT—Jeremiah Thomas Womack. He has become a younger brother to me and has helped me better understand life along the lake.”

JT smiled, but Gloriana could feel his rigid stance. He was still unsure of the elder Mr. Carson.

“Young Master Womack,” Luke’s father said, giving the boy a nod.

Gloriana excused herself and turned back to the stove while Luke encouraged his father to take a seat. She tried not to feel anger toward their visitor, but this man wanted to tear Sally from their family. He didn’t value the love they had for her or the way they had bonded with her over these last months. He obviously didn’t care and was used to buying whatever he wanted.

“I think you’d find some of the railroad work quite fascinating, Father. You should accompany me on one of my line inspections.”

“Railroads have only ever interested me as they related to increasing my profits,” his father said without emotion.

Gloriana brought a platter to the table. There was baked fish—a fresh catch brought to her by Captain Johnson—as well as creamed peas and potatoes. She had baked bread and rolls that morning and hoped that Mr. Carson could appreciate the effort.

“We’re having fruitcake for dessert,” JT declared as he took his seat at the table. “With fresh cream.”

Gloriana grabbed the coffeepot and poured Luke and his father a cup. “Would you care for sugar or cream, Mr. Carson?”

“No. Thank you.” He looked at the china cup as if surprised.

“The china was my mother’s. A wedding gift. I’ve always loved the delicate flower pattern.”

Gloriana recalled the first time she had seen her mother use the set. It was at an anniversary party for one of the old sea captains and his wife. They were celebrating fifty years of marriage. Quite a feat, considering the dangers of earning your living on the lake. Gloriana had declared them the prettiest dishes she’d ever seen. Her mother told her that one day they would be hers, and she hoped Gloriana would think of her whenever she used them.

Mr. Carson said nothing.

Gloriana brought a glass of milk for JT and tea for herself. Luke helped her into her chair and then claimed his own. “Let’s pray.”