“I figured since Papa and Scott got back from town, you would be busy with your husband,” Gloriana said.

Sally Carson patted her ever-rounding belly. “The baby has other plans. I’ve been having some pains.”

“Is it time?” Gloriana asked, alarmed.

Sally shook her head. “The midwife said it’s false labor, but the real thing will come soon enough. Scott is busy trying to make sure everything is ready. He’s making some repairs to the house that he and your father talked about. I just came over to borrow some white thread. I’m finishing up the last few diapers.”

“Of course. Come in and have a seat. Don’t wear yourself out.” Gloriana went to her sewing basket. “It’s going to be so much fun to have a baby around. I remember when JT was born. Actually, I remember when Tabby and Aaron were born as well, but that seems like a long time ago now.” For a moment Gloriana found herself thinking back to those happier days when the family had all been together. Before sickness had robbed her of a mother and two siblings.

“How long has it been since . . . well, since they . . .” Sally let her voice fade to silence.

Gloriana returned with a spool of white thread. “Three years since Mama and Aaron and Tabitha died from scarlet fever. It seems like forever at times, and other days it feels like it was just last week.”

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up painful thoughts.”

Gloriana dropped into her father’s chair by the fireplace. “You didn’t bring up anything that wasn’t already there. I miss them so much that they are never far from my thoughts.”

“I wish I could have been here for you. You’ve been such a dear friend to me since Scott and I arrived last spring. I don’t know what we would have done if you weren’t here. Why, we wouldn’t even have a place to live if not for your father renting us the little house next door.”

“Papa is that way. Always so generous and kind. I think your arrival helped him as much as it did me. I think we were both lost in our sadness.” Gloriana tried not to think about how much she missed her family. Scarlet fever had come like a thief without warning. Only a handful of the families who lived nearby had suffered from the sickness. Everyone else had recovered, but not the Womack family. The doctor said their cases had been more severe.

Gloriana pushed aside the memories. “Papa said Scott ordered a new rug. That will be so nice for the baby.”

“For me too. I get so cold. When the wind comes down from the north, I just about freeze.”