But this started her down another path of thought. Would they have enough wood for the winter? There was so much that would fall to her now. Things her father had previously arranged for or taken care of himself were now her responsibility. She could hardly go into the woods and cut down winter fuel, as her father had done. She’d heard him making plans with Scott to do that very thing in the coming weeks. Now they were both dead. Who would cut their wood? She couldn’t do it, and neither could JT. She supposed they’d need to hire it done or beg help from one of the other fishermen when they went to cut their own. Captain Johnson might know someone, or perhaps he could arrange for each family to donate a bit. It wouldn’t be unlike other arrangements she’d heard of. But even that couldn’t go on forever.

Abigail appeared. “She’s doing just fine, but she’s a long time from delivering. This being her first, she may very well labor all night and into tomorrow. I’m going to head home, but I’ll be back in a few hours. I would try to get some rest and tell her to do the same. I told her if things progress faster than I thought and she feels the need to push, she should send someone for me right away.” She patted Gloriana’s arm. “I heard about your father. I am so very sorry. Don’t fret about anything. We ladies will gather up some supplies for you, and our men will discuss how to help you settle in for the winter.”

“Thank you.” Gloriana clutched at the older woman’s hand. “I was just wondering what I was going to do. JT is devastated, and I really don’t know the state of things as well as I should.”

Abigail nodded and squeezed Gloriana’s hand. “That’s the way of it when something like this happens. There’s so much shock and disbelief. In a few weeks you’ll finally understand the truth of it and how your world has been completely turned upside down. Don’t be afraid to let folks help you. Don’t be afraid to tell us what you need.”

With that, Abigail left Gloriana with her sorrow and fears, as well as her worry about how they would manage. Two women, a boy, and a newborn. It was almost too much to consider.

Luke had been impressed with the final miles of the route. They walked or rode by wagon as they progressed ever closer to Duluth, and along the way Archie had told Luke about the plans they had for the line.