Luke patted her intermittently but never once suggested she stop crying. Gloriana had never known such compassion from a stranger. It was as if God had known she needed a friend and had sent him.

But if God were truly that kind, He could have just kept the tragedy from happening in the first place.

That thought brought her back to anger, and she pushed Luke away without warning and headed to the door. “This isn’t doing any good. Come next door, and I’ll take you to Sally.”

If Luke was shocked by her attitude and action, he didn’t say so. Instead he nodded and looked around as if searching for something. Then he reached for his head. “I was looking for my hat, but I see I completely forgot to even remove it. Forgive me.”

Gloriana shook her head. “There’s nothing to forgive.”

She led the way to her house, wondering the whole time what he must think of her falling apart in his arms. She was embarrassed at how she’d sobbed. Such weakness was not a pleasant thing to witness, especially from a stranger.

Opening the door, she found the midwife gathering a stack of towels. “I think the baby has finally decided to come,” Abigail said. “He’s moved down the birthing canal, and I can just see his head.”

“Mrs. Lindquist, this is Lucas Carson, the uncle. His brother was married to Sally.”

The older woman nodded. “I must return to Sally. You should be able to see the baby soon. Gloriana, come and help me.”

Gloriana nodded and took up an additional stack of towels. “I’m right behind you.”

They entered her father’s room, and immediately Sally moaned. “The baby. The baby is coming.”

“Yes, dear. I know. Just go ahead and let him come. I’m here to help.” Abigail deposited all but one towel and placed it under Sally’s legs.

“Is the doctor coming?” Gloriana asked. She placed her stack of towels beside Abigail at the end of the bed.

“No. He was out on another call. His wife promised to send him, but thought he might be some time. I believe we’ll be just fine now, however. The baby is moving well and should be with us momentarily.”

Of course, that didn’t answer the unspoken question of whether or not the child would be alive. Gloriana didn’t know whether to hope that, if Sally died, the child would as well. That seemed cruel, but on the other hand, what would a newborn do without his or her mother?

“There now, here we go.” Abigail’s gentle words did little to soothe Gloriana’s concerns. “Just push him on out. Or her. You might have a wee girl here.”

Sally said nothing. She had fallen back against the pillow, as white as the sheets beneath her.