Gloriana drew in a sharp breath that was racked with sorrow. She shifted the baby to her shoulder and pressed her face against the tiny head. She couldn’t believe this was happening. “Poor babe.”

After they’d sat in silence for a few minutes, Gloriana realized they had some decisions to make.

“I’d like to call her Sally Marie after her mother and Scott’s,” Luke said.

“That sounds nice.” Gloriana barely managed to speak. It was all too heartbreaking.

“I know an Ojibwe Métis woman who can nurse the babe. She won’t charge much,” Abigail said, pulling the cover up over Sally’s face.

Luke fished out several bills. “Get her. Pay her whatever she asks. The child must survive.”

Abigail nodded. “I’ll have her here soon. I’ll leave my things, Gloriana, and come back to get them when I bring the wet nurse.”

“That’s fine. I’m sure we’ll all be awake.”

JT had come to Gloriana’s side and he wrapped his arms around her waist. “What are we going to do now? Who will care for the baby?” It was all so much to think about.

“We will,” Lucas Carson replied. “We promised.”

Gloriana nodded. “Yes. We promised.”

“Will baby Sally live here with us? Will Mr. Carson live here too?”

Gloriana looked to Luke. “I . . . well, I hadn’t thought that far ahead.”

“She should probably remain with you. I know nothing about babies.” Scott’s brother gave her a smile. “But if I could stay in the cottage next door, then I can be nearby to offer my assistance.”

“Of course.” Gloriana had already considered renting the place out so they’d have money to pay the bills. Would Lucas Carson be willing to pay rent? It was too much to think on just now.

“I’m glad we get to have her stay here,” JT said. “Then we won’t be so sad.”

Gloriana glanced down at Sally’s covered body. “We’ll have to make arrangements for her.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything,” Luke replied. “You just see to the babe. I’ll manage the funeral.”

“There’s going to be a big memorial service for all of the men who died at sea. Perhaps we can arrange something around the same time with Pastor Sedgwick.”

“You know him?”

“Of course. He’s our pastor.” Gloriana shook her head. “Why? Do you know him?”

“I met his son Theodore on the way to Duluth. He’s to be my personal secretary and assistant.”

“Oh.” Gloriana looked away, lest her lack of enthusiasm give her away. It didn’t work.

“Do you know Theodore Sedgwick?”