“One day, will you please tell my brother the stories you have about Papa? As the years go by, he won’t remember as clearly from his own collection of memories. He’ll need friends like you to remind him.”

Mr. Blakely straightened as if coming to attention. “I would be proud to do so.”

“Thank you. I know I would enjoy hearing them as well.”

She left the little shop feeling uplifted and encouraged, and all because someone had bothered to take time to share with her a story of love. She tucked the compass into her bag, knowing Mr. Blakely had probably lost considerably on the deal. It really was, however, the perfect gift for Luke. She could imagine him keeping it in his office. No doubt JT would instruct him exactly where it should go.

Luke led them outside. “Okay, you can look. What do you think?”

Gloriana and JT had been made to keep their gazes on the walkway until they reached Luke’s new carriage. Now they stood in awe at the sight of it.

“It’s beautiful,” Gloriana said. “And enclosed. How marvelous.”

“I figure there are more cold months here than hot, not to mention the annoyance of the bugs in summer. Maybe the enclosed carriage will keep them to a minimum.” He smiled and opened the door. “Blankets await you.”

The ride to the school was bumpy, but so much better than walking the mile uphill. The strong team Luke had secured made short work of it, and when they came to a halt outside the building, it seemed to Gloriana that they had just gotten comfortable.

“I have to go,” JT declared, scampering off to join his friends before Gloriana could protest.

Luke came and took Sally in hand, then reached up to offer his assistance to Gloriana. She felt like a fine lady and noticed that the carriage drew more than a few stares. Several church ladies came over to greet her.

“Such a beautiful carriage,” one commented.

Another leaned in for Gloriana’s ears only. “Has he proposed yet?”

Gloriana felt her face heat despite the cold. She and Luke had only known each other for three months and had spent that time in mourning and trying to figure out how to take care of JT and Sally’s needs.

Luke saved her from having to answer. “We’d best get inside, ladies. The weather might cause harm to your delicate constitutions.”

The ladies giggled like schoolgirls. It was probable that no one had ever worried about their constitutions. Not only that, but women in Duluth were hardly likely to be delicate.