“That sort of work is very satisfying,” he said. “Not all joint problems are so easily solved, but usually I can help at least a little. Frère Emmanuel trained me very well. He came from a family of bonesetters and since he had no sons, he taught me everything he knew, which included techniques he said were unique to his family.”

“Have you considered teaching others how to be bonesetters?” she asked. “Surely such special knowledge should be passed along.”

“I hadn’t thought of that.” He was silent for half a block, thinking. “But perhaps I should. Frère Emmanuel would always help anyone in need. I’m sure he would approve of sharing his knowledge.” They were approaching Duval House, so he continued, “Would you like to say hello to Suzanne before we go on to Thorsay House?”

“I’d like that.”

They entered and found Suzanne in the drawing room with Madeline sleeping peacefully in her lap. As Lucas removed his hat, he said, “Kirkland is already setting some impressive wheels in motion.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I considered going with you, but . . .” She chuckled. “I feel as if I’ve turned into a potted plant since Maddy was born. About all I want to do is sit and hold her.”

Kendra laughed. “This will pass, so enjoy it while you can.”

“Would you like to hold her?” Suzanne offered. “I could use a good stretch.”

“I’d love to.” Gently Kendra took the baby in her arms and settled in a chair as Suzanne stood and stretched her arms wide. “So beautiful, and so clearly a little girl,” she said softly. “Christopher was equally beautiful but equally clearly a little boy. How can that be when people say that babies all look alike?”

“Telling boy from girl isn’t easy when they’re so small,” Lucas said. “But they are all their own selves from the moment they’re born.”

Kendra realized she’d only ever held Christopher like this, never a baby girl. As she studied the rose-petal complexion, she felt a strange, deep stirring of pain so long buried she’d forgotten it. Pain and confusion and a man’s voice saying, “A girl and sickly. I have no need of a daughter. Get rid of it!” Kendra screaming silently as the infant was ruthlessly wrenched from her arms.

Pain. Confusion. Frantic despair.

Empty arms . . .

The world darkened and she was having trouble breathing as the suffocating past drowned the present. Terrified of hurting Madeline, she stood and returned the infant to her mother, then lurched away.

Cradling her daughter, Suzanne said urgently, “Kendra, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Kendra stumbled blindly over a chair and almost fell. “I had a daughter,” she gasped. “I had a daughter!”

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 11