It was then that Grace noticed Hannah close Max’s door across the street and start down the steps of the porch. Grace watched with increasing concern as Hannah leaned into the railing as she descended the steps, saw how Hannah struggled to hold her shoulders straight and not limp as she crossed the road. Hannah was obviously in pain. This was serious. Hannah must see a doctor about those knees of hers.

Hannah waved at Grace, then walked to where Grace sat, rubbing Benji’s belly.

Grace nodded toward the puppies. Carole snuggled in Grace’s lap, and Grace stroked her silky hair. “They headed for the road. I nearly fell going after them.”

“I saw you running. And you saw me cross the road. Truth is, Grace, I can hardly walk.”

“It’s time, you know,” Grace said.

Hannah nodded. “Yes, you’re right, it’s time. You’ll go with me to see the doctor?”

“Of course.”

“I’ll call for an appointment,” Hannah said.

“Good,” Grace said. “That Benji just adores you.”

“You think I’m going to argue with you? I admit he adores me,” Hannah said. “And I’ve become quite fond of him. Let’s go in and have a cup of tea. I have plenty to tell you.” She started up and sat back down. “Lord, I can hardly get up by myself. Give me a boost, will you, Grace?”

“What happens now?” Grace asked, after Hannah told her about Zachary and Max’s argument and his missive to Sarina. “What a dreadful thing to do, to just disappear like that without a good-bye. How awful. Sarina must be heart-broken. How can we help her? What can we do?”

“I want her to stay here with us,” Hannah said. “And so does Max. I think she will. It’s hard for her to consider returning to India. Apparently, Zachary was not much liked by her people, and yet she feels that she would not be welcomed alone with a child. I’ve come to love her and that baby. I don’t want Max to lose his only grandchild.”

“Maybe she’ll need help, someone to talk to. She must be devastated, and his leaving like that without closure,” Grace said.

Hannah tipped her head, looked toward the door, and put a finger to her lips. “I think I hear the front door opening. It’s probably Sarina and the baby. I left a message for her to come over here.”

But it was Amelia, and they told her what had happened.

“That’s just dreadful.” Amelia shrugged. “But maybe Sarina’s better off without him. Zachary never struck me as especially reliable. Once things settle down and she has time to think about all this, Sarina will see he’s done her a favor.” She looked at the other women. “Is that too cold, too calculating? I’m sure even if you don’t say so, you agree with me.”