“They’ll give us a delivery date.” Hannah’s heart smiled. What a softy I’m turning into. How long has it been since I cared about such things? “A few days, I imagine. Would you mind if I asked Grace to come along with us? Grace is very gentle and kind. You’ll like her. She’s a good friend to have.”

“I remember Mistress Grace. She is the short plump lady, yes, and not the one with the scarf?”

“That’s right, the short plump one. She’s very loving.”

“I am sorry I would not see her earlier. I was a mess, crying. I could barely think about getting out of the bed. I thank you for helping me, and I will trust your judgment about your friend Grace. Shall I call her that? What shall I call all of you? Miss or Mrs.?”

“Call us by our first names, Grace, Amelia, Hannah.”

“Will that not be taken for rudeness?” Sarina asked.

“Goodness no. Would you like to go downstairs?”

“I would like that, yes. I believe, if I hold the railing with both hands, I can get down the steps. Being big like this, well, you know how that is.”

Hannah helped Sarina to her feet. Slowly and carefully they descended the stairs and stepped out onto the front porch. “But the air is so fresh and nice, and the flowers are so pretty,” Sarina said.

When Max came home he found them chatting softly and rocking on the front porch. “Well, well, it’s good to see you up and out getting some sunshine.” Max sank into the rocker next to Hannah. He leaned around Hannah to see Sarina. “How are you feeling, my dear? You look rested.”

“I am very well, thank you. Hannah brought me some food, and she has agreed to go with me to buy a crib for the baby and others things we might need. Clothes, diapers.”

“Tell Max the sex of the baby,” Hannah said.

“You know what it’s to be?” He rubbed his hands together.

“A girl, a little girl.” She hesitated a moment, then added, “Max.” She and her father-in-law had determined the night before that she would call him Max and not struggle with Dad or Father. Another informality! One more thing about America she would have to get used to.

Max could not have been more delighted. His face glowed. His smile lit and softened his craggy face. “That’s splendid. A little girl. That’s just splendid. Have you a name for her?”