“At the time, my motives were hardly altruistic,” Beth said dryly. “I wanted him alive to hang for what I thought was the murder of my husband. Once it was proven that Jared was responsible for his own death, I was grateful that I had done so, of course.”

The small clock on the mantel ticked loudly; outside, a dog barked and there was a childish shout of glee that she recognized as Matthew’s. Beth realized that Virginia Morgan must know about him, and come to see her husband’s son. She waited.

Slender fingers twisted around the emerald gloves, and her knuckles were white with strain, but Virginia’s voice was composed and soft.

“I am grateful as well that you were kind enough to save him, for whatever reason. We—Steve and I—have not always had a tranquil marriage. I’ve often thought how horrid it would have been if he had died before we were given another chance to make it work.”

“Then I’m doubly glad that my actions were warranted. It is not always easy to know what to do in situations, what is right and what is wrong, and who you may hurt by your actions. I never wanted to hurt anyone. All a person can do is go on, make their daily choices and pray for the best.”

“Yes. I suppose with all these children—there are three, I understand—it must be rather difficult for you to manage. I’m certain there are times you must feel a bit overwhelmed, and perhaps wish for what might have been.”

So that’s it…. Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she hesitated. Surprise was slowly turning to comprehension as she realized that this woman in the elegant gown and hat had come more to see her than Steve’s child. She seemed so poised and self-confident, but beneath that elegant exterior obviously beat the soul of a woman who wondered about her husband’s former lover.

“Children can be overwhelming,” she replied, “but my husband and I are very happy to have them. All of them.” She put a hand on her swollen belly, the age-old gesture of an expectant mother, and smiled. “Each new child is another expression of our commitment to one another.”

When Virginia Morgan lapsed into silence, Beth leaned forward and put an impulsive hand upon her arm. “Steve truly thought you were dead, you know. I knew he was still in love with you. And I knew that it would never work between us, for that reason and others.”

“Others?”