I’m going to put a baby inside you.

I can’t let that happen.

When I wake next, it’s to a familiar humming. A familiar scent. And light.

“You’re sleeping the day away, dear.” I open my eyes and have to squint against the bright light.

Is that the sun?

Sitting up, I feel the silk of the nightgown against my skin. I look around my room. My room. Not his. My bed. My pillows. My room.

“What time is it?” I ask Antonia as she arranges the curtain to filter the sunlight.

“Almost noon.”

I rub my eyes, look at the place where a small square had been my only source of light. It’s bigger now. A rectangle. Like a panel has been removed to expose the window behind it.

“Santiago said to make sure you have lots of juice this morning, so I brought extra. And there are fresh beignets. His request. It’s really not like him.”

I watch her pour coffee and look at the plate piled high with the sweet, fried dough. I love beignets, but since I’ve been here, my breakfast has been pretty standard. Delicious but not like this. Eggs, bacon, and toast. Fruit. Today, I have a mountain of beignets covered in powdered sugar along with berries and a pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice.

“It’s such a beautiful day. I thought you’d like to get some sun and fresh air before Mercedes takes you to be fitted for your dress.”

Mercedes again?

I swing my legs out of the bed, take a moment to let the dizziness pass, then stand. I go to the window, not sure if I’m imagining it. I push the curtain away and touch the glass, look out into the vast garden, the woods beyond, and the light mist gathered in the thicket of trees.

“I don’t understand.” I look at the wood paneling, and sure enough, a piece has been removed. When? He’s uncovered about half the window.

“Come and eat while they’re still piping hot.”

I go to the table and sit down. I let Antonia put two beignets on a small plate in front of me, and I pick one up to eat it. Sugar sticks to my lips and coats my tongue as I break the pastry with my teeth, and for one moment, I just let myself feel that sweetness, taste it. I could use some sweet in my life.

“They’re delicious, aren’t they?” Antonia says.

I realize that moan was me. I nod and take another bite.

Powdered sugar dusts the deep purple negligée. Did he dress me? And when did he bring me back to my room?