I was exhausted when we finally came home. Henry escorted me up the stairs, and I made us both hot chocolate. He seemed uneasy.

“I don’t quite know how to say this,” he blurted out, “but my father has commanded me to come home. He is sure that full-scale war could break out at any moment. German U-boats are attacking ships in the Atlantic. So I have to go.”

“I’ll miss you,” I replied.

There was a long silence. He rose to his feet and came over to where I was sitting.

“Juliet, this may sound kooky, but I wondered if you’d like to marry me and come to America with me,” he said. His face had turned bright red, and he was sweating.

I think my mouth dropped open. This was so unexpected that I was lost for words.

“Henry, it’s really kind of you, but . . . ,” I stammered.

“Look,” he said, “I know about your baby. Imelda told me long ago. I was waiting for you to tell me yourself. I could give it a name, a home, a father. We’re quite well heeled, you know. The kid would grow up with a good life.”

I admit I was sorely tempted. He was a good man. Only he was so young. So naive and a little too solid.

“You are very sweet,” I said, “but you go home when your father commands. What would that father think if you showed up on his doorstep with a pregnant older woman in tow?” I went over to him and put my hand on his shoulder. “Henry, I can’t saddle you with me. You deserve your own good life.”

“Look, Juliet,” he said, “I think you’re a swell girl. I’d be happy to be saddled with you. I know I’m not the smartest of guys, and I may not be sparkling and witty company, but I’d be a devoted husband, I promise.”

“I’m sure you would, Henry, but the problem is I don’t love you. I like you a lot. I enjoy spending time with you, but I’m not going to spoil your life. I’ll miss you a lot. Who will I have coffee with and go to the festas with?”

“That man who shows up from time to time, I expect,” Henry said drily. “The good-looking guy in the expensive suit. I suspect he’s the baby’s father. Am I right?”

“Yes, you are,” I agreed. “And he can’t marry me.”

“But you want to stick around here to be near him, just in case?”

“No, not just in case. I know he can’t leave his wife. I’ve accepted that.”