Now both Connor and Jim looked surprised. Clearly, Hæra had never said such a thing to them before. After a moment, Connor said, “Ah, right.”

“Madeleine’s Catholic,” Hæra continued. “Jonathan told me once that when Catholics start being married, they never stop.”

Madeleine’s eyes widened. That was one way to put it.

“Ah, so they don’t.” Jim rubbed his hands over his denim-covered thighs. “Well, that’s lovely. Now I’ve got a peedie lamb that needs a supplement. Pleased to meet you, Madeleine.”

“Likewise,” said Connor. “Enjoy the island.”

Jim began, “Hæra, are you going to⁠—”

“Madeleine and I will finish the tour,” Hæra said. “After that, we’ll have lunch and settle on something for the afternoon.”

They would? Hæra was commandeering her entire day without asking Madeleine about it, as if she had a right to Madeleine’s hours. For someone so much Madeleine’s junior, she was certainly…authoritative.

They’d see about that. Madeleine said crisply, “I wouldn’t keep you from your work, Hæra. I’ll have that beach walk this afternoon. Connor, Jim, it was nice to meet you.”

She turned and marched back to the Gator, which Hæra had parked next to a tractor. Madeleine had never been close to a real tractor before. She’d had no idea how big they were. She’d had no idea about lots of things.

Hæra’s footsteps sounded behind her. Madeleine didn’t turn around to look at her. Better to take a moment to collect herself. Hæra was arrogant. Presumptuous. Young. Horrifyingly insightful.

If we don’t doubt things or question what we’ve been told, we don’t learn.

Doubt was an essential part of faith. It was also the worst part, and right now it was sucking around Madeleine’s ankles like quicksand. She’d come here to escape it, not be pulled deeper. But Hæra had spoken of it as if she’d seen right to the heart of Madeleine’s struggle, when they didn’t even know each other. Hæra wanted to get to know her, though. It was—it must be—out of pure curiosity. It shouldn’t make Madeleine ache deep inside, warming the cold place where her doubts sat.

She sat down in the passenger seat with a huff. Hopefully this tour would be over soon. Then she could take her walk on the beach, alone, away from maddening women with long legs.

The Gator dipped as Hæra got back in the driver’s seat. Instead of turning the key, she turned to look at Madeleine. “Did I offend you?”