Mother Gertrude released Madeleine’s hand. “When was the last time we met in person? Five years at least. It’s wonderful to see you.”

Madeleine smiled. “And you too, Reverend Mother. I had no idea you were coming.”

Which was strange, now that she thought about it. A visit from the Superior General should be an occasion, not a secret Sister Bridget had to keep.

Mother Gertrude and Sister Catherine glanced at each other. Gertrude said, “We’ll announce my presence later. You’ll have the chance to roll out the red carpet then.”

“It’s got holes in it,” Sister Catherine said dryly. “Here’s hoping our next Superior will be more successful at squeezing money from you than I was.”

Gertrude clearly took no offense. “She can try. I’ll open up the order’s purse and let her see the dust inside.”

“She’ll have to be gutsy enough to push back, then.”

Madeleine bit her lip at the easy rapport between two senior members of the order, so hard-working and devoted that they’d earned their places. Madeleine couldn’t imagine either of them spending hours thinking about dark angels or temptations of the flesh. They focused on education, on good works, on…

Right now, they seemed especially focused on Madeleine. Looking straight at her, in fact.

Her body stiffened in alarm. Had she missed something? She’d definitely felt off her game in the last year, but she’d worked twice as hard to cover it up. This was hardly the time to space out.

Mother Gertrude gestured at the two chairs in front of Sister Catherine’s desk, usually reserved for visiting parents or misbehaving students. “Sit down, Sister Madeleine.”

Madeleine did, her knees a little shaky for no clear reason. Gertrude took the second chair, angling it so she could look easily between Madeleine and Catherine.

“Sister Catherine, would you like to begin?” Gertrude asked. Madeleine had always admired how the Superior General made room for others to speak first. If she herself ever reached such a position of authority, she’d want to follow that example.

Not right, her inner voice whispered maddeningly. Not for you. Unworthy.

“I might as well,” Catherine sighed. She did look worn out, her once-sharp eyes now dull with fatigue. “It’s no secret that I’ve been talking about stepping down. For too long, it’s just been talk, but I’ve recently had some medical news that’ll hurry things along. Nothing terminal,” she added when Madeleine leaned forward in alarm. “But my rheumatoid arthritis isn’t responding to the injections, and the doctor says it’s time to start discussing surgery.”

Madeleine looked at the swollen joints and prominent veins on Sister Catherine’s hands. “I’m so sorry, Sister.”

Catherine shrugged. “We’re none of us without trials. The fact is, this was the sign I needed. I can’t be wrangling everything while dealing with this. The pain is…” She winced.