Mrs. Helock hesitated and then sat tentatively on the other side of the bed. She took Mrs. Towler’s other hand in hers and sniffed. “She’s scared. She might not admit it, but I know it to be true. That’s why she’s been so opposed to you being here.”
“Why is she scared?”
Mrs. Helock smoothed the ruffle on Mrs. Towler’s sleeve and sighed. “She was scared that you’d come in and change everything. Take her place. Take her Elizabeth’s place. She didn’t say so exactly, but I know her so well. Fear takes on many faces, you know.”
Cassandra looked down again to the ill woman. It made sense, in a way. Did she not know what it was to fear the unknown? “I have no desire to take anyone’s place. I only want to find a bit of security, if that’s even possible. I’m quite fond of this family. I would not hurt it or try to push anyone away for the world.”
They sat in silence before Mrs. Helock cleared her throat. “I think I owe you an apology.”
Cassandra recoiled. “Me?”
“In my defense of Mrs. Towler, I’m afraid I’ve acted unkindly. You’ve been good to the girls, and very good to sit up with Mrs. Towler. I was wrong.”
There was more motion at the door, and Cassandra looked up to see Rachel standing in the threshold. She was still clad in her linen nightdress and wrapped with a heavy wool shawl. Her unruly curls were bound in a single thick plait, and she was pale. Very pale.
Cassandra stood from her spot on the bed and moved toward the young woman.
“Is she doing any better?” Rachel whispered so as not to be overheard by Mrs. Helock.
“I’m afraid there’s no difference.”
Tears filled Rachel’s eyes. “Do you think she’s going to die?”
“I don’t know, Rachel.” Cassandra put her arm around the girl’s shoulders.
Rachel impatiently wiped a tear. “I’ve been so awful to her. All we do is argue. What if it is too late to apologize? It’s all I’ve been able to think about.”
Cassandra forced optimism to her voice. “I am sure she’ll improve. We must pray that she does.”
“If she gets better, I will be nicer to her.” Rachel gave a decided nod.
Cassandra squeezed the girl’s shoulders affectionately. “Sometimes it takes a tragedy to appreciate the things you have.”
“But we’ve already had a tragedy. Isn’t one enough?”
It was true. The entire Warrington family had experienced a tragedy in Elizabeth’s loss. “I wish I had better answers for you, other than to say that everything you experience will make you stronger. More resilient.”
As Cassandra left Mrs. Towler in the capable hands of Mrs. Helock, she returned to start her day with the girls. All through the morning the events of the past two days stayed with her. She had thought Mrs. Towler was harsh, but now Cassandra realized the woman might just be frightened of the future. She’d believed that Mrs. Helock did not like her, but it turned out her coolness came out of loyalty to another.
***
That night, James found Miss Hale in the parlor, alone.
He’d been looking for her ever since he returned from the mill. He needed to speak with her. He had tried to suppress his feelings until he was certain, but if the previous day’s events had reminded him of anything, it was that time was not promised.
Was he ready to open himself up like this again? To imagine a life with another woman? And yet, everything he had seen from her embodied the sort of ally he wanted in life. The role model he wanted for his daughters. The partner he wanted for himself.
Yes, he was ready. Renewed enthusiasm rushed through him as he entered the room. She looked up and started to stand from her position on the sofa, but he motioned for her to remain seated.
“Are the girls asleep?” he asked as he walked in farther.
“Yes, they are.”
And then he saw the paper in her hand—the record of her baptism.
Without another word he sat next to her on the sofa and took the document from her hand.
She did not move away from him. If anything, she seemed drawn to him.
