Nancy shook her head. “No. I go back and forth, calling the baby a him and then a her. Seth is always laughing at me.” She gave a weak smile. “I know most men want a son first, but I think it would be great fun to have a daughter with red hair like her father.”
“Nothing wrong with that,” Faith said, drying her hands. “Now, you rest while I see to your supper. I’m sure Seth will be back soon enough, and then you can relax completely.”
“Thank you, Faith. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Faith’s head hurt worse than before, and she was feeling quite nauseous. Nevertheless, she didn’t want to worry Nancy and forced a smile. “I don’t know what I’d do without you either.”
A loud knock sounded.
Faith looked at Nancy. “Who do you suppose that is?”
“I can’t imagine.”
“I’ll go see to it. Mrs. Weaver is probably terrified someone has come for Alma.”
Faith made her way to the front door and opened it just as the knock sounded again. On the other side stood two women, one rather severe-looking and the other mousy and frail.
“What can I do for you ladies?”
The severe woman spoke. “We used to live here. Our apartment was destroyed today, and we wondered if Mrs. Carpenter might have a room for us again.”
“Why don’t you step inside, Missus . . . ?”
“It’s Miss. Miss Clifton and Miss Clifton.”
Faith had heard of the two women and smiled. “I’m Faith Kenner, Nancy’s cousin. Please come and warm up.” She could see that there were snowflakes on the women’s coats. “Is it truly snowing?”
“Indeed it is,” the severe woman replied.
Faith shook her head. “What a day.” She led the way to the front room, where a fire was already blazing and warming things nicely. Faith was grateful and held out her hands to the flames. “Nancy is in bed, but I’ll let her know you’re here and what your needs are. I believe your old room is still empty, so I can’t imagine that you couldn’t reclaim it, but I’ll go ask her to make certain.”
“Thank you,” the sisters replied in unison.
Faith smiled. Both women looked weary. “I’ll have some tea in just a bit. Mrs. Weaver is making it now.”
“I could help,” the severe sister offered.
Faith shook her head, thinking of Alma. “No, just wait here and relax. I’m sure you’ve had a pressing day if your apartment was destroyed.”
She left the women and went back to Nancy’s room. Nancy was lying stiffly beneath the covers, her hands at her side. Faith had seen other women in her situation do the same for fear of the slightest movement causing further problems.
“Nancy, you don’t have to lie rigid. Relax, or you could cause yourself more trouble than good.”
“I’m just so worried.”
“And that isn’t helping. Try praying or reading the Bible. I’ll fetch it for you and turn up the lamp.”
“Who was at the door?”
Faith retrieved Nancy’s Bible and brought it back to the bed. “The two Misses Clifton who used to live here. Their apartment was destroyed, and they wondered if they might have their old room back.”
“Of course. But I thought they didn’t want to live under the same roof as a man. You might remind them Seth is still here.”
“I will. Meanwhile, what about Alma?”
Nancy frowned. “That is a concern. Let Mrs. Weaver know. Perhaps Alma can hide herself for a few days until we get a feel for what Bedelia and Cornelia might think and how long they intend to stay.”
“I’ll see if I can speak to Mrs. Weaver.”
Faith went to the kitchen and found both women working to put together something for supper.
“The tea is ready,” Mrs. Weaver declared. “If you’d like, I can take Nancy a cup.”
Faith motioned for both women to draw near. “Look, the women who used to live here—the Misses Clifton—they’re back. Their building was destroyed in the storm, and they’re seeking their old room. Nancy thought perhaps it would be wise to hide Alma until we can figure what their response to her will be.”
Mrs. Weaver nodded. “Alma, it’s best if you go upstairs to our room. Take the back stairs so no one sees you.”
The black woman nodded. “I’ll go now.” She left without another word.
Mrs. Weaver retrieved two more teacups and saucers. “I’ll make a tray for them. You take Nancy her tea, and then we can deal with the Misses