A few minutes later, Faith and Mrs. Weaver sat down with Bedelia and Cornelia. The sisters were a little less pale.
“Nancy is expecting a baby, as you might have heard.” Faith held up the cream pitcher. “Would you care for cream?”
“Yes, please,” Bedelia replied. “We had heard about Mrs. Carpenter and were very happy for her and Mr. Carpenter.”
Faith glanced at Cornelia, who only nodded. Nancy had told Faith about the sisters and how Bedelia generally spoke for both. She poured the cream and then held up the sugar pot.
Bedelia shook her head. “No sugar. We should refrain from sweets in this time of urgency. It tends to stress the heart.”
“Very well.” Faith’s medical training had never suggested such a thing, but she was too tired to argue. She handed each woman her tea. “Now, as I was saying, Nancy is expecting a baby, and she’s had a very rough day. I’ve put her to bed to rest, but she assures me that you are welcome to take your old room. However, she would remind you that Mr. Carpenter is still very much in residence.”
Bedelia’s expression became even more pinched. “We considered that, but given our circumstances, we felt we had little choice. We have nowhere to turn. So much has been destroyed, and we can hardly go searching for another boardinghouse at this hour.”
“Of course not.” Faith smiled. “Were you able to get any of your things from the apartment?”
Cornelia began to weep, and Bedelia fixed her with a hard look. “Cornelia, tears will serve no good purpose.” She looked back at Faith. “We were unable to claim anything. The building collapsed. We only survived because we were at our church helping with the clothing drive for the poor. Sister and I always participate. Now I fear we may well need to seek help there ourselves.”
Cornelia sniffed all the louder, but this time Bedelia didn’t reprimand her.
“Well, you are among friends now,” Mrs. Weaver declared. “I’m sure we can work together to see that you have what you need. I have an extra nightgown or two that should see you through tonight. On the morrow we can see what needs to be done for the sake of your wardrobe and other personal needs.”
Faith could see this idea was acceptable to Bedelia and added, “I have an extra hairbrush—it’s new and never been used—as well as a few other things you might find useful. I’ll bring them to your room after we finish our tea.”
Mrs. Weaver got to her feet. “I am going to take a supper tray to Nancy.”
There was noise at the front door, and the foyer soon filled up with Seth, Andrew, and Clementine. Faith could see them from the front room and went to lend a hand.
“Where’s Mimi?” she asked.
“She was injured and taken to the hospital,” Clementine said, giving Faith a hug. “I heard you were injured as well.”
Faith turned so she could see the bandage. “A bit of a head wound, but nothing I can’t manage. Why don’t you all come in and warm up? We have some company.”
Seth peeked around Faith to see who it was. “Ah, Miss Clifton and Miss Clifton. How nice to see you again.”
The ladies nodded as everyone collected in the front room. Faith explained the situation. “Their apartment building collapsed in the storm. They’ve lost everything, but because they were helping at the church, they managed to escape harm. They requested to have their old room again, and Nancy agreed.”
Seth seemed surprised. “Well, you are certainly welcome here.” He looked around the room. “Where is Nancy?”
“She had a little spell earlier, and I put her to bed. Nothing to work yourself up over, but you might want to see her.”
Seth nodded. “Then I will. Ladies, if you’ll excuse me.”
“Of course,” Bedelia said, then took another drink from her cup.
Clementine moved toward the fire. “I’m frozen through.”
Faith joined Andrew. “Misses Clifton, this gentleman is Captain Gratton of the Morning Star. He’s a friend and helped me earlier today when I was hit by debris and injured.”
“Captain Gratton, it’s good to meet you,” Bedelia replied.
Andrew gave a small nod. “Ladies.” He looked at Faith. “I should get back to the Morning Star. I just wanted to make certain you were all safely settled.”
Faith nodded. “We are.”
“Then I will go.” He turned back for the door, and Faith couldn’t help but follow.
Once they reached the foyer, she surprised them both by rising up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. Embarrassed at