Bridget forced a smile.“For two nights, then?” The man looked as if he’d been traveling without sleep for half of his young life.“Ja. Henry here will show you up. The towels are on the end of your bed. A hot bath is extra, but he will bring up a pitcher of hot water. Supper is at six.” She pointed to the closed doors of the dining room. “In there.”Henry Aarsgard raised one snowy eyebrow in question and shook his head just enough to let her know that he didn’t approve. When he returned to the parlor on the first floor, he shook his head again.“I thought you were keeping that room for Augusta.”“I am—was. But she’s not here, and that nice young man needed a room. Augusta can sleep in my bed if she comes before he leaves.” Bridget didn’t add “if she comes at all,” but the thought was implicit.“You mustn’t give up the hope, you know.” His tone was gentle, like his spirit. “I-I’m not. When my babies were baptized, I put them in the Lord’s hands and promised I would leave them there.
