She looked toward where the reception continued, knowing she would be missed soon. Spying Julia, she went over to her. It took only one look for the older woman to see she was not feeling well. “I think I shall walk home. I truly feel dreadful,” Sara said. She looked over to Gardner, who was standing with a group of friends seemingly enjoying himself. “Could you tell Gardner I said good-bye.” “Of course, dear,” Julia said, giving Sara a worried look. The Mitchell home was only a block from the reception, an easy walk even for a person with an aching head. She kissed Julia on the cheek and departed, feeling better even as she walked out of the house and toward the street. An older man whom Sara recognized as Judge Robert Reynolds stood by the gate puffing on a pipe and looked up as Sara approached. He was a handsome gentleman even though he must have been nearing seventy, and when he smiled at her, Sara smiled back. Then he paused. “My dear, have we met?” the gentleman asked.
