As Matthew listened to Charles’s ramblings on the other end of the line, he sensed Charles was getting sidetracked once again. Eager to shift the focus away from Valerie, Matthew cut in sharply,“How’s Grandma doing?”

“Mr. Grant, the butler, reported that she sent the maids out early this morning to buy yarn. She’sknitting sweaters at the old mansion.”

Matthew felt reassured by the update. He knew his grandmother had whimsical ideas about making Valerie a part of the ...