Isaac showed Lavinia to his bathroom, outfitted with a full-length mirror and an enormous clawed tub with a handheld brass spigot. He handed her a thick towel.

“I know the amenities downstairs are not the most luxurious,” he paused, almost uncomfortable. “Take your time.”

He closed the door behind himself as he left. Lavinia turned to the mirror. Her body was skinner than she remembered. Thinned from the last few weeks of living on ...