Of course, the thought was fleeting—no more substantial than a wisp of smoke. Madeline roused herself quickly, shaking it off, and pushed the man aside as she climbed out of bed.

If there really were a child, they would only be bound tighter—snared in a web of complications neither of them wanted.

Madeline considered this her final act of kindness as Mrs. Turner. She leveraged his legs up onto the mattress, draped the blanket over him, then left for the guest ...