Grace Bradley stood beside Rebecca Boone on a bright February day. They had spent the morning piecing a quilt together and now shook it out on Rebecca's porch.

"Well, it sure did turn out beautiful." Grace said.

"I hope that Elizabeth enjoys it." Rebecca said.

"Have you decided yet, if you are going to the wedding?" Grace asked her.

"Well, it is still a month away, and I've got myself a bit of problem." Rebecca said.

"What kind of problem?" Grace asked surprised. She and Rebecca talked nearly every day. She could imagine what problem had cropped up since yesterday afternoon.

"Well, my husband's been dead now, for what five months?" Rebecca asked.

"That's what they say." Grace grinned at her.

"That's my problem."

"Too soon for you to attend a wedding? Who cares about that! Everyone will be there! How many times do we get to celebrate?" Grace said. "Those busy-bodies can just keep their mouths shut! It isn't like you to shy away, Becky."

"It isn't that." Rebecca hesitated. "Grace, I'm expecting."

Grace laughed so hard she nearly fell down. "Oh, Rebecca Boone! Wait until Susan Roberts hears about this!"

"Grace! It isn't funny! What am I going to do?"

"Well you can hide out here forever. That worked with Rose." Grace said raising an eyebrow at her.

"You are still angry? Grace! Rose is four years old!"

"Yes, and I remember when Jemima woke me in the middle of the night to inform me that my dearest friend needed my help delivering the baby she never bothered to tell me about!"

"I explained all that! Honestly, Grace."

"I'm just teasing you, Becky. I'll never forget the look on everyone's face when you showed up at the fort with Rose in your arms."

"You should have seen Dan's face!" Becky said laughing.

"Well, this is bad. Becky people will think . . .they will think terrible things!"

"I know! You see my problem! I suppose it won't really matter. I haven't had . . . Rose was a bit of a miracle."

Grace squeezed Becky's shoulder. "Maybe it will be different this time."

"Maybe. I wish I could talk to Dan."

"Me too. Matt says they've got a good chance with the prisoner exchange. He says it's just a matter of time."

"I know. I keep telling myself that, but it's been five months." She sighed. "I just want . . ."

"I know, Becky. I'm sorry."