Wild Innocence by Candace McCarthy

had displayed in her great room, and a table runner embroidered by her mother’s hand. Her most prized possession sat on the dresser in her bedchamber at the infirmary: a delicate silver comb and brush set with hand mirror. Rachel had gazed into that mirror many times as a child, after Amelia or Aunt Bess had brushed and fixed her hair.
    Rachel thought of her mother wistfully as she entered her father’s bedchamber and saw his clothes tossed haphazardly over the back of a chair and on the bed. She smiled as she picked up John Dempsey’s shirt and hung it on a wall hook. Was he always this messy, Mother?
    The pants she left on the chair, but she smoothed the fabric so that it lay without a wrinkle.
    Were you happy together? she wondered as she straightened his bedcovers. Father certainly loved you. Did you love him as well? She got misty-eyed as she picked up a cup he’d left on his bed table. Were you sorry you married him? Did you ever doubt his love or your feelings for him?
    With a last glance around the room, Rachel took the dirty cup and brought it into the kitchen. There she eyed the remains of the breakfast dishes. She set the cup down and went about preparing to wash plates and cups.
    â€œHello?” A feminine voice accompanied a soft knock on the inside kitchen door trim a short while later.
    Rachel turned without alarm and grinned at Miranda. “You’re up early this morning,” Rachel said as she continued to wash, then dried a teacup.
    Miranda nodded. “Uncle Rupert wanted me to make a list of supplies for our journey home.”
    The women’s expressions sobered at the mention of Miranda leaving.
    â€œWhat am I going to do when you’re gone?” Rachel asked, her throat tightening. They had been friends for so long. She would miss her.
    Miranda shook her head, her eyes glistening. “You have Amelia,” she whispered. “But what will I do? I’m almost tempted to stay, but my parents will be upset if I don’t return soon. I’ve been here longer than I’d planned.”
    Rachel smiled through her tears. “There is a whole line of beaux waiting for you back in Baltimore.”
    Her friend grinned. “And you need someone there to put a stop to the rumors about you and Jordan.”
    The smile fell from Rachel’s face. “Yes.”
    â€œYour sister has invited us for supper on our last night. You’re coming, aren’t you?”
    â€œBecause it’s for you, I wouldn’t miss it.”
    Miranda frowned. “Is Daniel still behaving badly?”
    â€œNot exactly. He’s civil enough to me, thanks to Amelia. But when my sister’s not around, he makes no secret of his disapproval of me.”
    â€œI don’t understand this. You’ve never had a problem getting a man to like you.”
    â€œThat was before Jordan,” Rachel said quietly.
    Miranda hesitated, as if she didn’t know what to say.
    Rachel saved her friend from having to respond. “What time is supper?”
    Miranda mentioned the time. “Good,” Rachel said. “It’ll give me some time to finish here before I go over to help her.”
    Her friend’s eyes widened as she glanced around the room. “You’re cleaning?”
    Rachel smiled. “Can’t you see?”
    Miranda nodded. “Who would have thought ...”
    â€œI’m enjoying it, Randa. I never thought I would, but I do. In fact, I didn’t at first.”
    â€œI’m glad for you.” Miranda shivered as if the thought of such work offended her. She regarded her friend with concern. “You’re sure you’ll be all right here?”
    Rachel’s expression softened. “I’ll be fine. I have Father; and as you said, I have Amelia.”
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    Supper was an unusual affair attended by Amelia’s family, Miranda and Rupert Clark, and Jack Keller and Daniel’s sister and niece. Rachel had