One interesting development did crop up during Robert’s absence. The day after Danica had gotten his note, she stayed late to grade papers, working until the light began to fail. She knew she needed to finish up soon, since Mrs. Adams, the dressmaker, had sent word that the new gowns Danica had commissioned were ready, and the errand of going to pick them up needed to get handled before she was due back at the boarding house for dinner. Just as she was locking the schoolroom door, she saw movement across the street, then realized that movement was Clara, obviously headed home from her day at Brannen’s general store.
There wasn’t anything so noteworthy about that. What did make Danica sharpen her gaze was the realization that Clara wasn’t alone, that at her side walked the tall blond man D
