It would be a relief to be back at Ospringe with her girls. Christmas in America had been a lonely and empty time without them. Foster and she had driven down to Alice Ortiz" house in Delaware for the festivities. It was always wonderful to be in her company and her husband, Julien, had been charming. It was a delight to spend time with their daughter, Marguerite, too, and her little girl, Eve, who was toddling about all giggles and chirrups. Although the presence of Marguerite had reminded her of Dorothy and Mildred and Ellison. She had tried not to fret and Alice Ortiz had been a great comfort, but she couldn"t stop speculating on what they might be getting up to and if they were feeling lonely. The primary distraction in Delaware was provided by Marguerite"s husband, Forrester, who was
