Epilogue
June 1901
Summer had settled on the island like a thick coat of honey. The oleanders were in bloom along the fenceposts where Florence had trimmed them back, and the porch was surrounded with honeysuckle. The breeze carried the scent of the island through the windows and into the house where it mingled with fresh bread and apple jam. From above the sitting room, the sound of heavy footfalls carried across the floor and down the stairs. Alfred turned just in time to grab the boy under the arms and lift him up into the air. He squealed with delight as Alfred spun him in circles before setting him down and patting him on the back, sending him out the front door and into the yard. He sat back down on the sofa and returned to his book. The pages rippled at the edges with a stiffened
