Roger’s mood was up and down. Managing our businesses had him stretched thin. Between the cannery, the trains, and his decision to move the printing press back to Brighid’s Landing, he was busier than ever. The pressure of becoming a father only added to his stress. It seemed to bring out the best and worst in him in a cyclical fashion. I could barely stand to be in the same room with him one moment, and the next, I couldn’t imagine not being married to such a kind man.
My mother had decided a dinner party would be the best thing to raise his spirits. A bonus would be a captive audience. Roger would get the chance to convince the elders of Starten that the train line would be an asset, not a liability.
The dress I had first picked out for the evening was more reserved, but Roger convince
