Oliver Hart and Missy Malone knocked on the door to the rectory promptly at two p.m.
“Mr. Hart and his guest, Miss Missy Malone, have arrived,” Anna, the housekeeper, announced as she led them into the parlor
“Abigail, it’s so good to see you again,” Missy said as they entered.
“It’s good to be back,” Abigail replied as the two women hugged. She whispered in Missy’s ear. “Don’t ever mention Ian.”
“Your secret is safe,” Missy murmured. “I’m sure Oliver doesn’t remember, if he even knew to begin with.”
“Thank you so much,” Abigail whispered. They broke the embrace. “Oliver, how are you?”
“Hello, Abigail,” Hart said. “All is well. It’s nice to see you back in Philadelphia.”
“I see you all know each other,” Colonel Duncan observed.
“From my life in Philadelphia,” Abigail said. “Before
