Chapter 37
A little more than kin, a little less than kind.
I, ii.
The bath felt wonderful. The warmth eased her aching shoulders and back. Concordia soaked in it until the water started to cool. She hoped Eli was getting equally clean. The Adams’ housekeeper had taken charge of the boy; she didn’t look the type to tolerate any dirt.
As she dressed, she thought back to her conversation with Lydia Adams when she first got to the house. She had insisted upon speaking with the widow before cleaning up or having her wounds tended to.
“Mrs. Adams,” Concordia began, as they sat in the parlor, “take a good look at me. Do you see my condition? I know Sophia has told you some of it, but let me tell you the rest. Your younger stepdaughter’s well-being depends upon you accepting what has reall
