Thirty

Mercedes stepped outside onto the back porch and the wind blew against her face. The children were in the nursery. This afternoon, she needed time for herself yet the more she thought about her problems, the more worried she became.

With a heavy ache in her chest, she walked toward the stable. The maid, Beth, informed Mercedes of the conversation one of the servants had eavesdropped on while at the bank. Mr. Braxton was meeting someone tonight at nine o’clock to secure a deal. All the servant knew was that the men spoke in hushed tones.

Anxiety hammered through Mercedes. Would William tell her about thi