Ava stood perfectly still for several seconds, half expecting Bernard to turn back the next moment to tell her that he recognized her from another time and place. When she heard nothing of such and the sound of his vehicle faded; she resumed her walk, chastising herself for standing there like a goose.

She blamed herself for deciding to come to the estate that day in search of Ruby. She thought that when she finally made up her mind to leave her; then she wouldn't miss her. But just like before when she had contemplated leaving; she had missed her so much these past weeks. She missed her touch, her...