“Mr. and Mrs. Benton, I came here to tell you how truly sorry I am for what happened last night. I expect that you’ve heard the news by now. You must…”

Emma looks up her eyes suddenly hard. “What were you thinking?” she asks her voice rising steadily as she speaks. “What in heavens name made you believe talking anyone out of cold feet when they’re getting married was a good idea?”

“Experience has shown me that people get cold feet. When the bride or groom or both get cold feet, they do eventually get married. I did what I did because I know how hard it is to get...