When William left to go speak with Patrick, Doris didn’t waste a second of her time. She bathed and dressed in something warm before she wandered out to the village. People were gathered around a fire and swapping stories with warm cups of tea and chocolate. Doris smiled at them, but they looked at her and quickly avoided her eyes. She noticed a beautiful woman seated by herself watching Doris as she passed by, but didn’t offer any kind greeting either—just a curious look.

“Doris!” Eliza came out of one of the cabins and hurried her steps to catch up with her. Doris wondered how old the woman was. She...