Ada's lips raised with a sweet smile, her delicate face glowing. "Congratulations, Mrs. Clarkson."

Helen blinked at her and replied with blessings.

"I'm sure you will find a good man very soon, too, Miss Clinton."

Ada's eyes slid out of focus and back again. Her smile went a little stiff, but she managed a "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Helen replied as she turned to tell the news to the rest of the room.

Ada calmed herself and sat down, her feet reached to either side, her heart was raging, yet there was no ripple on the surface.

She had known his family back in her university days when Helen and...