Chapter 58

"Lovely evening, isn't it Miss Cordia?" he asked. He was walking on her left side so that his right arm, his only arm, was near her, and she anticipated that, eventually, he would offer it to her. Despite his disability, Carey seemed to do everything any other man could do, and it was quite easy for her and others to forget that he had returned from war less than whole.

She peered up at the stars for a moment, considering the question. If he were speaking of the works of God that surrounded them, then, yes, it was a lovely evening. If he were referring to the company, her answer would be far different. Finally, she replied simply, "The sky is gorgeous."

"So it is," he agreed without so much as glancing up. "As are you, Miss Cordia," he added, trying a bit of charm.