Chapter 28

“Without the news I have of your son?”

“You are cruel to hold it for barter.”

“I’m afraid it is not good.”

Celia Mobley closed her eyes then, perhaps to steel herself, perhaps hoping when she opened them it would all just be a nightmare. “Tell me.”

“It was recent. He’s gone. A mishap at his place of work. Unloading ships.”

“My boy.”

“I’m so sorry. For you and for Pennsylvania. There is a glimmer of light, however. Judah left a son.”

“Oh. I thought he was…How could that be?” A hint of joy returned to Celia’s face.

“Sometimes men find love in different ways and places.”

“Do they?”

“If not love, some substitute for it. I have known of some.” I pulled a folded paper from my pocket. “Here is the information.” I handed it over. “I told the mother you may be in touch.”

“Thank you.” Celia Mobley pressed it to her bosom, as if the name of her grandchild was the being himself.