Hester shrugged, took Adam's arm and walked away.

In an upstairs bedchamber near the front of the house, Caroline kissed her mother's cheek, tucked the blanket around her shoulders, then lightly touched her snow white hair. "Good night, Mama.," she whispered. But Etta was already asleep. Caroline blew out the candle and closed the door behind her.

"Will the music wake her?" Mary asked, waiting on the balcony outside the door.

Caroline giggled, "I doubt even the war could keep her from her sleep. How will I ever repay you for taking them?"

"We love then too, you know," Mary answered, as they moved to the rail to watch the dancing below.

"I can not be sure how long I will need to leave them here, or when I can return. I must tend to father's business or there will be nothing left."

"Do not fret, they will be fine with us. And we would love keeping you and little Matthew here as well until this dreadful war is over."

"I would dearly love to stay. I must warn you, Papa has seen so much of the death, he cries out in his sleep. Mama, hardly remembers the war on most days. I count that a blessing."

"Any news of Alfred?"

"Not a word. I believe he must be dead. Mary, would you think ill of me if I were not so very devastated?"