“She wanted them to have a mother’s care.”

Daniel turned the page.

“‘Claire, I want you to go to them,'” he read.

“‘Apply for the housekeeping job.'”

“‘Ruth will help you get in.'”

“‘Do not tell Daniel who you are right away.'”

“‘Let him see your heart first.'”

“‘Help him learn to love our boys the way they deserve to be loved.'”

Daniel let his hand fall to his lap.

The letters rustled against his trousers.

“She planned this,” he said.

“Yes,” I said.

“She asked me to promise her that I would take care of them.”

“Before she passed, I held her hand and promised.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Daniel asked.

“You were so cold when I first arrived,” I said.

“You barely looked at me.”

“You only saw a servant.”

“I was afraid you would fire me if you knew the truth.”

“I was afraid you would think I was trying to replace her.”

Daniel stood up and walked to the window.

He pressed his forehead against the cold glass.

“I was a fool,” he said.