After a moment of silence, Noelle said, “I’ll think about it some more and give Mr. Laurence my answer in two days.”

“Mm. Think carefully. Remember what we told you. Don’t overcomplicate things.”

Noelle nodded.

Her heart felt warm.

She was an orphan. Her life was unfortunate, but in a way, fortunate. She met Doc, who had taken her in. Because she often accompanied Laurence to visit the Johnsons and the Yorks, the elders of these prominent families had come to know her and grow fond of her.