QUOTE : Her heart pattered faster. She longed to feel the warmth of his summer-green eyes upon her, as they’d been so many times since she’d met him. “Can I come in?” a muffled voice said from the other side of the door. “Only if you’ve washed your hands,” Vera called, pouring the hog’s foot oil onto the spoon. The door opened a crack, but before Lily could see who it was, Vera lowered the medicine to her lips and forced it in. Lily pinched her nose and tried to swallow the mucous-like mixture without it coming back up. “And how’s Lily this evening?” a cheerful male voice asked. The medicine sank—along with her spirits. It was only Stuart. Again. Where was Connell? When Vera backed away, Lily peered beyond Stuart to the empty doorway. Why wasn’t he coming? If she didn’t know better, she’d almost think he was avoiding her. Stuart followed her glance to the door, and some of the brightness of his smile faded. She stuffed down her disappointment, knowing she wasn’t being gracious to Stuart, who’d come faithfully every evening to see her. She pulled her attention back to him and forced a smile. “I need you to help me convince Vera I’m better and can get out of bed.” “I’ll do no such thing.” He crossed to the side of the double bed. “Vera’s the best nurse in all of Clare County. In fact, she could open a pharmacy with all the medicine she has.