“Mrs. Brandt,” he said when she was close enough that he didn’t have to shout. “How good of you to come.”

“I must admit I was intrigued by your note,” she said, giving him her hand when she reached him.

“I’m sure you were more than intrigued,” he said, his face fixed in a smile that did not reach his eyes. He took out his handkerchief and dusted the bench for her to sit. “I’m sorry I had to ask you to keep this meeting a secret from my mother,” he said when they were settled.

“Your mother doesn’t have to know everything I do, Mr. Ellsworth,” Sarah told him with a smile.

“I’m sure she would disagree with that sentiment,” Nelson said, returning her smile ruefully. Mrs. Ellsworth considered it her duty to learn the intimate details of everyone else’s lives, and she devoted herself to the task.

“Now you must tell me what delicate matter has driven you to seek advice from a midwife,” Sarah said encouragingly.

His smile vanished instantly. “This is most embarrassing,” he said. “And please believe that I would not have involved you in this matter if I had any other resources, but-”

“Please don’t apologize,” Sarah said, hoping to relieve some of his social agonies. “I’m flattered that you felt you could safely confide in me. But I can’t help you if you don’t tell me the situation-and believe me, you needn’t stand on ceremony.”

Some of the stiffness went out of him, and he rubbed his forehead, as if it ached. “All right, although I’m not certain exactly where to begin.”

“This involves a young lady, I gather?”

Nelson nodded miserably.

“Then tell me how you met her.”

He drew his breath and let it out in a long sigh of resignation. “She came into the bank one day. She was so very frightened and obviously desperate. She wanted to make a loan, and she asked for the manager. He wasn’t in, so the clerk sent her to me. We don’t make loans to young women with no means of support,” he told Sarah, as if he were offering an excuse.