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summer cottage and the five acres on which it stands…”
    A house. She had been given a house.
    Louisa’s body trembled in relief. At least she wouldn’t be thrown into the street.
    “…including all of the furnishings and trappings that currently constitute the dwelling, as well as the lump sum of one million dollars.”
    One million dollars?
    One million dollars?
    Sure that she had misunderstood, Louisa said the words aloud. “One million dollars?” Again, her voice sounded weak.
    Mr. Pritchard shifted uncomfortably. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Winslow. I know that the amount is only a small portion of the Winslow estate.”
    Small portion? She couldn’t conceive how anyone could have amassed even half of that amount. If Mr. Pritchard considered the bequest a pittance, what was the full estate of Charles Winslow worth?
    “The bulk of Mr. Winslow’s estate,” Mr. Pritchard continued, “has been left to his daughter.”
    Daughter?
    Charles Winslow had a daughter?
    “For several years, Evie Winslow has been a student at the Rochester School of Learning in Boston. Charles was often away on business, so he felt it best for Evie to attend a boarding school rather than live at home.”
    Silently floundering, Louisa wondered how much she was supposed to know about the girl. She was certain that the real Louisa Haversham hadn’t known about Evie.
    But what kind of man would marry without telling his wife about the presence of a child?
    The same sort of man who would marry a woman sight unseen.
    “Evie is also to receive the houses in Boston and Sarasota and the apartment in Paris.”
    Paris?
    “However, all of her holdings are to be kept in trust until Evie marries or reaches the age of twenty. Until that time, you, Mrs. Winslow, are appointed the girl’s guardian. You have been asked to raise Evie to be a God-fearing and respectable woman of society. You will oversee all of her properties with the understanding that Evie’s inheritance is to be enhanced by any investments and improvements you choose to make.”
    Mr. Pritchard paused, glancing at her over the rims of his spectacles. “In this matter, I would be happy to serve as your advisor, Mrs. Winslow, since I performed many of the same duties for your husband while he was alive.”
    “Yes, of course,” she murmured absently.
    Charles had a child—and she had just been appointed the girl’s guardian. Moreover, Louisa had been charged with the task of building Evie’s fortune over the next few years.
    Years.
    In the space of a few hours, Louisa had gone from being a nervous bride to a widow to an instant mother and financier.

Chapter Five
    M r. Pritchard must have sensed a portion of her shock because he removed his spectacles and laid the sheaf of papers next to the tea tray.
    “The rest of the document contains a few small bequests of personal items to friends and employees who have served him well, but I will allow you to review such things at your leisure. I think that you’ve had more than enough to absorb for one afternoon.”
    “Yes, I…”
    “I have already taken it upon myself to notify his remaining relatives and arrange for Mr. Winslow’s private car to meet us here. That way you will be able to ride in comfort once we have…collected Mr. Winslow’s remains. When I have received word of an anticipated arrival, I will meet with you to go over plans for the memorial services.”
    His expression gentled into that of a kindly grandfather. “In the meantime, I suggest that you rest. This day has been a terrible shock to you, I’m sure.”
    Her hand unconsciously touched her throat. “Yes, I…”
    Again he patted her arm. “Please don’t trouble yourself to see me to the door.” He stood, taking a card from his pocket. “Should you need anything, anything at all, send one of the hotel runners to get me. I have a small townhouse I use while I’m in New York. I’ve noted the address on the back of my calling card.”
    “Thank you, Mr.