When she agreed, his enjoyment was clear in his expression.  He made a mental note to let Miss Cora know about the addition to the evening meal, and who it would be.  He figured the cook would find that news a celebration.  Maybe she would stop hinting to him, he chuckled inwardly.

At her admissions, Lorn gave her a look of understanding.  "The ladies involved take more of the issues from society, and we men get let go in many cases.  Heidi's mother would not tell her parents who the father was until she knew she was dying.  Otherwise, she would have carried that guilt all on her own shoulders, not allowing me to be there with her.  I would have married her right away."  He assures Karen.  No doubts at all on that fact.  He had loved the woman so yes, it would have been the proper thing, but it was not the only reason she would have.

They had gotten to where they could see the main road a ways away now.  He turned to look at her.  "I try to be an honorable man and to be a good example to Heidi.  I just thought you should know that I have not always behaved in such a way.  Now, though I am more mature and in control of my actions."  He promised.