Chapter 16

Nancy looked at her disdainfully. "Today's a big day. Everyone's swamped, and no one's got time to help you. Mrs. Yagle wants eight hundred apple pies this year. You'd better get moving, or you'll catch an earful from her if you can't finish."

She tossed an apron at Madeline and hurried off.

Madeline sourly stared at the apron in her hands. She and Trevon may be secretly married, but Nancy, a fixture in the house, surely knew who she was.

To be treated that way, it had to be Riley pulling the strings.

Considering her condition, making 800 apple pies could endanger her pregnancy.

What was she to do?

She massaged her aching back, lost in thought.

…

On the drive to the family estate, Trevon felt a twinge in his back too. He was worn out by the constant discomfort.

All he could think about was how Madeline coped with it every month.

Lydia cozied up to him, clinging to his arm. "Trevon, given our relationship, don't you think I should meet Madam Gibson and your mother at the famil