Caroline chuckled, "Of course." While Elsie may not be able to show her Caroline could certainly envision Elsie as a morning dove. It suited her well.

"I'd like that." Caroline agreed. It had been a long time since she had done anything academic. And she did indeed relish a challenge. Perhaps she might even pursuit the matter further on her own during Elsie's confinement.

"Of course after the baby is here I shall no longer believe the morning dove that keeps nesting in my roses is a while one." It was easy to tease, to switch from the somber conversation back into their easily navigatiable shores of friendship, away from the rip current that tugged away from their safe harbors.