"Your husband had a son from his previous marriage?" Dean asked, his curiosity overcoming his desire to distance himself from this woman who was making him increasingly uncomfortable.
"Yes," she answered, but offered no further explanation.
Dean hadn't had time for a discussion with Cynthia about whether or not to tell Edith Shipton of the inquiry about her staying at Bird Song. While he didn't want to hold back important information, neither did he wish to unduly upset the nervous woman any further. However, with a burst of uncustomary loquaciousness, she changed the subject.
"Do you believe in dreams?" she asked, but continued before he could speak. "I dreamed about Annie all last night. She was so pretty in her white dress. I think she wants me to remain here at Bird Song, at least for a while. Isn't that strange? I never had dreams back in Virginia. Sometimes nightmares, but never nice dreams." She turned to Dean. "Do you believe in ghosts? It was so real, the dream I had. It was as if she were there, speaking to me. Do you mind if we stay on? I think it would be good for Donnie. I haven't seen him this happy since...." She paused, long enough to catch her breath. "Dreams are like pretending. I used to pretend when I was young. Perhaps if I pretend Jerome doesn't exist, he really won't!" She smiled and then became serious again. "I have nowhere else to go. It was probably silly of me to believe Jerome could find me, just from one little charge card transaction. Perhaps staying here a few days will help me to get my mind in order. Do you think?"
Dean wondered if she might be on some kind of medication. Whatever the reason, he guessed she had a long way to go before her mind was together. "I think you're remaining here is a fine idea. But perhaps you should contact an attorney. You should consider taking steps to assure your husband understands that you've left him for good and want no further contact with him."
"Yes," she said, but with little decisiveness.
"That way," he continued, "if your husband should find where you're staying, you could legally stop him from coming near you."
She ate the last of her muffin, leaving Dean to wonder if she even heard him. Finally, she looked up. "I used to believe in ghosts when I was young. But they were scary. Annie seems so nice. As if she wants to help me."
He paused, waiting to see if she would respond to his suggestion but she continued eating. It was obvious the discussion, such as it had been, was over. "Well," he said, "we're pleased you're staying a while longer." He left the room, shaking his head.