Mrs. Highsmith

Six months. That was what the grieving period, time enough to process the loss of her husband, time to gradually transition Father Abe from the close family friend to the natural successor, until the societal acceptance matched the internal acceptance of Father Abe as the head of household in Elizabeth's home.

The wedding was small, private, and just what Elizabeth needed. And when Abe mounted her that night, she truly had a future to look forward to.