Betty's Scheme

Jonathon Appleton celebrates his retirement with a leisurely tour of America, which means he has the time, as well as the curiosity, to investigate the skinny girl with the crying baby. His attempt to help lands him with the girl and her baby and the three travel across America, getting to know the country and each other.

The book's ending is hardly a surprise, though the twists and turns of fate along the way means that it is happier than any of them have any right to expect.