Читать книгу Her Holiday Family - Winnie Griggs - Страница 10

Chapter Two

Eileen decided to buy herself some time with a question. “How long do you suppose you and the children would need a place to stay, Mr. Tucker?”

He didn’t seem to take offense at her question. “I wish I could tell you, ma’am, but to be honest, I can’t really say. We’re completely dependent on when Miss Fredrick recovers enough to travel again. And Dr. Pratt couldn’t give me any indication of when that might be.”

It was the answer she’d expected. “You have my sympathies, sir. But you must understand, boarding so many individuals for an extended length of time is quite a challenge, regardless of the size of one’s home. Especially on such short notice.”

“As I said,” Mrs. Ortolon declared in a self-righteous tone, “the children will be better off if we send them to smaller but more suitable homes.”

The words and the tone they were delivered in got Eileen’s back up again, though she refused to show it. It was the stab of disappointment and frustration that she saw in Mr. Tucker’s eyes, however, that prodded her next words. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t invite them in, Eunice, merely that it would be a challenge.”

“You do have the space to house us all, though?” Mr. Tucker pressed.

At her nod, he continued. “I wouldn’t ask this if it wasn’t important, ma’am. The children need the comfort of each other’s company right now. I’d be mighty grateful to you if you could see your way to providing that for them. If you’d find it in your heart to provide them with a place to stay, I promise to do my best to keep them out of your way. I assure you they are well behaved.” Then he flashed her a disarmingly self-deprecating smile. “Or as well behaved as kids their age can be expected to be.”

She nodded again, entranced by the friendly warmth of his manner. “Of course.”

“Does that mean you’ll do it?” His expression held a guarded hopefulness that she couldn’t bear to disappoint.

“I suppose I will.”

No sooner had she uttered the words than she came to her senses. Why had she said that? This was a disaster. There was no way she could keep her state of affairs hidden in the face of such an invasion.

But before she could find a way to take it back, she found herself being thanked and applauded by various members of the congregation.

Ivy stood. “Since you’re providing the housing, I believe I speak for all the members of the Ladies Auxiliary in saying we will do our part to help in other ways.” She looked around the church, where she received a number of nods, then back at Eileen. “We can provide meals and anything else you might need to help accommodate your new guests.”

Eileen wasn’t particularly pleased by the offer. After all, she was not a charity case to be accepting handouts. If she was going to do this, then she would do it in a manner befitting her position. “I appreciate the offer but there is no need.” She kept her tone polite. It would stretch the limits of her pantry if the group stayed with her more than three or four days, but she would manage somehow. Better to go hungry later than have folks think she was unable to provide for her guests.

Ivy gave her an uncomfortably perceptive look, then spoke again. “It’s very commendable of you to do this, Eileen,” she said in a gentle tone, “but you’re already opening your home to our visitors. Surely you won’t rob the rest of us of the joy that comes with sharing our blessings.”

Bless Ivy for coming up with the perfect way to help her save face. “Of course not.” Eileen waved a hand in gracious surrender. “Since you feel so strongly about this, I will defer to the Ladies Auxiliary to provide the meals.”

“Excellent.” Reverend Harper beamed approval at his flock, then turned back to Eileen. “Mrs. Pierce, your generosity does you great credit.”

His words made her feel like a fraud, so she held her tongue.

But the reverend seemed not to expect a response. Instead he clapped Mr. Tucker on the back. “I told you these people would rise to the occasion.”

“Thank you folks.” Mr. Tucker executed a short bow in her direction. “And you especially, Mrs. Pierce.” He left the preacher’s side and approached her with a broad smile on his face.

Ivy stepped out of their shared pew to allow him to step in.

“You have no idea what a wonderful thing you’ve done for the children,” he said, stepping past Ivy.

Goodness, was the man planning to join her in the pew? She should have followed Ivy into the aisle.

Keeping her features carefully schooled, Eileen nodded. The whole congregation was watching them and the pew suddenly seemed crowded. The impact of his warm smile and deep blue eyes was even more arresting up close. And he was a good half foot taller than her.

It didn’t help her equanimity that her feelings of being a fraud had deepened. “There is no need for thank-yous,” she said stiffly. “One does what one can to help those in need.”

There was a flicker of something she couldn’t quite read in his eyes, then his smile returned. “Nevertheless, you have my gratitude. I don’t have much money to offer you, but I’m a handyman and cabinetmaker by trade. I’d certainly be willing to repay you by taking care of any repairs or other work around your place that needs attending to.”

There were certainly a number of things that could use a handyman’s touch around her place. Eileen allowed a small smile to escape her lips. “Thank you, Mr. Tucker. We shall see.” Then she took a mental step back again. “I will, of course, need time to get everything prepared for your stay.”

He spread his hands. “Understood. Will a couple of hours be sufficient?”

She’d like to have more time, but she supposed she couldn’t ask him to keep ten children standing around indefinitely. And besides, more time would not make her sold-off furnishings magically reappear. “I shall see that it is.”

His smile grew warmer. “Again, thank you. And please don’t go to a lot of trouble. All we really need is a place for everyone to sleep.”

If he only knew—she was going to have trouble providing very much more than the bare necessities.

“I don’t want you to feel like you’re in this alone.” Ivy’s words brought her back to the here and now. “Tell us what you think you’ll need, besides help with the meals.”

Eileen considered that a moment. She supposed she shouldn’t let the children suffer for her pride. “Some extra bedding would be helpful.”

“Of course. I’ll work with the Ladies Auxiliary to round some up for you.”

Eve Dawson approached them with a smile for Mr. Tucker. “After the children finish their meals at the restaurant, bring them down to the sweet shop and I’ll treat them to some candy.”

Mr. Tucker turned his smile her way, and Eileen felt an unaccountable stab of jealousy that it wasn’t still directed at her.

“That’s going to really perk up their spirits,” he said. “Thank you.”

Eileen took herself in hand. That little prickle of jealousy was a clear indication she’d let her guard down much too far. That wouldn’t do at all.

The meeting broke up, and folks were chatting in clusters or slowly filing out. He had his back to her now, releasing her from the strain of keeping her expression neutral under his gaze. Instead she had a view of the back of his head. His hair was worn shorter than what was usual for the men around here. But she decided it suited him.

Then she straightened. What in the world was she doing thinking of such things, especially about a stranger? Just because the man had looked kindly at her was no reason to get moon-eyed over him.

Mr. Tucker’s hand was being shaken and encouraging words said to him, giving Eileen time to gather her wits. A quick glance toward the front of the church revealed several members of the Ladies Auxiliary were already gathering.

She mentally winced. At one time she’d been head of the Ladies Auxiliary and now, despite the face-saving efforts of Ivy, guests in her home had become the object of their charitable efforts, and by extension, she had, as well. What a long way she’d fallen since her husband’s ignominious death two years ago. If her mother were still alive today she would be mortified, but probably not surprised, by her daughter’s loss of status in the community.

Time to get some air. “If you will excuse me, I should return home and prepare the house to receive guests.”

Mr. Tucker stepped out into the aisle to let her pass. “Please allow me to escort you home.”

She again felt that tingle at his friendly, dare she say approving, smile. And again she strove to ignore it. “Thank you, but it’s only a few blocks away and I’m sure you want to get back to the children.”

But Mr. Tucker didn’t take her hint. He raised a brow with a teasing look. “I insist. The kids are in good hands for the moment. Besides, not only will this allow me the pleasure of your company, but accompanying you will let me know where your place is so I can escort the children there when it’s time.”

Before she could protest again, he turned serious. “And there are probably a few things we should talk about before I bring the children around.”

There was no polite way to refuse such a request. “In that case, I accept.” Again she’d acted against her better judgment.

She would definitely have to watch her step with this one.

* * *

Simon allowed his soon-to-be-hostess to precede him from the church building. She had returned to the cool, aloof individual she’d been when she first stood up in the meeting. Usually he had no use for pretentiousness and haughty airs. He’d seen too much of that in the home of his Uncle Corbitt, the man who’d taken him in when his folks died.

But for a few minutes he’d seen behind the mask she wore to a warmer, more vibrant woman. And that intrigued him, made him think that perhaps she was a person worth getting to know better. And she had, after all, opened her home to him and the kids. He could forgive her a lot for that.

But which one was the real Mrs. Pierce—the ice queen or the vulnerable, warmhearted lady? It would be interesting to find out.

He’d sensed some uneasy undercurrents between this woman and the rest of the townsfolk, and that, too, intrigued him. Not that the situation was any of his business. Besides, he preferred to form his own opinions about folks rather than pay attention to hearsay and gossip.

And the fact that she wasn’t exactly enthusiastic about having them as guests—that just made it doubly generous of her to have done so as far as he was concerned.

As for that standoffishness she wore like armor—he was just going to have to go into this arrangement knowing he couldn’t count on the kids to get any warm motherly attention from her. But perhaps there was a housekeeper or someone else in her household who could supply that. And if not, then at least they would all be together.

Still, there was something about Mrs. Pierce that made him want to look deeper, to find out what was at the heart of this woman.

Then Simon took himself to task. What really mattered right now was how much help she’d be with the kids.

“You said we had something to discuss?”

Her dry words and tone brought him back to the present. Truth to tell, he hadn’t had anything specific in mind when he said that—it had just been a way of getting around her protests. But there were a few things he was curious about. “Do you live alone?”

“I have one boarder, Miss Dovie Jacobs.”

Boarder—not family. Interesting. “Is Miss Jacobs likely to be bothered when we all descend on your home this afternoon?”

“I don’t believe so. Miss Jacobs is a very motherly sort of woman. In fact, she is much like your Miss Fredrick, though on a smaller scale. She once took in and raised an orphaned child. If I’m wrong, however, she can always retreat to her own room.”

“That’s a relief—that our presence won’t bother her, I mean.” At least there’d be one person in the house who knew how to deal with children. Assuming she was willing to lend a hand.

If this Miss Jacobs was the only other person in her household, however, that would mean...“Forgive the personal question, but you were addressed as Mrs. Pierce. Is there no Mr. Pierce?”

“My husband has been deceased a little over two years now.”

There was no change in her expression and she didn’t expand. “My condolences.”

“Thank you.”

Again there was no emotion. Mrs. Pierce was obviously a very private person. Which made him all the more curious to learn more about her. And was it wrong that he was just the tiniest bit pleased that she was single?

Before he could ask about household staff, she halted next to a small wrought iron gate and waved a hand toward the place the gate guarded. “This is my home,” she said simply.

He studied the three-story house with interest. He could see why Reverend Harper had thought this would be the answer to his need. Not only was the structure impressively grand, it was also set on a large piece of property with plenty of room for rambunctious kids to run around. It was also one of the few brick buildings he’d seen in this town. From the front porch that was supported by imposing columns, to the rounded, turretlike section that jutted from the right side of the structure, to the dormered roofline edged in stately woodwork, this place spoke of wealth and elegance, much as the woman herself did.

It seemed a waste that Mrs. Pierce and her boarder were the only residents—the place practically cried out for a large family to inhabit it.

A closer look at the structure, however, showed that it wasn’t quite as well maintained as it seemed at first glance. Some of the woodwork was in need of painting and at least a few of the shingles on the roof were loose. The yard needed raking and trimming. And that was just what he could see from here. One thing was certain; he’d definitely be able to make himself useful while he was here.

A profusion of well-manicured plants fronted the structure—the garden hadn’t suffered from the same neglect as the house. A woman with a pair of garden shears in her gloved hands knelt among the plants lining the front walk.

A gardener perhaps? It stood to reason that a woman such as Mrs. Pierce, with an impressive house like this one, would have servants.

The woman stood as soon as she saw them, and Simon was surprised by how tiny she was. She couldn’t be any taller than four foot six or seven. And she looked old enough to be his companion’s mother.

“Well, hello.” The woman tugged off her gardening gloves, her eyes alight with friendly curiosity.

Mrs. Pierce gestured toward the smiling gardener. “Miss Jacobs, this is Mr. Simon Tucker. Mr. Tucker, this is Miss Dovie Jacobs, the boarder I mentioned.”

He touched the brim of his hat. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am.”

She acknowledged his greeting with a friendly nod. “Did you two just come from the town meeting?” She absently brushed the leaves and dirt from her skirt. “I’ll admit I’ve been nigh on bursting with curiosity.”

Simon wondered why she hadn’t gone to the meeting herself. But it wouldn’t be polite to ask. “We did,” he said as he opened the gate. “And it so happens I was the subject. I find myself stranded here in town with ten children and their guardian who has taken seriously ill.” He nodded deferentially to his companion. “Mrs. Pierce has generously agreed to open her home to us while we await the outcome of our friend’s illness.” He gave her what he hoped was a winning smile. “I hope that won’t inconvenience you any.”

“Not at all. And I’m sure enough sorry about your friend. I’ll pray she recovers quickly.”

Then she turned to Mrs. Pierce and gave her an approving smile. “Good for you. I’ve thought this place was crying out for a big family ever since I moved in. And ten children, bless my soul—that will certainly keep us on our toes.”

From Miss Jacobs’s tone, the two women’s relationship seemed more friendly than the businesslike face Mrs. Pierce had put on it. Good to know that the tension he’d sensed at the meeting didn’t extend to her household.

Miss Jacobs turned back to him. “You can count on me to help with the little ones in any way that I can.”

He was glad to hear it. He could already sense she would be one who balanced doting and discipline the way Miss Fredrick had seemed to. “Thank you, ma’am. From what I’ve seen of them on this trip, these are a mostly well-behaved lot, but they are children.”

“Don’t you worry none, young man, between me and Eileen here we’ll manage nicely.”

Mrs. Pierce didn’t respond to that. Instead she gave him a puzzled look. “So you don’t know these children well?”

He shook his head. “Up until a short time ago, I knew Miss Fredrick and her charges mainly through my sister’s letters. I popped in and out over the years to visit Sally and her children, of course, but that was all.” He straightened. “Make no mistake, though, these children are my responsibility until I get them to where they’re going.”

“Of course.” One delicate brow rose a fraction of an inch. “Was there anything else we needed to discuss right now?”

“No ma’am, unless you have questions for me.”

She gave him a “you’re dismissed” look. “I thank you for walking me home, but if you will excuse me, there are many preparations to be made.”

Simon touched the brim of his hat again. “Then I’ll be on my way. Thank you again for your hospitality, and I’ll bring the kids over in a couple of hours.”

Then he paused. “Can you direct me to the restaurant?”

With a nod, she turned to face the way they’d come. “Go back as far as Second Street, then turn right. The restaurant will be a block and a half on your left.” She faced him again and the movement brought them unexpectedly closer together.

Her eyes widened and for a moment her aloof exterior cracked the tiniest bit. Her breathing seemed to hitch for just a heartbeat and her fingertips fluttered to her throat as if seeking a pulse there. Oh, yes, beneath that ice-queen exterior, an ember glowed. An ember he’d like to see burn brighter.

She recovered quickly, though, dropping her hand and schooling her expression. “The sign in front of the building reads Daisy’s Restaurant,” she said coolly. “You can’t miss it.”

With a thank-you for Mrs. Pierce and a tip of his hat for Miss Jacobs, Simon took his leave.

Meeting Miss Jacobs had relieved at least one of his concerns. The woman seemed willing and able to provide whatever mothering the children would need these next few days.

But his wayward mind was more interested in Mrs. Pierce than her boarder. That little close encounter they’d just had had obviously rattled her. And he wouldn’t deny he’d felt something, as well. It was nothing more than mere curiosity, though—he couldn’t let it be anything more. He had no time in his life right now for anything but meeting the kids’ needs. Still, there was nothing to say he couldn’t enjoy getting to know his hostess better while he was stuck here.

Would she be able to maintain that ice-queen demeanor once the children invaded her home? Or would that other, less confident but much more interesting Mrs. Pierce show through?

Well, if anything could strip the standoffish tendencies from a person, it was dealing with a houseful of kids. And he was rather pleased he’d be around to watch it happen.