When she’d caught her breath, and before the orchestra began the next number, Daniel said, “Let’s find a table and get something to eat.”
They made their way to the dining area where the lights were lower and a dozen or so square tables waited for the guests to be served from the buffet.
Daniel seated her at the corner table, draped with a white tablecloth, a red candle casting a romantic aura. “I’ll bring us a tray, a variety of everything.”
She smiled her agreement and watched his tall form disappear around the thin partition that hid the dining area from the buffet.
He’d kiss her tonight—she just knew it—and this time, she wouldn’t act like a tongue-tied schoolgirl.
She heard Daniel greet another man from behind the partition.
Mr. Belter—and he was talking about his decision on the job Daniel was after. She leaned into the wall, unabashedly eavesdropping.
“Miss Comings?”
Maggie jumped, started by the strange male voice. Her cheeks flamed brighter than the candle’s light at being caught snooping, though good sense told her he wouldn’t know what she was doing.
She tilted her head to get a good look. The man smiled down at her like her discomfiture pleased him. His black hair and beard had been trimmed in the latest style, and his formal clothing confirmed he was a guest. “Yes, I’m Miss Comings. I don’t think we’ve been introduced.” Her words meant to remind him he’d broken the rules of decorum to have approached a lady without introduction.
His smile took on the appearance of a sneer. “I understand you are Daniel Raleigh’s fiancée.”
The heat intensified, making her wish for a fan. “We are merely courting at present.” Not that it was his business.
“Then perhaps it’s not too late to warn you,” the man said. Without invitation, he pulled a chair out and sat opposite her. “There are some things you should know about Mr. Raleigh before you make the same mistake my cousin did. He is not who he seems.”
Chapter 14
Both Daniel and Thomas Belter recognized Sidney Wicker’s grating voice at the same time. “He must have arrived late. Mrs. Belter won’t appreciate that,” Mr. Belter said. “When someone accepts an invitation, she expects punctual attendance.”
Punctual or not, Daniel didn’t want Sidney anywhere near Maggie. “Please excuse me, Thomas.” His hands clenched into fists, he turned, but Thomas stopped him.
“Let’s see what he’s up to first.”
Reluctantly, Daniel’s shoulders sagged, and they moved closer to the partition to hear. Not that it was necessary. Wicker had a harsh voice that would carry across a room. But Daniel wanted to know what Maggie said.
“I have no interest in anything you have to say, Mr. Wicker. I suggest you leave. Mr. Raleigh will be returning at any moment, and I don’t want a scene.”
“There won’t be a scene, my dear, but you should know—every woman should know—he’s a philanderer.”
Daniel cringed. That was the word Maggie used, in jest she said, but would she remember?
“How dare you.” Maggie’s voice fairly trembled. “Mr. Raleigh has always been a perfect gentleman in every way. What if such despicable slander should get back to Isabelle?”
“Did you know Cousin Helen was not Isabelle’s natural mother?”
“Yes, I know Isabelle was adopted.” A chair scraped the floor like she was getting up.
“Did you also know Daniel is Isabelle’s natural father?”
Silence fell. Mr. Belter gripped Daniel’s arm to hold him back.
Wicker’s bored tone indicated how pleased he was. “Isabelle’s mother was some dancehall soiled dove in San Francisco. But she was hardly the only one Daniel visited on his many travels. And still does.”
This time Mr. Belter made a move. He bounded around the corner of the partition with Daniel on his heels.
Wicker bolted from the table so fast the chair toppled.
“Mr. Wicker, I’ll ask you to leave the premises immediately,” Mr. Belter said, his words controlled but angry. “I will not have my guests accosted, nor have an honorable man besmirched in my house. Did you not think I’d have investigated a man considered for the most important job on my land? I’ve found him to be above reproach all while dealing with vindictive in-laws who sought to destroy his marriage and steal his daughter.”
That wiped the smugness off Wicker’s face, and he said nothing as he righted the chair.
Mr. Belter turned to Maggie. “Miss Comings, I apologize to you for this man’s behavior because he doesn’t have the grace to do so himself.” He glanced over his shoulder to Daniel. “But I’m pleased to say there is something good about this incident. After seeing how well Mr. Raleigh maintains his composure under attack, I’m pleased to offer him the job of the Dakota Belter Farms manager.”
He stuck out his hand and Daniel shook it. “Thank you, sir, more for your confidence in me than the job itself.”
Wicker looked on the verge of an apoplexy “Come, Mr. Wicker,” Mr. Belter said. “I’ll escort you to the door.”
Daniel sat in the chair adjacent and took Maggie’s hand. “I’m sorry you had to witness that.” He hoped Mr. Belter’s defense had erased any doubts Wicker had raised about his character.
Her white face left him concerned. As did the quiver on her lips. “I never would have believed such lies about you, Daniel. I should have expected something like this since you warned me he would be here. Shall we forget the whole incident, except the fact that you got the position.”
“Maggie, I’m not Izzy’s natural father, but I love her as if I were. If you—”
She hushed him with her fingers to his lips. “I know you’re not, Daniel, but you are her father in every other way.”
He blew out a breath and released her hand. “Let me get your plate I forgot back there.” He smiled and got to his feet.
“Daniel, I don’t think I could eat anything. That man left me with a horrible headache. Do you mind if I retire for the night?” She rose as she spoke.
His smile faded. “No, I understand. Would you like for me to escort you to your room? I’ll have to return to the ball. Mr. Belter will expect it.”
“No, of course not. I’ll be all right, and thank you for bringing me. I’ve had a wonderful time except for the last few minutes.”
Stopping her as she tried to pass, he cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Maggie, please believe. God wants to give you the desire of your heart.” And he hoped her desire matched his. He kissed her cheek and watched until she disappeared from the ballroom.
He hated that Wicker had spoiled the ball for her. She’d enjoyed these last few days so much, and he’d come to hope she looked upon their relationship as more than friendship. He’d enjoyed the way her eyes sparkled with new light, and even a touch of ardor sometimes smothered in their dark depths.
These new places and experiences had put excitement in her voice like a child’s on Christmas morning.
His chest tightened as he realized how little time he had left to put that shine back in her eyes and the lithe in her voice. He should have revealed all to her before now. What he had to confess would shock her more than Wicker’s lies.
She’d jumped to his defense, and that proved she trusted he wasn’t a philanderer, but did he deserve her trust?
Milly Crenshaw was right about someone getting hurt if he revealed this secret, and now he realized it might be him.
***
Melancholy weighed heavily over Maggie the next morning. Wicker’s nasty ambush, attacking Daniel’s character had spoiled the ball and threatened the Christmas she’d been looking forward to. She still wanted to scratch Wicker’s eyes out like a bantam hen. No one could speak ill of Daniel in her presence, and her reaction confirmed what she’d feared. She was hopelessly in love with Daniel Raleigh just as her usefulness to him was coming to an end.
She’d have to write Mrs. Crenshaw and tell her to cancel her application
for a prospective husband. It would be impossible to marry another man and give him the affection he’d deserve as long as she was aching for Daniel. Maybe in a year or two, she could try to love again. As soon as her heart stopped breaking.
Izzy and Lilly took their parting hard, holding onto each other, both sobbing. Daniel got down on the little girls’ level to assure them Lilly would return during the summer, and Izzy would be living on the farm by then.
The children stopped crying in an instant, hugging and dancing, already making plans for the summer, neither girl having any notion of how long that would be. Oh, to be able to shed one’s disappointment as quickly as a child.
Fortunately for all of them, Izzy’s infectious joy lightened the mood for Maggie on the trip home. They spent the night on the riverboat and caught the train for the last leg of their journey. Izzy was still wound up tight and spinning around like her favorite top.
Then the child inadvertently shortened what little time Maggie had to be with Daniel.
Their train seats were the type that faced each, and Izzy jumped from one to the other, occasionally, standing to gaze out the window. Her energy finally ebbing, she sat beside Daniel and announced, “I wrote a letter to Santa Claus to tell him what I want for Christmas.”
Daniel was resting his head against the back of the seat, his eyes half-closed. This got his attention. He straightened, twisting in the seat to put his full attention on Izzy who was now fiddling with a yo-yo, unaware of the impact of her revelation.
“What did you ask for?” he asked.
She looked up, pinning her father with a wide-eyed stare like she was surprised he should ask. “A dollhouse. Lilly has one this big.” She spread her arms apart. “With two floors and an attic under the roof right at the top.” She brought her fingers together in an upside-down V, indicating the roof’s sharp pitch. “But it doesn’t have any stairs. When Santa brings me a dollhouse like Lilly’s will you build me some stairs, Papa?”
Daniel still looked befuddled. “I’ll do my best, sweetheart, but haven’t you waited a little late to send a request to Santa Claus. He probably won’t have time to get your letter this year.”
“It doesn’t matter, Papa, because God tells the parents, and Santa brings the presents to the parents so they can set them out on Christmas morning.” She giggled. “Don’t be surprised when Santa sends you my dollhouse.”
Daniel lifted his gaze to Maggie. “No, I won’t be surprised.”
She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. No one could fool children. They knew instinctively that parents were the ones responsible for Christmas presents. That Izzy and Lilly surmised God tells the parents was preceptive and hit on the truth closer than any would think.
“Santa isn’t going to bring your toys down the chimney on Christmas Eve?”
“Oh, no. Lilly says that’s just a fairytale. Santa can’t bring all the toys for all the children in the world. He couldn’t even bring my dollhouse down the chimney.”
Daniel grinned. “Yes, Maggie, didn’t you know that? And I have a surprise coming for both you ladies on Christmas Eve.”
With a quick intake of breath, Izzy got up on her knees, leaning into her father. “What, Papa? What?”
“You’ll have to wait. It wouldn’t be a surprise if you knew.” He steadied Izzy and fixed her hair ribbons. “What did Lilly and Jacky ask for in their letters?”
“Lilly asked for a tea set because Jacky broke all her old dishes. She says she still has to like him because he’s her brother, but Lilly and I decided we don’t like boys very much.”
Maggie couldn’t hold back her laughter. “But don’t you realize your papa is a boy.”
Izzy looked up at Daniel like she’d never considered that. “But grown-up boys are different.” She pressed her face against her father’s chest. “I love Papa.” She glanced over her shoulder at Maggie. “Don’t you love Papa, Miss Maggie?”
The laughter froze in Maggie’s throat as she met Daniel’s gaze. He peered into her eyes, obviously as jolted by Izzy’s question as she was. “Why don’t I take you in back for a snack, sweetheart.” He wrapped her in one arm and stood. “Would you like something, Maggie? We’ll be arriving at the stop before the noon meal.”
She shook her head. “No, thank you. I’ll just read a bit while you two are gone.”
But she didn’t read. Instead, she gazed out the window pondering what surprise Daniel might have in store for Christmas Eve. A dart of despair pierced her to the heart being reminded again of how short their time together was, and how much she did love Izzy’s papa. She must sift through her mind for ways she could tell him before he left.
Chapter 15
Stars spangled a velvet sky when they arrived in Westerfield. They stopped at the boardinghouse restaurant for a late supper, and Izzy was already asleep in Maggie’s arms by the time they reached home.
“I’ll come in to get the fire started for you.” Daniel halted the buggy in front of the porch. He jumped down and took the sleeping child, laying her on his shoulder, then gave Maggie his free hand. She smiled as he helped her to the ground.
“What are you going to do about the dollhouse?”
He put a finger to his lips, shutting off that subject. “I guess I’ll have to go back to that toyshop in Lincoln,” he whispered in her ear.
Maggie gave him a startled look, and when they’d gotten inside the cold house, asked, “You’re joking, aren’t you? Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.” He heard the disappointment in her voice. She, too, had been looking forward to all of them being together tomorrow.
“I know, but I remember the shop had several dollhouses. If I leave on the early train, I can get back by suppertime.”
Maggie hurried to light a lamp and opened the bedroom door. “Then Izzy should spend the night with me.”
He nodded, carrying the sleeping child in his arms and laid her on the bed, then pulled the covers over her. Maggie would dress her for bed later when the house had warmed.
Maggie left him to work on the fire and disappeared into the kitchen. Before he’d laid on the last log, he heard the clatter of pots. “What are you doing in there?” he called out.
“Putting on the coffee. It won’t take long.”
Maggie always kept the coffee going. He brushed off his pants and joined her. “Have I ever told you your coffee is the best I’ve ever tasted.”
She was feeding the stove with wood, and when she turned, her face was ruddy, whether from exertion, the fire, or his compliment, he couldn’t tell.
“Thank you. Considering how many different places you must have sampled coffee, that’s saying a lot.” She pulled out a chair and sat. “Have a seat and tell me about this surprise you spoke of on the train.”
He took the chair he now thought of as his and folded his legs under the table. “You’re as bad as Izzy. I can’t tell you that, but I will say, I’ll be ready for that eggnog you promised when I get back from Lincoln.”
“I wished you didn’t have to go all the way to Lincoln. Couldn’t you get Izzy another present? I’m sure she’d understand.”
“She might, and I don’t indulge her every whim, but Christmas is different. If a child should ever be spoiled, it’s at this time. And honestly, I don’t want to deny myself of the pleasure of making her happy.”
“You’re a good father, Daniel.”
“As you’ve told me several times, so I have to live up to your expectations. And you will be a very good mother, Maggie,” he softly added.
The look she gave him was telling. She colored prettily and sprang from her chair. Fetching two mugs from the cupboard, she set them on the table. “I didn’t thank you properly for taking me to the Belter’s ball.” Her hand shook as she poured the coffee, making him wonder what he’d said to make her nervous. “I’ll probably never have a chance to attend another.”
He tested his coffee, then poured in a bit more cream than he normally did so it would be cool enough to drink, knowin
g he shouldn’t stay long. He’d already stretched the bounds of propriety beyond what any gentleman should. Maybe that was what had her unnerved. She must sense his desire for her was growing.
“I’m sorry you had it cut short by Wicker.”
“I’m glad you’re going to be able to get Izzy away from that family.”
“Me too.”
Silence fell between them, an uncomfortable silence, as though they both sought a more pleasant topic. They both spoke together, and Maggie laughed. “What were you going to say?”
“I was going to ask what you and Izzy were going to do tomorrow?”
“Oh, we’re going to be baking for our Christmas dinner. A pumpkin, chocolate meringue, and apple pie. Also, another chocolate cake and some divinity candy.”
“There are only three of us, Maggie.”
“All but the pumpkin pie and divinity are going to the Sollano Christmas party.”
“Do you want to go to the party?”
Her answer came a little too fast. “No.” She laughed. “There are hardly any children there. I’m afraid Izzy will get bored.”
He didn’t argue. Tomorrow was when he would declare himself…and try to convince Maggie she belonged in his and Izzy’s lives. Permanently. He drained his cup and started to rise.
“You want another cup?”
“No, I’d better be going. I still have to take care of the horse. I keep forgetting the Amersons didn’t leave a groom.”
She followed him to the front door. “I wish you success tomorrow.”
That touched a nerve in him, his mind still on proposing tomorrow. He turned to face her. “What?”
“Finding the dollhouse. I hope you don’t waste a trip all the way to Lincoln.” The smile on her lovely face said she didn’t guess the depths of his thoughts.
He stared at the floor for several long breaths, weighing the odds, and when he lifted his gaze, his heart turned over. When he’d asked Milly for a chance to court Maggie Comings, he’d had no illusions that he could ever love another woman after Helen. Though he’d felt God urging him to take this step, at the time he’d not thought how much rode on the outcome.
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