“Ha! You know nothing of principles.” She smacked his chest with her fists. “You have no idea what my brother has gone through to make him this way. You would rather look past the problem and punish him regardless.”
He grabbed her wrists to keep her from striking him again. “And all you can think of doing is to cover his problems with money. How is that going to make it disappear? Do you plan on paying off every person Billy hurts or ruins because of his unruly temperament? What kind of man would he eventually become by you doing so?” He shook his head. “Not a very ethical man, I can tell you that.”
Miss Parker met his stare, her breaths coming out between her tight lips. Within moments, the sparks of heat in her eyes simmered, as did the taut lines in her pretty face.
“You are correct, Mr. Morgan,” she said in a whisper. “Please forgive me. I just...I just...” She lifted her gaze to his again. “I just want Billy to have a normal life.” Tears gathered in her eyes and she lowered her head. “I want to make up for his lack of parental love and affection. My mother died several years ago. Billy is still mourning her loss, as am I.”
He hitched a quick breath in his throat as pain twisted around his heart. Had he misjudged her all because he was still bitter toward what Rosanna had done to him? Perhaps not all wealthy people were rude and critical. Yet, that didn’t explain why Miss Parker acted the way she had when they first met.
“I want to make up for the love and attention he doesn’t receive from our father,” she continued as her voice broke. She quickly cleared her throat.
Silence thickened between them as he scrambled for an intelligent thought. From outside the building, Mrs. Krause’s student sang a sweet song, and once again, it was if angels crooned to him. Immediately, he knew his purpose for coming to this kingdom besides running from his past. True, it was to be a schoolteacher, but it was also to have patience in teaching someone how to be kind and considerate and look past other’s faults.
Unfortunately, he’d have to learn this lesson first before he could become the instructor.
EMOTION CAUGHT IN ELLA Spencer’s throat as she stared at her brother’s teacher, making it nearly impossible to swallow. Mr. Morgan didn’t have the slightest idea what she was talking about. However, she wasn’t about to enlighten him with the family secrets. For nearly two years she’d kept her family’s mysteries hidden, and she tried to live her life as though they truly did not exist.
Now, as she stared into Mr. Morgan’s heartwarming gray eyes, something touched deep within her, making her want to confess all. Impossible! Nobody could know. If Rodmilla ever discovered where they were, she’d have them shackled and brought back to live in the dungeon. And she didn’t even want to imagine what kind of torture her stepmother would put them through for taking money and jewels.
However, in the past twenty months, Ella had carried herself as if she and Billy were normal people. She even changed their last name to their grandmother’s name of Parker, just in case someone tried to connect them with Rodmilla. But she couldn’t stop wondering if their time was limited in this wonderful kingdom. The thought made her heart break piece by tiny piece. It was a struggle to keep on believing all would be well, but she must!
Ella didn’t like all the questions Mr. Morgan threw at her. All she could do at this moment was to let the schoolteacher think he’d won.
She cleared her throat and squared her shoulders. “As it is, Mr. Morgan, I feel it’s unnecessary for you to involve my father. Please allow me to discuss this problem concerning my brother’s behavior with you instead.”
The very handsome man nodded, his eyes never leaving her. Something strange poured through her, and warmth covered her entire being, confusing her even more. Without knowing why, her mouth dried as if she were growing cotton inside. She swallowed, hoping to dislodge the lump stuck in her throat.
Mr. Morgan swiped his hand through his thick black hair. “As you wish. I’ll let you handle this, but if Billy acts up again, I have no other choice but to take further action and talk to your father.”
“I understand.”
“There is something else.”
She cocked her head. “What is that?”
“Billy needs to apologize to Mr. Sprat. I think the best way to handle this is to have Billy help Mr. Sprat tomorrow morning with his chores.”
She blinked. She couldn’t possibly have heard correctly. How dare this man presume she’d allow him to take her brother to a farm? “Mr. Morgan. I do not believe this is the solution. Billy has never...well, he doesn’t know anything about that kind of labor.”
“Then it’s high time he learned so that he can better appreciate the gravity of his prank.”
The schoolteacher produced a grin, and although it caused butterflies to dance in her stomach, she remained strong in her decision. “No, Mr. Morgan. That is unacceptable.”
His grin disappeared and his expression turned sour. “It’s not up to you what form of punishment I give, now is it? Or do you think you could run my class any better?”
She tightened her fingers around her reticule strings before she lashed out at him. She’d lived a life where nobody had ever argued with her, but this man wouldn’t let it rest. Obviously, he was going to make certain he had his way.
“Miss Parker,” he said, “if it makes you feel any better, I’ll allow you to accompany us to Mr. Sprat’s farm. Billy might enjoy having his sister along.”
She rolled her eyes. “He certainly would not enjoy that, and neither would I.”
“Are you worried about getting the hem of your dress soiled? Because I can assure you a good wash will remove the dirt. And it won’t take long to clean off your fancy boots, either.”
She gritted her teeth. He mocked her, the dirty dog. She wouldn’t allow him to treat her in such a way. She needed to be strong and stand up for what she believed in—no matter the consequences.
FOUR
“I still believe this kind of experience will not teach Billy a thing,” she told him bluntly.
“What if I can prove you wrong?”
She gasped. “That’s utter nonsense, Mr. Morgan. I will not allow this form of punishment.”
His hands bunched into fists at his side, and even his lips had thinned. “Miss Parker, what would you have me do, then? Most teachers deal with unruly children by taking a willow switch to their backsides. I, however, don’t believe that’s the correct form in teaching a child.”
He stepped away from the desk and moved closer. Sucking in a breath, she tilted her head because of his towering presence. He was definitely one tall man, and why did he have to be so incredibly handsome?
“You can inform Billy I’ll pick him up at daybreak,” he said. “If he isn’t ready, then I won’t pass him to the next grade level.”
“Oh!” She stomped her foot. “You cannot possibly—”
“Watch me.”
He escorted her to the door. His gray eyes captured her gaze and held it while she stepped down the four porch steps. Although she wanted more than anything to yell at him and tell him he was making a big mistake, she wouldn’t. She didn’t want to explain why she felt this way, and why Billy acted the way he did.
He followed her out as he placed his hat on his head. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Parker.”
She scowled. “This is not over, Mr. Morgan.”
“May I see you home? The evening is almost upon us.”
Fear ran an icy trail through her blood. He could definitely not see her home. “No, thank you. I’m perfectly capable of making it home by myself. I shall be home before it gets dark, I assure you.”
Tilting his head, he looked into the sky and her gaze followed. The slow growing sunset began to display purple colors in the sky. “I really don’t feel right about leaving you alone.” He met her gaze again. “A young woman traveling by herself in the evening is not proper.”
“I’m well aware of this, but rest assured, I shall be fine. Thank you anyway.”
Surprisingly, he walked to her two-seated buggy and helped her inside. In an attempt not to stare into his remarkable eyes or want to run her fingers along the locks of hair around his neck, she focused on her anger. “Good day, Sir!” Her tightly controlled tone refused to reveal her inner turmoil. With a nod, she guided the horse down the lane. Without being able to stop herself, she glanced over her shoulder to see if he still watched. He hadn’t disappointed her. He stood at the end of the schoolyard, facing the street. Lifting a hand, he waved.
She snapped her head around and focused on the road. It was most imperative he didn’t follow. If he ever discovered her secret...
Gritting her teeth, she tightened her hands on the reins until the leather threatened to bite through her dainty gloves. No, he couldn’t possibly discover the truth. Although she tried not to make many friends here, she led them to believe she and Billy lived with her father, who coincidentally, was out of town quite a bit.
She relaxed her grip only slightly. If by chance, the nosey Mr. Morgan asked around, that’s the only story he’d hear. Of course he’d hear that their grandfather was very wealthy and passed it down to her father. That was true. But what people didn’t know was that her father had taught her how to invest her money. He’d been a great example, because within three months of living here, their money had doubled, and it was continuing to grow. She even invested in a shipping company under her father’s name, of course. Within time, her father soon owned the company. Well, she actually owned it, but she couldn’t let anyone know that.
Life had been good to them since leaving Rodmilla’s evil hold, but being without a mother and a father had wreaked havoc on poor Billy. She had coddled him too much, and yes, spoiled him. His rotten behavior was her fault. But he was still better off here than with Rodmilla.
Perhaps Mr. Morgan had been correct when he said Ella shouldn’t cover up her brother’s mistakes. Instead, she should punish him for them. Did that mean going to Mr. Sprat’s farm was the right choice?
She sighed, her frown deepening. How could she continue to cover for her brother’s unruly behavior? Especially when she’d been hiding him from reality?
Night was coming upon her quicker than she’d anticipated. She didn’t want to be outside when the sun finally disappeared in the horizon, so she urged the horse into a faster trot. Only one mile more before reaching home.
The street she had to turn on came upon her fast. She slowed the animal and carefully guided the buggy. Only one streetlamp stood on this corner, making thick shadows appear on the buildings. People weren’t out and about as they had been when she left, and she realized what a mistake it had been to venture out so late in the day.
To the right of her, three separate shadows moved away from a nearby structure. When the three men became clearer, she could see they were men wearing black, ragged clothes. Old farmer’s hats were pulled low over their foreheads.
Fear lodged in her throat. Her shaky hands gripped the reins tighter. She whipped them against the horse, urging him faster.
One man jumped in front of her buggy, grabbed the animal, and pulled it to a stop. She screamed and hit him with her whip. “Get off, you big oaf!”
Within seconds, the other two men swarmed around her, one stopping on each side of the vehicle. Her heart knocked in a quick rhythm against her chest.
The man holding her horse released an evil laugh. “Look what we have here, boys.” The other two guffawed loudly. “Why, if it isn’t the haughty Miss Parker.”
Her blood chilled. They know me?
“Leave me alone.” She snapped the whip at the man holding the horse again, but this time he caught it and yanked it away from her.
“How much money do ya think she has?” the one on her left asked his friends.
“I—I don’t have any money.” She shouldn’t have lied. She realized, too late, that she should have thrown the gold coins in her purse away from her, away from the pool of the lamplights and ridden out of here as fast as she could. But she realized men like these wanted more than a few gold coins. They were just like her stepmother.
All three laughed, sending chills up her spine.
“The richie says she ain’t got any money. Should we believe her?” asked the tall man with an eye patch holding her horse.
“Ya know what I think?” the third finally spoke. His shape was rounder than the other two, and he was shorter. “I think we should hold her for ransom. I’m sure her money-bags father would pay quite handsomely for her.”
Her heart sank. No! That couldn’t happen.
“Good plan, Joe.”
Joe must be the portly-sized man. “Actually,” she said in a shaky voice, “that isn’t a wise idea. I’m a very stubborn woman, and I’m quite certain I will make it miserable for you while you’re waiting for my father to pay. You see, he’s away on business.”
The man on her right grinned, displaying quite a few missing teeth, and the ones he did have in his mouth were brownish-yellow. “Then I suppose we need to track him down.”
“Impossible. My father is across the sea in the Kingdom of Aja and it will take him a few months to return.”
The monster on her left jumped on the buggy and sat beside her. His horrid scent overwhelmed her. She gagged. Obviously, he’d been rolling with the pigs—and a skunk—before ambushing her.
She pushed at him, hoping he’d fall off the seat, but the ox wouldn’t budge. Tears burned her eyes as helplessness enveloped her. She couldn’t feel this way. She must somehow gain control of the situation.
“I think she’s lying.” The man grabbed her arm. “What do you think?”
“I think we should kidnap her anyway.” Joe grinned.
“And I think,” came a deeper voice from behind them, much deeper than the other men, “you should let the lady go before I shoot you.”
The grinding click of a rifle being cocked behind them pulled the men’s attention. She peeked over her shoulder. As her teary vision cleared, Mr. Morgan’s face came into view. Her heart leapt with relief. The rifle was pointed at the man sitting beside her. In Mr. Morgan’s other hand was a pistol. He took a step closer, his gaze never wavering from his target.
“Take your hands off the lady.” The schoolteacher’s tone left no doubt of his intentions. “Or I’ll be mighty tempted to lodge a bullet between your eyes.”
The man beside her stilled, but she didn’t dare look at him. Mr. Morgan’s presence comforted her. This sweet man would rescue her, she was certain of it.
“Why, look, it’s Morgan, the schoolteacher,” one of the men sneered. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t ya be in school?”
Mr. Morgan arched an eyebrow. “Make the wrong move, and I’ll show you with my guns what I’m doing here.”
“Now Morgan, I wouldn’t be doin’ that if’n I were you,” the man holding her horse said. “There are three of us and only one of you.”
The schoolteacher nodded but kept his gaze on the man beside her. “Very true, but I have two guns. Once I shoot this man right here with my pistol, there will only be two of you, and my rifle will be able to get another one within seconds. I’m very skilled with these weapons, and I believe I’ll be able to hit all of you with a bullet. Are you willing to take that chance?” He narrowed his gaze on the man next to her. “Mister, I advise you to take your hands off the young lady and remove yourself from her buggy. Now!”
Grumbling, the man released her and jumped down.
“Very good,” Mr. Morgan commended. “Now, real slow like, I want the three of you to walk away with your hands in the air, hold them high where I can see them.”
They did as instructed.
“Miss Parker? Would you be so kind as to tie my horse to your buggy now? I see the urgent need to escort you home.”
This time she didn’t argue. Although her limbs shook, she scrambled out of the buggy and tied his horse. Mr. Morgan stepped next to her, still keeping his eyes and rifle pointed toward the three m
en slowly fading into the distance.
She hurried back in her seat and Mr. Morgan hopped in beside her.
“Get us out of here, quickly,” he whispered.
Smacking the reins against the horse, she urged the buggy forward in a fast trot. As soon as they passed the men, Mr. Morgan lowered his rifle.
“That was close.” A deep sigh gushed from his lips.
Still quivering from the ordeal, she nodded. “Yes. It certainly was. But how did you know they were trying to rob me?”
“I didn’t. I wanted to follow you because a gentleman always sees a lady home.”
Tenderness touched her heart. “You were wise. I should have listened to you back at the schoolhouse.” Her teeth chattered so she clenched her jaw.
He set the rifle on the seat next to him, stuffed the pistol in his coat, and then took the reins from her hands. The heat from his touch seeped through her gloves and comforted her, making her want to cuddle next to him and let him protect her. She scolded herself. Because of what was happening in her home life, she had to be independent. She couldn’t rely on anyone but herself and her brother.
She wrapped her arms around her middle in an effort to create warmth. “Thank you,” she said softly as she looked at him.
He glanced down at her and smiled. “You’re welcome.”
“How do those men know you?”
He shrugged. “I guess it’s because I’m a schoolteacher.”
“One of them was named Joe. Does that name sound familiar?”
He shook his head. “Not really.”
They rode in silence for a few minutes then he cleared his throat. “Are you going to tell me where you live or just let me keep driving without knowing a direction?”
“You don’t know where Billy lives?”
“Not exactly. I suspect I know, but not completely.”
She chuckled brokenly. “I suppose I should tell you.”
Keep on Believing Page 4
