by Danni Roan
“Yes,” Mrs. August said quickly, her eyes wide. “Please tell me there is room.”
Becky smiled, tucking a strand of her ginger brown hair behind her ear. “There is plenty of room, and you’re beds are all made up,” she smiled kindly. “I’d be pleased to come out and help tomorrow,” she turned meeting Mr. Payton’s eyes. “Before you offer, I will not expect any pay. After all we are neighbors now.”
“Can we have cookies?” Jonas asked marching to the table and taking a seat.
“Only a few,” Hester agreed. “Miss Polly has dinner nearly done.”
“Who’s Grady,” Beverly leaned toward Mark who had snatched a cookie from under his grandfather’s hand.
“He’s the school teacher and Becky’s husband. You’ll like him.”
Beverly took a seat waiting for a break in the conversation to tell the adults that she had gotten them a cat, but they were so busy discussing supplies, cleaning, and how to get the Rally house in order she didn’t want to interrupt. She also didn’t want anyone to tell her no. She already loved the mother cat and her tiny kittens. If she had to scrub every room in their new home to keep them, she would.
As a brief snack progressed into a hearty dinner, the children were introduced to Mr. Grady Gatlin, the town’s teacher..
“I’ll be pleased to see you in school soon,” the big man with the kind smile offered as he passed the mashed potatoes. “Our little town is growing, and it’s a treat to have more children in town.” His dark eyes strayed to his lovely wife who nodded.
“I’ll be glad to help any time I’m needed,” Ernie smiled. “You might even consider asking Mary Ellen Bannon to help as well. I think she would enjoy doing some teaching again.”
“We’ve been discussing it with the school board,” Grady agreed. “It might be nice if she could take the lower grades and give me more time with some of the more advanced students. I like to see them stretch themselves a bit.”
“I’m planning on getting top grades again this year,” Alyssa said. “English and History are my favorite subjects. She shot a knowing glance at her brother, but said no more.
“I don’t like Math or English,” Jonas said.
“You will with Mr. Grady,” Mark grinned. “He helps it make sense.”
Hester sat quietly listening to the conversation. Ellery offered to join them at the Rally house the next day and help clear away some of the bigger trees and ferry Becky back and forth to the house as well. It was apparent that the people of Biders Clump were determined to do what they could to help Mr. Payton settle in to the community. In time she wouldn’t be needed to help with the children at all.
Lifting her eyes she looked at her uncle, wondering what they would do when that day came. Would they return to the city or perhaps find a place here in this small but welcoming town.
Hyke winked at his niece, enjoying the noise and bustle around him. He felt like that he was part of something again and had a purpose.
“Are you feeling unwell,” Cecil leaned in taking note of how pale his companion looked. “You’ve been very quiet tonight.”
“I’m well,” Hester offered, smiling to prove it true. “There is just so much to take into consideration.”
Cecil tipped his head studying Hester. She had been a godsend the day she had turned up at his house. He was so ill equipped to deal with the children and now, suddenly, he felt like he was coming to know them as people.
“Hester,” Mrs. August spoke as Polly and Becky served hot apple tart for dessert. “I have a list of things we will need from the general store if you’ll take it down. I believe Mrs. Olson indicated that they will be open a bit longer.”
“Yes, Mrs. August,” Hester nodded, pushing her chair away from the table.
“I’ll walk you,” Cecil stood as well, reaching out for the list his housekeeper held. “Mrs. Olson, Mrs. Gatlin, thank you for a wonderful meal. If I could ask that you save our dessert for when we return.” He smiled around the table warmly.
Polly waved the young man away. “Of course, now you’d better hurry before the store closes. I’m sure everything will be ready in the morning.”
Mrs. August's hard eyes glowered at Hester as Cecil offered her his arm and left the room. She had hoped to quell the growing attachment the two younger people seemed to be developing for each other, not toss them together again.
***
Hester stepped out into the cool air of a burgeoning evening and sighed at the sudden silence.
“You don’t need to accompany me,” she offered, giving the man the chance to return to his dessert.
“To be honest I needed a break.” Cecil smiled starting toward the store. “I have so many thoughts in my head I can barely keep them straight. Everyone has been so helpful; I hardly know how to respond.”
“It does seem like a friendly place.” Together they passed a plump blonde woman on the arm of a thin blonde man who were apparently out for an evening stroll and soon arrived at the store.
Hester smiled as she walked into the simple yet well stocked mercantile. The friary and fantastical seemed to be missing from the store, but she could see at a glance anything you might need would be available.
“Good evening,” a kind faced woman called as she wiped down the counter at the front of the store. “How can I help you?”
“We’re here for supplies,” Cecil offered walking forward with a smile. “I have a list if it can be ready in the morning, unless you deliver.”
“Let me see,” the woman took the list scanning it quickly. “You must be the family that is moving into the old Rally house. I hope it isn’t too terrible.”
“Not terrible,” Hester offered, “Just in need of a good cleaning and some upkeep.”
“You must be a brave young wife to take on a place like that,” the woman turned back to her counter placing the list under a small stone.
“Oh, no!” Hester blushed. “I’m just the governess.”
“I’m sorry,” the clerk blushed. “I shouldn’t assume. Well welcome to Biders Clump all the same.”
Cecil couldn’t stop the grin that spread across his face at the woman’s assumption. Hester was a very attractive woman after all, and he couldn’t deny his affection for her. She had been exactly what he had needed, and the longer he knew her the more he respected her willingness to work hard to make things better. He knew that only time would tell how the children would adapt to their new home. At the moment, it was still fresh, new, and exciting, but sooner or later the reality of the change would catch up.
His niece and nephew had never had to work for anything in their lives. They were spoiled, bored, and often rude. He could only hope that with the help of Miss Hester Johnson, they would grow into responsible and loving adults.
“You leave this list with me,” the shopkeeper said. “We will have most of what you need ready for pick up in the morning and then we can deliver the rest in the afternoon.”
“Well that was easy,” the man said as they walked back outside. “Are you up for a stroll?” He looked down as Hester hesitated.
“I should get the children to bed.”
“They can wait half an hour, besides they are getting to know their teacher and the other children. Isn’t that good for them? I think they need to start learning to do more for themselves.”
“I can’t argue with that,” Hester agreed as they stepped onto the board walk taking in the sites of the town. “They are both very bright children. Beverly doubts herself too much and Jonas is far too bold though.”
“You’ve done wonders with them in only a short time.” Cecil shook his head still trying to understand his good luck.
“Mr. Payton,” Hester hesitated over his name for a second. “I think you should be prepared for things to go terribly wrong.”
“What? Why?”
“I only mean that the children are not used to this kind of life. They are accustomed to everything being given to them. At the moment everything is new and e
xciting, but when that wears off, it could get much more difficult.”
Cecil threw back his head and laughed. He had been thinking the same thing only an hour ago.
“I don’t see what’s funny about it,” Hester sighed. “I’m afraid it is true.”
“I’m sorry,” Cecil turned warm eyes to her as they walked past the sheriff’s office. “It’s just that I was thinking the same thing earlier. We can’t expect them to simply get along so well forever. I’ve been expecting an explosion at every turn.”
“What will you do about it when it comes?” Hester stopped turning to look up into his handsome face. Emotions roiled inside of her as she studied his dark eyes. She liked this man, but also realized that she was only an employee, and that if she displeased him, she could be without a living. Although obviously strong and capable in some areas, he seemed vulnerable and unprepared in so many others.
“Miss Johnson,” Cecil began taking her hands in his. “I’m not my brother. I will not dismiss you, or let the children run you off with their bad behavior. As long as you are willing to stand by and fight the good fight you will be their caregiver. You seem far more capable of dealing with them than I ever have been. I know little about children and rely on your judgment. I hope you understand that.”
Hester felt herself relax. But she still worried. “You might not always agree with my decisions or methods,” she pressed. “The children may grow to hate me.”
“I can’t see that happening.” Cecil looked down into Hester’s beautiful brown eyes wondering how anyone could hate her. “I promise I’ll stand with you whatever you do.”
Chapter 16
“You can’t keep that thing in the house,” Mrs. August's voice echoed down the hall along with a soft sob from Beverly as Hester and Cecil returned.
“Oh dear,” Hester glanced at the man beside her and together they raced up the stairs.
“Mrs. August whatever is the matter?” Hester asked as Beverly glared at the housekeeper, tears shimmering in defiant eyes.
“This child thinks she can keep this mangy creature in the house,” Mrs. August spat pointing at the crate with the mother cat and kittens. “It won’t do.”
Hester hurried around the housekeeper, kneeling at the crate. “She has kittens,” Hester looked up at Beverly and smiled.
“Byron said she would be a wonderful mouser,” the girl sniffed. “You said we needed a cat for catching mice. Please don’t make me get rid of her.” The girl turned imploring eyes to her uncle.
“You can keep her,” Cecil said flashing a glance at Hester who nodded. “Mrs. August, you did say we should have a cat.”
“Yes, but look at her, she’d probably sickly.”
“She’s just trying to feed her kittens,” Hester said standing and dusting her skirt. “Beverly, I think it would be best if she went straight out to the house though. I’m sure she would be much happier out of this crate, don’t you agree?”
“Yes, but how can we take her there now?” The girl sniffed again. “She’ll be all alone out there.”
“She can explore and find the best place for her kittens,” Hester pressed. “She can also hunt which will make her useful.”
Mrs. August crossed her arms turning to glare at Cecil. “Mr. Payton surely a child like Beverly should have a better cat than this.”
“I think Miss Johnson is right,” Cecil replied noting the housekeeper's narrowed eyes. “I’ll take her and the kittens out to the house tonight. I’m sure they will be much happier there.”
Beverly nodded as tears slipped from her eyes. “She won’t run away will she?”
“I’m sure she will love the dusty old place. It must be full of mice to eat.” Cecil assured his niece. “You’ll see her first thing tomorrow.”
The cat meowed softly sniffing Beverly’s fingers, looking for more of the chicken the girl had fed her only moments ago.
“Will you take some food for her in case there are no mice?”
“I will,” Cecil agreed.
Beverly nodded pushing into Hester’s side.
***
Cecil gazed up at the moon as the horse he had hired from the taciturn hostler ambled toward the old house. He never would have imagined riding out into the night with a cat strapped behind his saddle. He grinned knowing that the crate was secured with the cat and her brood safely ensconced.
“Cat,” he mused, “I think my life has been turned upside down. Only a few months ago I was riding out in these same hills chasing cows without a care in the world. Now look at me, I’m responsible for two children and three adults.”
The man shook his head letting his mind roll over the changes in his life. He had always had the wanderlust, never staying long in any place. He had come from a humble home, but his parents had been good and loving folks. His brother, Carver, had been the ambitious one. He had built a business, had a family, all of the things that Cecil had shunned.
Now everything was changed and he found his mind turning back to the young woman who had helped him see the light. Hester Johnson was all the things a woman should be. Not only was she pretty, she was intelligent, kind, and hard working. She had never shirked from a single job she had been given, and with her uncle as guardian, Cecil had gained not only and extra set of hands but someone to call friend. He and Hyke had worked well together, stripping boards from the windows and checking to make sure that the house was sound if musty.
“I hope you like your new home cat,” Cecil spoke again. “I already like it better than the fancy house my brother had back in the city. I’ve never been one for fussing, and all those people doing for me nearly rubbed me raw. Even if the place needs a passel of work, I’d rather be here. I’d rather be among people I can call friend and work with than have all those fancy things.”
The big house came into sight, a looming shadow in the moonlight and Cecil shivered. This house, tall, elegant, and well built, was nothing more than a shell. It had never been lived in, never developed a soul, and the cold exterior seemed almost forbidding in the darkness of night.
Pulling the horse to a stop, Cecil gazed around him at the forlorn home. Like him, it had never been settled and had sat lonely and alone in the far reaches of the west. Perhaps this was a chance for Cecil to find roots. To create a sense of permanence and security as the house became a home. An image of Hester Johnson swam before his eyes, but he pushed it away.
Swinging down from the saddle, Cecil untied the crate, lifting a growling cat from the back of his mount. “I know,” he said with a grin. “You don’t like being carted all over the place on a horse. Well this is the end of the line, for both of us. We’d better make the best of it. You’ll get a house full of mice to clear out and I’ll have a family.”
Pushing through the door into the silent house, Cecil wondered if he really was building a family. Yes, his niece and nephew were his responsibility, but he had no one to call his own. He was still the wanderer, the one who rode alone, and the realization made him cold. Hester’s warm hazel gaze floated before him and he felt his heart turn over. A woman like her as a wife, not a servant would be a start in building a family. Was he worthy of making a try for the young woman’s heart?
Cecil carried the crate into the empty house moving toward the kitchen. He had spent all day cleaning, dusting and moving furniture while they had explored the house.
The place was much bigger than he had expected it to be, and fully furnished right down to dishes in the cupboards. A chill washed over him as he sat the crate by the kitchen stove and gathered some kindling from a box before popping the lid off the cat’s crate.
“This is it,” he said, pulling the matches from his vest pocket and starting a fire in the cook stove. He could only hope that nothing had decided to nest in the chimney as the flame caught and light filled the room.
Settling on the hard floor, Cecil watched as the cat stuck her head out of the crate, whiskers wiggling with each sniff of the air. He had to smile as the scrawny ca
t rose up on hind legs, finally hopping out of the crate and slinking away to a dark corner. He was sure the animal wouldn’t abandon her kittens, so he watched quietly, gently urging the fire to warm the room.
Tomorrow would be another fresh start, a new day to put the place together. Yawning, Cecil rubbed tired eyes and eased back against a solid cabinet door. Between the travel, hard work, and long day he was exhausted both mentally and physically. Adding another log to the fire, he leaned his head against the counter top and quickly fell asleep.
Chapter 17
“Where’s Uncle Cecil?” Beverly asked as they finished breakfast the next morning. “He did take the cat to the house didn’t he?”
