A Home for Her Heart

by Janet Lee Barton

  * * *

  John couldn’t remember a better day at work. His editor was very happy with the feedback he’d gotten on John’s Sunday article.

  “Not everyone was thrilled with it, mind you,” he’d said, sitting at his desk with John across from him. “There were a few who voiced dissatisfaction, but I know why. And no amounts of anonymous threats are going to make me stop printing your articles. In fact, I’d like to put two out a week. They still won’t be on the front page, but I’d like to print one on Sunday and one on Wednesday if you can handle it. It’ll mean a small raise. Are you up to it?”

  Was he up to it? He’d been ready for this for years. “Yes, sir, I am. But these threats? What is the reason for them?”

  “John, I suspect there are those in the city who don’t care how they make their money as long as they continue to acquire it. But they aren’t as motivated to take care of their investments. They’d rather just sell their property for less than they paid for it, knowing they’ve made their investment over and over again in the time they’ve owned those buildings.”

  “Do you know who—”

  “No. And that’s what the threats are about. Obviously, they don’t want to be found out. But I think its time they are. You ready to do some digging?”

  “I am. I’ve already begun, actually.”

  “It may take a while, but you’ll find the owners, I’m sure of it.”

  “Might I ask what kind of threats you’ve received?”

  His editor shrugged. “Mostly that they’ll pull their advertising. I don’t think they’ll carry through with them. Of course, they might, but then I’ll have an idea of who they are and we’ll be closer to finding out what buildings they own.”

  “Surely they’d know that?”

  “One would think. Anyway, go full steam ahead on those articles. I do need you to cover one more charity event and then Fredrick is going to take over that column for you so you have time to work on these kinds of articles.”

  “When is the charity event?”

  “It’s this weekend at the home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. They want to get one more event in before they go to The Breakers for the summer. And he’s mentioned he’d like to meet you.” He handed him the particulars on a piece of paper.

  John took the note and tried not to show his surprise. “That’s quite an honor. I’ve covered several events at the Vanderbilts’, but Cornelius always seemed much too busy to notice me.” Cornelius Vanderbilt II was one of the hardest-working in his family and from all accounts, he was kind and always willing to give to a good cause.

  John stood to take his leave. “Thank you for giving me a chance to do this series of stories, sir.”

  “I see promise in you, John. Don’t disappoint me.”

  “I’ll certainly try not to, sir.” The two shook hands and John waited until he walked out of the room, down the stairs and out the door of the Tribune before grinning from ear to ear. His articles might not be on the front page yet, but he had his own byline and if all went well, he felt sure he’d make it. If he could crack this story—get the names of people who owned those buildings—he’d make the front page.

  It was all he could do to keep from letting out a loud whoop and kicking his heels together.

  He had a lot of work to do and he’d stay with it until he found who owned those deplorable buildings. If threats were being made there was no telling who was involved. His boss wanted more articles and he had a ball game with Elizabeth to look forward to at the end of the week. He couldn’t even complain about having to cover the Vanderbilt function.

  He couldn’t wait to tell everyone who’d encouraged him about the article—especially Elizabeth. It was her idea to include the need for more child-care homes in his articles, and he was sure that helped garner even more interest in the stories. He wanted her to be the first to know. He pulled his watch out of his pocket. It was four-thirty. If he hurried, he could catch Elizabeth as she left the Delineator’s offices and they could ride the trolley home together.

  Chapter Eleven

  Elizabeth was more than a little surprised to see John just outside her office building. He was standing near the front door watching people leave. She couldn’t imagine why he was there. She rushed up to him. “John, what are you doing here? Is something wrong?”

  He smiled and shook his head. “No. Everything is fine, Elizabeth. I just, well, I was in the area and hoped we could catch a ride home together.”

  Something must be up. He looked happier than she’d ever seen him. “Of course we can.”

  They fell into step together and arrived at the trolley stop just as it was pulling up. They gave the driver their tokens and found an empty seat midway back. Elizabeth slipped in and scooted over toward the window while John slipped in beside her.

  “What brought you near the Delineator today? Are you following a news story over this way?”

  His blue eyes studied her as if he were thinking about what to say. “No, I came specifically to meet up with you. I have some news to share and I wanted you to be the first to know.”

  “Did you find out who owns the buildings we’ve seen?” He looked so excited she figured it must be that.

  “No. But I intend to.” There was another smile hovering around his lips. Something was definitely going on.

  “Then what is it?” she said half-exasperatedly. Then he looked into her eyes and let loose the smile that sent her pulse charging through her veins like a racehorse at the starting shot.

  “I have some news. My boss wants two articles a week. No front page yet, but he says he sees promise in me.”

  “Oh, John, that’s not some news, it is wonderful news!” And it was. It looked as if he’d soon have his byline on the front page. She couldn’t help but be happy for him.

  He let out a huge sigh. “I couldn’t wait until tonight to tell you, Elizabeth. You’ve been very encouraging and I wanted you to be the first to know.”

  Her heart seemed to melt inside her chest at his words. All this time, it never really dawned on her that her opinion meant that much to him.

  “Thank you for telling me first, John. I’m very happy for you. You’ve wanted this for a long time—more than anything else.” Or so she’d thought. Now that it was within his grasp, would it satisfy him? Was that all he really wanted in life?

  His brow furrowed for a moment before he smiled again. “Thank you, Elizabeth. I—”

  The trolley stopped to take on more people and John got up to let an expectant woman take his seat. Elizabeth smiled at her and then up at John. He really was considerate. Had she somehow missed that about him during all the sparring they used to do? They didn’t bandy words over their work that much anymore. Was that because they’d been working together or because they’d gotten to know more about each other? Or was it because she’d come to care for him as more than someone to bandy words with? As more than a friend?

  * * *

  Elizabeth was happy for him. John could see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice. But his heart was heavy, for her words had opened his eyes to how she and others must think of him—that the only thing he was interested in, the only thing he cared about, was becoming a lead reporter with his articles on the front page of the Tribune.

  And that was true, at least until lately. Oh, he still wanted it very badly. But it wasn’t all he thought about any longer. No. The woman conversing with the lady he’d given up his seat for had been taking up a lot of his thinking these days. When he counted the dreams he’d been having, he’d have to say she’d overtaken most of his thoughts and he knew his feelings for her were growing. But the risk of caring about her more than he already did put too much on the line. He was way more attracted to her than any other woman he had known. In fact, he feared his feelings for Elizabeth already far surpassed what he’d fel
t for Melody.

  And if that were true, he felt he was headed for heartbreak. Elizabeth was way out of his league. It didn’t matter if she lived at Heaton House and worked for a living. Deep down he was sure he didn’t have a chance with her. But how did he keep his feelings for her from deepening? How did he stop the dreams?

  * * *

  John had wondered whether or not to announce his news at dinner. Now that he realized everyone thought moving up at the paper was all he cared about, he was a little hesitant to mention it.

  But once dinner was under way, Elizabeth nudged him. “Aren’t you going to tell everyone your news?”

  “What news? What are you keeping from us, John?” Mrs. Heaton asked from the end of the table.

  “Yes, John, what news do you have to share?” Ben asked.

  “Oh, it’s not all that big.”

  “It is, too,” Elizabeth insisted. “Tell them. Or I’ll do it for you.”

  He couldn’t help but grin at the glint in her eye. She meant what she said.

  “I was called into my editor’s office today and, well, he wants two articles a week on the tenements. They won’t be on the front page, but near there and he gave the impression that might be possible one day.”

  His news was met with congratulations from everyone around the table.

  “Why, John, that’s wonderful. And of course it is possible!” Mrs. Heaton exclaimed. “I wish I’d known earlier, I would have made you a celebration dinner. But I’ll plan it for tomorrow night.”

  “Oh, Mrs. Heaton, there’s no need for you to go to the trouble.”

  “John Talbot, you know I love any reason to celebrate with my boarders. We’ll have your favorites tomorrow night.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Heaton, I’ll be looking forward to it.”

  “And we could all take a walk after dinner tonight for ice cream,” Luke suggested.

  “I like that idea, don’t you, John?” Elizabeth grinned at him, sending his heart hammering inside his chest.

  If she wanted ice cream, he was happy to go along. “That sounds great. But it’s my treat. I got a raise, too.”

  “Now that’s the kind of news to celebrate,” Ben said. “Count me in for ice cream.”

  John laughed. “Will do.” He’d never expected the raise, but he was very pleased with it. And everyone had been so supportive, he was happy to be able to show them how much he appreciated them.

  It was still warm out when they all headed out the door, so getting ice cream sounded better than ever. John fell into step with Elizabeth, as he’d become accustomed to doing.

  She looked up at him and smiled. “It’s nice that you are able to take more time to go on outings with us all. Are you totally finished with covering high society goings-on?” She hoped so. He’d missed many of the group outings because of his assignments.

  “Almost. My boss said I only had one more society event to do. I can’t tell you how glad I was to hear that. I’ve never been comfortable covering those kinds of things. Charity events are one thing, but the balls and all that kind of thing that are held to impress others gets to be too much at times.”

  “I know. I’m thankful that most of what I cover for the Delineator are the charity events. I’ve never been comfortable with all the hoopla of the other, either.”

  “Really?” Her words surprised him. Elizabeth worked for a women’s magazine and he’d always assumed that most women had a great interest in all the social goings-on in the city. Besides, there was that something about her that made him think she’d be comfortable in that setting.

  “Really. Much of the daily goings-on of the wealthy seem meaningless to me. Oh, I don’t mean they don’t do good things. They certainly do. And this city benefits greatly from their generosity. But—”

  “Come on, you two,” Luke said once they arrived at the soda shop. “We’re ready for ice cream and John’s paying.”

  “We’d better get in there,” Elizabeth said. “No telling what you’ll have to pay for if you don’t.”

  John chuckled. He would much rather have heard what Elizabeth was about to say, but he’d offered to treat everyone and he needed to be the host. He took hold of her elbow and steered her inside. “I don’t think it will be that bad. What are you wanting?”

  “Hmm, I think I’d like a chocolate sundae.”

  “Sounds good to me, too.” He walked up to the counter. “Two chocolate sundaes and whatever the rest of this group wants. Let me know what it comes to.”

  The man behind the cash register grinned. “You can be sure I will, sir.”

  They all gathered around a large round table and were soon enjoying their sweet confections. Too many conversations were going on at one time and John did what he usually did when that happened. He sat back and listened.

  The women were talking about Kathleen and Luke’s upcoming wedding, while the men were talking about the upcoming baseball outing. Although, every once in a while he’d catch Luke looking at his bride-to-be with such love and indulgence, John almost felt envious that his friend had a loving relationship. Deep down, John longed for the same thing, and for the first time in a very long time, he wondered if it’d ever be truly possible for him.

  “You’re a lucky man, Luke.”

  His friend turned his attention away from Kathleen and grinned. “Oh, I know. I’m blessed beyond my wildest dreams. I hope the same will happen for you one day, too, my friend.”

  “I’m not holding my breath.” But he wished for the same thing. John pulled his thoughts up short. What was he thinking? He’d made up his mind long ago that he wasn’t going to fall in love again. Wasn’t going to let himself care that way about a woman again.

  Elizabeth laughed at something Kathleen said and his gaze riveted to her. My, she was lovely. She made him wish all kinds of things and he was beginning to wonder if he had any control over his feelings at all when it came to her. They seemed to deepen each and every day.

  He shook his head. Longing for something didn’t mean it could or would happen. His past experience had taught him that and he’d best not forget it. She must have felt his eyes on her for she turned and looked directly at him. Her smile lingered in her eyes, which deepened in color as their gazes met and held. His chest tightened. Remembering all that’d he’d vowed he would never do again was one thing. But keeping that vow was going to be much easier said than done.

  * * *

  Elizabeth’s breath caught as she saw John looking at her with something in his eyes she’d never seen before. Whatever it was, the expression in them turned her heart to pure mush. What was happening to her?

  What was happening to him? He seemed to be changing right before her eyes, or was it her who was undergoing some kind of change? She forced her gaze from his and tried to turn her attention back to what Kathleen was saying but her thoughts were all over the place.

  She’d never seen John enjoying himself with the group as much as he seemed to tonight. It was as if he were more relaxed, more attuned to what was going on around him. Not long ago, even when he’d joined them on an outing or in the parlor to play games or sing around the piano, he seemed to distance himself a bit. And she realized that’s what was different now.

  He seemed to be part of the group instead of looking in on it. It was almost as if he’d been an observer before, which could have been just the way most reporters reacted, but now he was joining in and letting himself enjoy spending time with everyone instead of holding himself aloof.

  He seemed more interested in the things going on around him than just his work. He had been excited about the raise and the promotion, but it wasn’t all he was talking about. Maybe now that he seemed to be moving in the direction he wanted in his profession, he felt he could live his life more fully. She looked over at him once again and felt her face flush with wa
rmth when his eyes met hers. He smiled and she took a shaky breath before smiling in return.

  That man’s smile seemed to be more powerful by the hour. How was she going to fight this attraction she felt for him when he smiled at her like that?

  * * *

  The walk back home was a leisurely one, with everyone spacing out enough to carry on a conversation. Elizabeth and John were the last to leave the ice cream parlor, as he wanted to give the waiter a tip.

  By the time they left, only Kathleen and Luke were visible, walking slowly, surely so they would have more time alone to talk. “Should we catch up with them and play chaperon or let them be?”

  The couple were obviously only aware of each other, walking close with their heads turned to each other. “I think we can chaperon from a distance,” Elizabeth said.

  “I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.” He couldn’t say he was disappointed in Elizabeth’s answer. It gave him more time with her. They matched their pace to the couple in front, being sure to give them space enough to speak privately.

  “Kathleen told me about another building we should check out. I have the address in my reticule. I’ll give it to you when we get back to Heaton House.”

  “What did she say about it?”

  “She said it was even more deplorable than the others. That some of the tenants had complained that they couldn’t open their windows to get any fresh air.”

  “That’s not good at all. It’s been plenty warm lately and bound to get warmer in the next few months.”

  “I know. Maybe we should check it out.”

  “Could you go tomorrow?” John asked. He’d come to like having her along.

  “I would. I could probably leave around lunchtime again, if that’s agreeable to you.”

  “That would be fine. I’ll meet you like I did last time.”

  “I can meet you, John. I hate for you to have to go out of your way, when I can just as easily meet you wherever you say.”