“I’m worried about the children.”
Patting her on the arm, her mother said, “You know how resilient children can be.”
“Minnie is speaking.” Elsie’s heart lifted a bit with the knowledge that at least one thing had gone right today.
“That’s wonderful news! We should send up prayers of thanksgiving.”
“Oh, Mama, what have I done?” She pressed her hand against her mouth to still the fresh sobs. “I thought I’d been doing what the Lord intended for me to do. I accepted the offer of this job to help save money to pay for my future travels. I knew I could be of service to his little family. But then . . .” She hesitated.
Her mother tucked a hand under her chin, tipping her head so she could see into her eyes, a gesture that brought to mind Elsie’s childhood days. It calmed her. Her mother’s brown eyes looked at her, steady and calm, when all Elsie could see in front of her was the storm swirling around them.
“But then you fell in love with William Benton.” Her mother finished her thoughts.
Blinking back tears, Elsie nodded. “Yes, I did. I didn’t want or expect this to happen.”
Dropping her hand, her mother said, “Sometimes the Lord has bigger plans.”
“And he never gives us more than we can handle. But I’m afraid that Will went too far by putting us in danger.”
Elsie couldn’t believe she had let herself be taken in by another man who’d betrayed her and used her to further his gains. “Mama, I’m not sure I can forgive him.”
“You forgave Virgil, and you will forgive your gentleman.”
“Be that as it may, I regret forgiving Virgil. His intentions toward me were never good, you know. As for Will, let’s just say I may have learned my lesson concerning men the hard way.”
“Elsie, it’s not like you to be so bitter.”
“I’ve had a long day, Mama. Perhaps I will lie down for a bit.” Rising, she added, “But first I need to check on the children.”
Accompanying her to the front porch, her mother said, “They seem to be happy enough on those swings. Look at how high they’re going.”
The swings that Will had put up. She tried not to think of all the other things they’d done to make this a better place for the children. The hurt of his betrayal was too fresh.
Lily saw Elsie and her mother standing in the doorway, so leaving the children to play, she joined them.
“Elsie, Will sent over a message that there will be dinner for everyone at the restaurant. After what happened today, he doesn’t want to burden you with any chores.”
“That’s mighty nice of him, considering we wouldn’t be in this predicament if it hadn’t been for his actions.”
Lily fixed a sharpened gaze on her. “Mrs. Mitchell, would you mind watching the children while I have a word with your daughter?”
“Go on, Mama. I’ll be fine.”
Lily didn’t waste any time getting to the point of her conversation. “I’ve known William Benton for a long time. We’ve worked together on many cases for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. If I know one thing about him, it’s that he’s the most loyal person I know. And he doesn’t give his affections easily.”
Walking out onto the porch, Elsie sat in one of the rockers, yet another reminder of Will. “I know he’s loyal. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have kept his job a secret from me.”
“He wants to do what’s right.”
Elsie couldn’t bear to hear Lily sing any more praises for Will. She needed some time alone to think. She thought it a good idea that the children join their uncle for dinner. He could see for himself that they were doing all right. No doubt, they needed to see him, too.
“Take the children to meet their uncle. Please give Will my regrets. As much as a dinner out would be tempting, I’m afraid I’m not up to being out in public just yet.” She knew her words came out sounding wooden.
The last part of her statement held the truth. She didn’t think she could abide by all the stares and well-meaning concerns of her neighbors and friends. She felt certain that word of what had happened at her parents’ house had spread like a wildfire throughout the small town.
“I will do as you ask, but not before I say one more thing. Will is in love with you. He’s not going to let you go easily, Elsie. Think on that while we’re gone.” In a swirl of skirts the woman turned and went down the front steps.
Her mother came back onto the porch, and Elsie told her to have her father bring the wagon by in an hour’s time. When her mother started to protest, Elsie hugged her, and then releasing her, she sent her off.
Elsie heard Lily telling the children they’d be going to meet their uncle. Harry turned to look at her, seeking her permission. She raised her hand, forcing a smile to her face, and waved them off.
She sat on the porch for a long time after they were gone, thinking about the day’s events, working at putting all the pieces together. She couldn’t imagine what had led to Virgil’s downfall.
She’d known of him for a long time before they’d started seeing each other. When he’d come courting, he seemed like a fine gentleman, and she, being well on her way to spinsterhood, had been flattered by his attentions. He’d proposed marriage one day and she’d accepted, and then he broke their engagement off. Leaving her alone. She’d no idea he’d been gambling away money as fast as it came to him.
And then there was the matter of Will. Elsie didn’t want to think about what might have been. The pain in her heart was still so fresh, like a raw, open wound.
Tipping her head back, she watched a robin tend to babies in a nest in the eave of the porch. She’d been tending to Harry and Minnie like they were her babies . . . only they didn’t belong to her. Folding her hands in her lap, she bowed her head. The prayer she sent forth held anguish and desperation. She prayed for the strength to go on without the children, without Will. She prayed that she’d be able to find it in her heart to one day stop loving the man. Ending with an amen, she got up from the rocker and made her way to her quarters.
Finding her traveling satchel, she began stuffing her dresses and toiletries inside. When she’d fit as much as the container would hold, she latched it closed. She would send her father back for the remainder of her belongings. She needed to be gone before Will and the children came home. With shaking hands, she went into the kitchen. It took her a minute to find a writing utensil and some paper. Quickly she scribbled a note to Will, hoping he would understand her actions and know this was the right thing for her to do.
Gathering her schoolwork, and taking her shawl off the coatrack, she picked up the handle of the satchel and walked out the front door, slamming up against the wall of Will’s chest.
“Oof!” She exhaled sharply. “What are you doing here?” she snapped.
Chapter Eighteen
“I came to check on you.”
Stepping to one side, she tried to look around him to see if the children were with him, but in shifting his stance to mirror her movement, he blocked her.
“Mr. Benton!” she huffed out in exasperation. “Are Harry and Minnie with you? Because I don’t want them to see me leaving.”
“They’re enjoying supper with Lily.”
“Lily! She must have overheard me telling my mother to have my father bring the wagon around for me. So she told you I’d be leaving?”
“She did.”
When he didn’t say anything more, Elsie thought he might let her go without a fight, but she’d never been more wrong.
Edging closer to her, he said, “You can’t leave.”
“Don’t you see? I can’t stay here anymore.”
He countered, “We can work this out.”
Shaking her head, she tried to push past him, but he appeared to be as unmovable as the mountains off in the distance. She leaned an elbow into his side, pushing against him. “Please. Let me leave before Harry and Minnie come home.”
He brought his arms down, laying his hands along her upper arms. She felt hi
s strength and the warmth from his fingertips penetrating the sleeves of her dress. She smelled his scent, masculine and woodsy. His chambray shirt moved against his chest as he took in a breath. Exhaling, he rested his chin lightly atop her head.
“Stay.”
She shook her head. She wanted to hear him say that he loved her. She wanted him to admit he’d been wrong to not tell her who he really was.
“No.”
“Please.”
Her father’s wagon rattled to a stop at the end of the walkway. Will released his hold on her.
“No.” She firmly repeated the word even though every fiber of her being shouted for her to stay.
Lowering her head so she wouldn’t have to see her pain reflected in his eyes, she scurried down the walkway. But not before she heard the sound of Minnie’s voice off in the distance. The sound brought such joy and sorrow to her heart at the same time.
Will had come up behind her. “Don’t leave them, Elsie.”
Dropping her bag to the walkway, she turned on him. “How dare you use those children to further your gain? Haven’t you done that enough already?”
“I can understand how you might see things that way, Elsie. But I did not use them.”
“But you did, Will. You brought them here, letting them believe you would be taking care of them, letting them think that this was going to be their home. When the only reason you came here to begin with was because you were chasing down your bond thief.”
Swiping the tears from her cheeks, she continued, “What kind of man uses children in such a manner?”
“That was never my intent. Deep in your heart you know it. Harry and Minnie are my flesh and blood. I would never do anything to hurt them.”
“And what about me, Will? What about us? I know you’ve been aware of the feelings growing between us.” Tilting her head at him, she said, “And yet you chose to lie to me at every turn. I can’t forget about that. And I can’t trust that you’ll ever be honest with me. I can’t forgive you.”
“I hear the children coming. Elsie, please, think about what you’re leaving will do.”
Honestly, she wanted to throttle the man. But he was right. Harry and Minnie didn’t deserve to be the ones hurt by their actions. They were the true innocents in this mess. Placing her hands on her hips, she squared her shoulders.
“I’ll stay. But make no mistake about my decision, Mr. Benton. I’m doing this for that little boy and girl. No one else except them.”
It wasn’t lost on Will that Elsie had taken to calling him Mr. Benton again. Still, he wanted to shout from the mountaintop with jubilation. Tamping down his feeling of relief and, yes, even joy, Will knew he had a long way to go to earn her forgiveness. Convincing her to stay was a good start. He watched her go over to speak to her father. He kissed his daughter on the forehead and then gave Will a stern look.
The man hadn’t cared much for Will before all this had happened. He imagined Mr. Mitchell really didn’t wish his daughter to be living here now. Picking up Elsie’s bag, he headed on into the house. After leaving her things in her quarters, he came back into the kitchen, noticing the note she’d left propped up against the flowers in the center of the table. Picking up the piece of paper, he read what she’d written. The words were slanted on the page in her elegant handwriting.
Mr. Benton,
I’m afraid I cannot abide by your recent actions. I feel that my services are no longer needed in your home. I will be returning to my parents’ house. Please know that Harry and Minnie are welcome to come visit me anytime they wish. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Elsie Mitchell
He frowned, realizing his victory at convincing her to stay was only a small step in the long process of gaining her trust and affections again. He heard the front door open and close. The floorboards in the parlor creaked as her heels tapped lightly over it.
She entered the kitchen with her mouth drawn in a thin line. Her eyes narrowed when she saw that he held her good-bye note in his hand. In two short steps she came to the table, snatching the paper from him.
“I guess we won’t be needing this.” Crumpling the paper into a ball, she tossed it in the waste bin.
“Elsie—” He reached out to her.
She batted his hand away. “I think you should address me as Miss Mitchell.”
Giving a shake of his head, he said, “No. I’ll be calling you Elsie.”
“Suit yourself. I’m going to unpack my bag. Then I think I’ll take a rest before the children come home.”
“But what about your supper? Aren’t you hungry?”
“I’m afraid I don’t have much of an appetite. It’s been a long day, and tomorrow is the start of another school week.”
He certainly had tossed her life upside down. There was no avoiding that, and he well knew it. Still, he wouldn’t have changed a thing about the way he’d handled this case. At the time he’d met her, his first loyalty had been to his job. He didn’t imagine she’d like to hear that.
He’d done his job. Maybe not in the way she would have liked, but he’d caught the bond thief just like he’d set out to do.
“I’ll be out on the porch should you need anything.”
“Fine.” Turning away from him, she went into her rooms. The door shut firmly behind her.
Will wasn’t sure, but he could have sworn he heard her latch the lock on the door. She was angrier than he’d ever seen. He guessed he’d just have to wait her out, then they could talk this through. Except that was going to be easier said than done.
The children arrived home shortly afterward. Not wanting to disturb Elsie, he helped them get ready for bed.
“Is Miss Elsie feeling sickly?” Harry asked as Will helped him into his nightclothes.
“No. She’s had a very long day.”
“I was so afraid when we found her with that man. He had a gun. Did you hear Minnie scream? She was really loud.” Harry grinned.
“Yes, she was.” Will ruffled the little girl’s hair.
“I thought that terrible man was going to hurt our Miss Elsie. I’m glad you were there, Uncle Will.”
Uncle Will. He didn’t think he’d ever get tired of hearing her say his name. “Well, I can’t tell you how happy everyone is that you’re speaking again, Minnie.”
Hugging Hazel, she said, “I had to yell. How else would you have known where to find us?”
“But you didn’t know I was out in the yard.”
“No. But I prayed real hard, and the Lord heard me and he sent you and Miss Lily to find us.”
Will didn’t know what to say to that, so he just finished getting them ready for bed. Once they were safely tucked in with the yellow patchwork quilt covering them up to their chins, he bent to give them each a kiss on the forehead.
Harry reminded him, “Uncle Will, we still need to say our prayers.”
Two sets of hands popped out from underneath the blankets. Both children folded their hands neatly under their chins.
Minnie exclaimed, “I’m going to say our prayers tonight, Harry! You don’t always get them right.”
“You could have told me what you wanted me to say.”
Giggling, Minnie began, “Dear Lord, thank you for sending Uncle Will to save us. Thank you for sending Miss Lily, too. She’s very nice. Specially, thank you for watching over Miss Elsie and Uncle Will. Amen.”
She settled back against her pillow and then quickly shot back up to a sitting position. Folding her hands once more, she added, “I almost forgot. Please make Uncle Will and Miss Elsie smile again. Amen.”
For a few minutes Will couldn’t move. And then, clearing his throat, he stood. “You two have a good night’s sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Don’t forget to leave the lamp on low like Miss Elsie always does,” Harry reminded him.
Making his way down the staircase, he wondered what Elsie would think if she’d heard Minnie’s last prayer. No doubt she�
�d make a run for the hills. But the girl’s prayerful request got him to pondering what life could be like if he and Elsie were to marry. He could settle here full-time. Hearing Minnie’s voice had changed him on the inside. Being here in this house . . . no, this home . . . made him realize how good it felt to be in the same bed every night. Except his life had changed in more ways than just having the same bed to come home to every night. He came home to people who loved him and needed him. Will hadn’t been needed by anyone in a long time. He needed them, too.
He didn’t want to go back out on the road, chasing down the next criminal, closing the next case. He wanted to be here with Harry and Minnie. And Elsie.
He heard a pot rattle on the stove. Entering the kitchen, he saw her standing there with her hair loose, the ends hanging down, brushing against the curve of her waist. She’d changed out of her mud-stained dress into her nightclothes. Her cream-colored wrapper was tied snuggly about her.
She turned around when she heard him enter the kitchen. Her face had been scrubbed clean and now looked pale in the glow of the lantern light. But her violet eyes were wide and staring right at him. She looked beautiful. He wanted to say those words to her. But he didn’t think in her state of anger she’d be happy to hear them. She opened her mouth as if to speak and then quickly snapped it shut. She nibbled on her bottom lip. He saw her toe tapping beneath the hem of her nightgown. He bit back a grin. To him, this marked some progress in their standoff. It meant she was ready for a fight. Well, so was he.
“I’ve been thinking about our circumstances.”
Leaning against the doorjamb, he carefully folded his arms across his chest. “Have you now.”
“Yes. I’ve decided some new rules need to be in place.”
“More rules. Haven’t I been abiding by them enough already?”
She tipped her chin down, leveling her gaze on him. “Hardly.”
“Fine. Go on.”
“We will carry on civil conversations for the sake of the children, but nothing more. Dinner will be on the table at six o’clock and you will be present.”
A Changed Agent Page 19
