“I don’t mind. The trip wouldn’t take more than two hours if I borrowed one of my uncle’s horses.”
“But Sunday is your only day to rest. I’d hate to see you spend it riding back and forth to see me when we’d only have time for a short visit.”
He reached for her hand. “Please, Maggie. I miss you more than I can say.”
Her tongue suddenly felt thick and stuck to the roof of her mouth. She’d known Joseph cared for her, but she didn’t think he would declare his feelings today, not right here in the street where she had no easy way to avoid giving him an answer.
Nate bent and picked up a small piece of melted blue-and-white pottery. Had it been a piece of a china plate or part of a teacup transformed by the fire into this colorful round nugget? He tucked it into his pocket to show Maggie. Perhaps it would be meaningful to her.
“Can you tell me how large the front room of the shop should be?” Mr. Ledbetter lifted his bushy dark eyebrows and poised his pencil over his notepad.
“I’m not sure of the dimensions. Shall I ask Miss Lounsbury?”
Mr. Ledbetter held up his hand. “Not yet. I’ll jot down a list of questions to ask her after we’re finished in here.”
Nate nodded, then he clasped his hands behind his back and looked into the remains of the glass display case. It was nothing more than a pile of melted metal and glass now. He was glad Maggie had not come in. It was difficult enough to look at the ruined shop from the outside. If she had to walk through this charred and melted mess, it would be even more painful.
Mr. Ledbetter climbed over several blackened beams and examined the south wall. He sighed and shook his head, then made a note on his pad.
“Now that you see the condition of the interior, how long do you think it will take to finish the job?”
“It’s hard to say.” Mr. Ledbetter used his foot to push aside one of the charred beams. “We’ll have to clear away all this wreckage before we can start rebuilding.” He pointed to the front wall. “Some of that stone can stay, but other sections will have to be knocked down and replaced before we can do much on the inside or add the upper story.”
“Do you think two months or maybe three?”
Mr. Ledbetter frowned. “That might be enough time, if everything goes smoothly, but that’s rarely the case. More likely it will take four months, possibly five, if we run into any problems or delays. And you can almost count on that.”
Nate glanced around once again. “I understand.”
Maggie might not be happy to hear her shop wouldn’t reopen until late summer or early fall, but he wouldn’t be sorry to have her stay at Morningside longer than he’d expected. Surely that would be enough time to strengthen their friendship and affection for each other.
Thank You, Lord. It’s like You to take the painful loss from the fire and turn it around for good. Please give me wisdom and show me how to help Maggie through this challenging time. Soften her heart toward me, strengthen our friendship, and if it’s Your will, open the door for more.
A ripple of surprise traveled through him. Was that what he was truly considering, a deeper, long-lasting commitment to Maggie? Of course he’d always been fond of her and admired her spirit and determination, her caring heart, her creativity.
That summer before he’d left Morningside to take up his naval commission, his feelings for Maggie had begun to change from friendship to affection. But then her parents and sister died, and the years of simmering conflict between him and his father and stepmother came to a head. He’d left home determined to make his own way in the world and put the past behind him.
All those years he’d kept his memories of Maggie locked away, and he thought that was all they were: fond memories to be taken out and enjoyed when he was feeling low or alone…until he returned to Morningside and their paths crossed again. Now he was beginning to believe there might be a future for them.
“I think I’ve seen everything I need for now.” Mr. Ledbetter’s words pulled Nate out of his reverie. The builder tapped his pencil on his notepad and motioned toward the entrance. “After you, sir.”
Nate made his way toward the front door, eager to rejoin Maggie and discuss the builder’s projections. When he stepped outside, he spotted Maggie a few yards away, engaged in conversation with a tall blond man.
Recognition flashed through Nate, and his shoulders tensed. The look on Joseph Neatherton’s face reflected longing…and much more.
Nate set off toward them. When he was only a few feet away, Joseph reached for Maggie’s hand and leaned toward her with a beseeching look.
Alarm shot through Nate. “Maggie!” His voice rang out louder than he’d intended.
She turned, her eyes wide.
Nate’s gaze darted from Maggie’s face to their clasped hands.
Her cheeks flushed, and she slipped her hand from Joseph’s. Was she embarrassed to be caught holding Joseph’s hand, or was she upset with Nate for interrupting them? She straightened and met his gaze. “Are you and Mr. Ledbetter finished inside?”
“Yes, and he has a few questions for you.” Nate glanced over his shoulder. Mr. Ledbetter stood in front of the shop making notes on his pad.
“I’ll go speak to him now.” She turned back to Joseph. “Excuse me.”
Joseph nodded to Maggie. As she turned and walked away, he shot a perturbed glance at Nate.
Nate met Joseph’s challenge with one of his own. He walked a few steps toward Joseph and lowered his voice. “I’d suggest you keep a proper distance from Miss Lounsbury to protect her reputation and your own.”
Joseph squinted at Nate. “Just because your family owns a big estate and a fancy manor house, that doesn’t make you lord over everyone else.”
“I’m not suggesting it does. I’m simply looking out for Miss Lounsbury.”
“And what gives you the right to do that?”
“I’ve taken Miss Lounsbury and her grandmother and sister into my home and offered them my protection.”
“Protection…is that what you call it?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what it is. And I take my role very seriously.”
Joseph stepped toward Nate, determination glinting in his eyes. “You’d better watch yourself, Harcourt.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I mean Maggie has had enough hurt in her life, losing her parents and sister and struggling to provide for her grandmother and Violet. And now she’s lost her home and business. She doesn’t need you breaking her heart.”
Nate clamped his jaw. He would not let Joseph’s words shake him, but they stung all the same. “You should keep your own warning in mind.”
Joseph glared at him. “I’ve looked out for Maggie ever since she came to Heatherton, and I don’t intend to stop now.” He narrowed his eyes. “If you do anything to hurt her, I’ll—”
“I would never hurt Maggie.”
“You’d better not or you’ll find me on your doorstep more than ready to settle the score.” Joseph shot him one more heated glare, then turned and marched over to join his father and the other men unloading the wagon.
Nate’s pulse pounded in his temples as he replayed Joseph’s words. He might not like the way Joseph issued the warning, but the fact remained, Maggie had been hurt in the past and she was in a vulnerable position now.
He glanced her way, and the reality of his responsibility toward her became clear. If he wasn’t ready to declare his feelings and propose, then he must guard his words and actions. He should think of her like a sister and treat her as he would Clara.
But could he ever be satisfied with that?
He shifted his gaze from Maggie to Joseph. Did she love him? Had she set her heart on marrying Joseph Neatherton? Was the young boot maker just waiting to propose until his shop was rebuilt and he had a steady income again?
A powerful ache filled Nate’s chest, and he shook his head. He must not let that happen. He set his jaw, determination coursing through him. No matter t
he obstacles or how long it took, he would win Maggie’s heart and show her that he was worthy of her trust and love.
Lilly sat in the servants’ hall and stared at the mesmerizing flames dancing in the fireplace. Another Sunday had come and was almost gone, and she had not seen Rob. That morning, she’d attended church with her father and brother, then shared a meal with them at the Red Lion. After she bid them good-bye and they set off for her uncle’s farm, she stopped in to visit Rob’s family. She spent almost two hours with Mrs. Carter, Jane, and MaryAnn and had a pleasant visit, but all the while she’d been missing Rob. Finally, she took the lonesome walk back to Morningside.
She fingered the ruffle on the bottom edge of her white apron. Rob must be home by now. If only she could have stayed in the village long enough to see him, but if she had, she would not have returned in time to stay in the good graces of Mrs. Burnell and Mr. Jackson.
Andrew strode into the servants’ hall. He spotted her, and a teasing smile lifted the corners of his mouth. He crossed the room and handed her a folded piece of paper.
“What’s this?”
He lifted his brows. “A note for you.”
“Who is it from?”
He leaned down and lowered his voice. “If you don’t want to cause a stir, I’d suggest you read it outside in the courtyard.”
She pulled in a sharp breath and rose from her chair. “Thank you,” she whispered, then walked out of the servants’ hall. One glance at her name written on the folded note and her heart leaped. It was Rob’s writing. She was sure of it.
The sun had dipped behind the house when she stepped outside, but a rosy glow spread across the courtyard as she opened the note and read his message.
I’m waiting for you just past the main gate. Come and see me if you can. But if it would cause you too much trouble, don’t come. I’ll understand.
Love,
Rob
She slipped the note into her apron pocket, and with a quick glance over her shoulder at the empty courtyard, she started down the path toward the main gate. She walked at an easy pace, as though she was just out for an evening stroll. No one would question her for that, would they?
Her heartbeat quickened as she neared the tall stone gate. Would he still be waiting? Would she finally be able to hear his voice, see his dear face, and know he was all right?
Insects hummed a quiet evening song as she passed through the open gateway. Her steps slowed, and she scanned the trees on the right and the left.
“Psst, Lilly. Over here.”
She turned, following Rob’s voice, and spotted him just beyond the tree line, wearing his dark blue jacket and his cap pulled low over his eyes. A large brown horse stood beside him, and he held the reins in his hand. She hurried toward Rob, and they ducked into the trees, letting the cool, shady woods conceal them from view.
Rob reached for her hand. “I missed you, Lilly. I hope you’re not upset with me for coming.”
Warmth spread across her cheeks, and she smiled. “Of course I’m not upset. I’m always glad to see you.”
Relief flashed in his eyes. He pulled her close for a quick hug, then stepped back. “I heard about the fire at your father’s shop. I rode over there before I came up.” He shook his head. “Have you seen it?”
“Yes, we walked by after church.” She swallowed and tried to banish the awful memory of the burned wreckage. “Such a terrible waste.”
“I’m awful sorry.”
His sympathetic words eased away some of the pain. “I keep telling myself to be thankful. Father and Joseph could’ve been killed. Still, Father is terribly upset about losing the shop.”
“Of course he is. That’s his life’s work gone up in smoke.”
Lilly nodded. She’d been shocked when she’d seen her father that morning. He looked like he’d aged several years since the fire, and Joseph looked discouraged as well.
“Will they rebuild?”
“Yes, they’ve already started. My uncle and some friends are lending a hand.”
“That’s good to hear.” He wove his fingers through hers. “And how are you holding up? I hope the news of the fire hasn’t been too much for you.”
His tender touch and gentle words made her eyes sting. “I’m all right, but I’ve been worried about you, working such long days and having no time off on Sunday.”
He rubbed his thumb over the top of her hand and smiled at her. “You’ve no need to worry about me. I’m young and strong, and I’m keeping my head above water just fine.”
She returned his smile, the burden she’d been carrying feeling a bit lighter. “How is your father?”
His smile faded away, and he gave his head a slight shake. “He’s out of bed for a short time each day, but his mood is dark, and it’s hard on my mother.”
Lilly had noticed the tired lines around Mrs. Carter’s eyes during her visit. When Lilly asked her how she was doing, Mrs. Carter waved away her concern and said all was well, but Lilly could tell she carried a burden. Maybe it was more than just concern for her husband’s healing. Perhaps she’d heard the talk about mounting tensions at Clifton as well.
Lilly looked up at Rob. “Maggie told me some of the men from Clifton were marching through the village, shouting and making trouble.”
Rob’s brow creased, and he looked away.
A ripple of fear zinged down her back. “You weren’t with them, were you?”
“I went along, but I stayed in the back of the crowd.”
She pulled her hand from his. “Oh, Rob! How could you join a mob like that? Maggie said they forced Mr. Harcourt to stop his car, and they were making threats. It scared her and her grandmother and sister. And Mr. Harcourt wasn’t too happy either.”
“It wasn’t as bad as that. We were just marching through the village, and Mr. Harcourt came driving toward us. Some of the men surrounded the car, and there was a discussion, but Reverend Samuelson came out and made everyone settle down and listen.”
Her panic mounted. “Did Maggie see you? Did she know you were there?”
He shook his head. “I was far from the motorcar. She didn’t see me.”
“Are you sure?”
His mouth pinched into a tight line. “There were at least fifty men, and as I said, I was in the back.”
Lilly huffed out a breath and pointed at his chest. “Robert Carter, if you get yourself sacked for stirring up trouble, you’ll have no one to blame but yourself.”
“I had to go, Lilly. They would have called me a coward if I didn’t.”
She crossed her arms and turned away. Didn’t he realize if he lost his job, not only would their dreams be destroyed, but his family would suffer as well? “There are worse things than being called a coward.”
He laid his hand on her shoulder. “Please, Lilly, don’t be mad. I did it for us.”
She spun around. “How can you say that?”
“Our cause is just. Those changes are long overdue.”
“How is that for us?”
“We’re asking for a wage hike, shorter workdays, and more safety inspections. All those things will help me support my family and, some day, I hope and pray, you as well.”
“But if you keep pressing for change and anger the owners, it could all blow up in your face. They could sack everyone who protests. Then where would we be?”
Rob blew out a breath and looked toward the sky, obviously not convinced.
Heat flooded through her. “I won’t stand by silently while you put your job at risk by going along with a strike.”
“No one is striking yet.”
“But that’s what’s coming, and I can’t support your family as well as mine on a housemaid’s wages!”
His eyes narrowed and turned steely. “I never asked you to support my family.”
She pulled back, hurt by his tone and words. “Fine. If that’s the way you want to be.” She swung away from him and stomped through the trees toward the road.
“Lilly, wait.”
She heard his footsteps behind her, but she didn’t stop. “I’m sorry.”
Her eyes stung, and her throat felt so tight she couldn’t speak.
He reached for her arm and gently pulled her to a stop. “Please, listen to me.”
She slowly turned and met his serious gaze.
“I love you. I want us to be together. That’s always the first thought in my mind. Trust me on that.”
She pulled in a shaky breath. Could she trust him? Would she?
“I’ll be careful and think things through the next time they ask me to join them.” He ran his hand down her arm. “But I have to do what I think is right.”
She swallowed hard. “So you’ll go along with a strike if they call for one?”
“Only if there’s no other choice.” His gaze softened. “Now, can we please set this aside?”
She released a slow, deep breath. She didn’t want to be at odds with Rob, but she couldn’t totally banish her fears. “Just promise you’ll be careful.”
“I will.” He slipped his arms around her and looked into her eyes. “You have my word.”
She could tell Rob meant what he said, but his choices were only a small part of the puzzle. What would happen if the other men continued to push their demands forward? Would the owners make changes, or would they refuse to listen? If they ignored the workers’ demands, would anger boil over into violence?
Was there still hope to prevent the strike, or would it come no matter what they did and crush all their hopes for the future?
Maggie spent an hour Sunday evening scanning Helen’s diary. She read several more entries after the one about the accident, then released a heavy sigh. There were no more mentions of the mysterious R. or any references to the boating accident. But there were several entries detailing Nate’s return from Huntsford Hall after the funeral, the stormy confrontation with his parents that followed, and his trip to Scotland to search for Maggie and Violet.
Nathaniel’s misplaced loyalty to Daniel Lounsbury and his family is straining our ties to the breaking point! How can he choose them over his own flesh and blood? I cannot tolerate his selfish, willful behavior any longer. Mr. Harcourt must put a stop to it before Nathaniel does something even more foolish and ruins our family name.
Shine Like the Dawn Page 22
