“I like candy just fine.” Alex took his sister’s hand. “And Chloe does, too.”
Chloe looked up then, her eyes darting back and forth as if trying to make sense of their conversation.
Yes, this girl definitely needed her help. Janell straightened. “Well then, if you don’t mind taking a short walk—” she glanced toward Mr. Chandler “—and if your uncle doesn’t mind, why don’t we go see what the Blue Bottle sweet shop and tea parlor has to offer this morning?”
“I don’t mind at all,” Mr. Chandler assured her. Then he turned to the stationmaster. “Lionel, if you don’t mind, I’ll leave our bags here and get them when I come back for the trunks.”
While Mr. Chandler took care of business, Janell noticed Alex trying to help his sister understand what was going on, but Chloe merely looked confused and frustrated. The girl hefted the cat higher, resting her chin against his furry back.
Janell touched Chloe’s arm. When the girl met her gaze, she pointed to the cat. “What’s his name?” she asked.
Alex answered for her. “His name is Smudge.”
Janell thanked him. She knew he was trying to help his sister, but somehow she had to make the boy understand that he wasn’t truly helping her by always answering for her. Her own sister, Lizzie, had been that way as well, rarely speaking. And at first they’d compensated for her, answering for her so that she hadn’t had to figure out what had been said. But they’d eventually learned that was the wrong approach.
Chloe would need to learn to reengage with the people around her or she would turn into a sad, lonely hermit.
“Ready?”
Mr. Chandler’s question brought Janell back to the present. With a nod, she followed the children outside while Mr. Chandler politely held the door open.
As they stepped off the platform and onto the sidewalk, a gust of wind swooshed down on them. Janell quickly took off her shawl. “Here, you two, you can share this.” She draped it over both their shoulders, then smiled at the picture they made.
Mr. Chandler frowned. “Now you’ll be cold.” He shrugged out of his jacket and held it out. “Here, take this.”
She smiled but shook her head. “Thank you, but that’s not necessary. It’s a short walk to the Blue Bottle.”
His brow drew down and she got the impression he was irritated. “Surely you don’t expect me to escort you through town wearing my jacket while you give your wrap to my niece and nephew. What kind of oaf do you think I am?”
She held her hand out to accept his jacket. As she shrugged into it, she realized it felt surprisingly nice. Some of his warmth lingered, and though it was larger and heavier than she was used to, those very masculine qualities somehow made her feel more feminine than she had in quite a while.
Pushing that fanciful—and dangerous—thought away, she turned her attention back to the children. “I’m so glad you’ve moved to Turnabout,” she said cheerily. “It will be nice having two new students in my class.”
There was no response except a half nod from Alex.
“They’re not very talkative.” Mr. Chandler’s tone held a hint of apology.
“I imagine they’re weary from so much travel. But I can do enough talking for all of us.”
“I’m sure you can.”
She ignored the hint of sarcasm in his tone—after all, it was a schoolteacher’s job to reach even the most recalcitrant or guarded of children and engage them in the learning process.
“It’s a good thing we ran into you,” Mr. Chandler said. “And I don’t mean just because you came to my rescue.”
“Oh?”
“I need to speak to you about getting the kids enrolled in school as soon as possible.”
Did he really think these two would be ready to return to school right away? “Of course. But there will be time enough for that after the children have settled in.”
He frowned, but she didn’t give him a chance to say anything. Instead she turned to the children. “So, is there a favorite treat you’re hoping to find at the sweet shop?”
Alex nodded decisively. “I like lemon drops and licorice whips.”
“I’m afraid you won’t find those at the Blue Bottle, but I believe the mercantile has an excellent selection. No, the kind of treats you’ll find at the sweet shop are more along the line of bonbons—chocolates, caramels, taffies and brittles. I’m certain we can find something you like.”
During the three-block walk, she kept up a running dialogue, describing the various buildings and points of interest in the town, aware that Chloe wasn’t benefiting from the commentary. But she also knew that Chloe would benefit, even if only in a small way, from any easing of tension in her brother.
And all the while she was very aware of Mr. Chandler strolling beside her and of the warmth of his jacket on her shoulders.
She’d forgotten how special this kind of consideration could make a woman feel.
Chapter Two
When they reached the Blue Bottle, Hank quickly stepped forward to open the door.
Miss Whitman hadn’t been exaggerating when she’d said she could do enough talking for all of them.
But he noticed Alex seemed more relaxed now, which meant Chloe’s tension should ease as well. He’d noticed she was taking many of her cues from her brother when she couldn’t tell what was going on around her.
His attention shifted back to the schoolteacher. His coat should have looked ridiculously large on her, but for some reason it didn’t.
In fact, she looked quite nice—in an impish kind of way.
Hank pulled himself up at that thought. The straitlaced schoolteacher, impish? What a strange notion—he must be more tired than he’d thought.
He stepped inside with them for a moment, just to make certain they would be okay here while he was gone.
Miss Whitman started to shrug out of his jacket and he moved forward to help her. When she smiled up at him, he found himself wondering why he’d never really noticed her before. Not that he’d been looking for a wife before current circumstances had made it a necessity.
Then she turned to Chloe with an apologetic purse of her lips, giving him the nudge he needed to step back.
“I just realized it’s probably not a good idea to bring a cat into a sweet shop.” She glanced back his way. “Perhaps you should take Smudge with you.”
He swallowed a retort. She was undoubtedly right, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. “Chloe won’t let him out of her sight.”
“I’m sure Smudge provides her with a measure of comfort. But she must learn that she’ll be okay without him for short periods of time.”
The schoolteacher planted herself squarely in front of his niece and stood silently until Chloe met her gaze.
Miss Whitman touched Smudge lightly on the head, then held out her arms, her meaning obvious.
Chloe replied by hugging Smudge tighter against her chest and lifting her chin defiantly.
But Miss Whitman didn’t drop her hands or her gaze, and Chloe finally handed over her pet. The girl’s shoulders slumped, and she looked as if she’d just lost her best friend, but Miss Whitman patted her arm and gave her an approving smile.
Chloe turned away.
He thought he heard Miss Whitman sigh as she turned and held the cat out to him. “Here you go. Make sure he doesn’t get away from you since he’s not familiar with the town yet.”
Great—now he was responsible for the well-being of not just the children, but this creature as well.
His hesitation was duly noted. Her eyes turned hard without her smile ever leaving her face as she continued to wait for him to take the animal from her.
Hank reluctantly held out his hands and accepted the gray feline, who looked snootily down his nose at him and sneezed. Great—even t
he kids’ pet didn’t like him.
After telling Miss Whitman to let Eve know he’d settle the bill when he returned, he headed out the door.
Feeling ridiculous carrying a cat through town, Hank set a brisk pace. But his thoughts remained on the kids.
He had to get through the next few days without his aunt’s help, and that meant he probably wouldn’t be able to spend much time at the sawmill. He trusted Simon Tucker to do a good job in his absence, but the business was his, not Simon’s. And he’d already been away too long.
If only he’d been more successful convincing Willa Booth to return with him. Willa, a good friend of his sister, had cared for the children during the time it had taken him to get from Turnabout to Elgin Springs.
As soon as he’d realized his best recourse was to find a woman to marry, someone to serve as a mother to the children, he’d thought of Miss Booth. The children already knew and liked her. She was not only single, but also seemed to have a fondness for children. The fact that she was a few years older than him hadn’t particularly bothered him—in fact, it had the advantage of assuring him she was going into this with her eyes wide-open and not holding out any romantic aspirations.
He’d discussed the situation with her in a businesslike manner, explaining that he could offer a comfortable home that she could run as she pleased and a life where she would be respected and her needs cared for. And at first she’d agreed to his proposal. Having a wife to accompany them back to Turnabout would have made everything so much easier.
But at the last minute she’d backed out, and he’d had to leave her behind.
Hank spent most of the train ride back to Turnabout trying to compile a list of acceptable candidates. One by one, he’d considered every unmarried lady in Turnabout he could remember. And he’d mentally rejected most of them for one reason or another. They’d been too old or too young, too slow or too silly, too talkative or too timid. By the time the train had arrived in Turnabout, his list had grown pitiably short. He’d figured—hoped—there were other marriageable ladies out there, though.
Take the schoolteacher, for instance. He hadn’t really considered Miss Whitman, mainly because she wasn’t someone he’d had much contact with.
But he was definitely considering her now.
In fact, over the past few minutes she’d jumped to the very top of his list.
* * *
Once Mr. Chandler left, Janell turned back to the children and found them wide-eyed. The place was tailor-made to be a child’s delight. The warmth inside was a welcome counterpoint to the windy outdoors, and the smells were mouthwateringly tantalizing.
Not only did Eve Dawson make delectable sweets, but her husband, Chance, carved wooden toys and fanciful decorations that he displayed around the shop. His woodworking area was visible across the room, separated only by a low rail.
He was there now and looked up when they entered and welcomed them with a smile. Then he bent over his work again.
Eve, her rounded stomach betraying the fact that she was expecting a child, stepped out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Hello, Janell. Who are these two fine-looking young’uns you have with you?”
“This is Chloe and Alex, Mr. Chandler’s niece and nephew. They just arrived in town and I thought I’d treat them to some of your candies.”
She saw understanding and sympathy flash in Eve’s expression. Everyone in town knew why Mr. Chandler had headed for Colorado a few weeks ago.
“Well, as first-time customers, you’re allowed to sample anything in the shop for free. Just let me know what you want.”
Alex and Chloe were already eyeing the treats on display with hungry eagerness. Much better than the scared and woeful expressions they’d worn earlier.
Janell turned back to Eve. “While they’re trying to decide, would you mind whipping us up some hot cocoa?”
Eve smiled. “Not at all. Three hot cocoas, coming right up.”
Her husband, who’d sauntered over from his workbench, gave them another smile, then dropped a quick kiss on Eve’s cheek. “Why don’t you let me handle the cocoa while you take care of your customers?” Without waiting for an answer, he headed for the kitchen.
Eve turned back to her young customers. “Made up your minds yet?”
Alex’s eyes were wide with appreciation for the treats spread before him. “It just all looks so good.”
“And what about you, Chloe?”
When the little girl didn’t answer, Eve’s smile turned uncertain.
Janell caught her gaze and touched her ear with a shake of her head.
With an understanding nod, Eve turned back to the children. “I tell you what—why don’t I make up a platter with a little bit of everything and bring it to your table?”
Alex’s eyes lit up and he nodded enthusiastically.
“That would be lovely, thank you.” Janell lightly touched Chloe’s arm to get her attention before sweeping a hand toward the tables. “Let’s have a seat, shall we?” She led them to one of the round tables that were set out for customers.
As they took their seats, Janell turned to Alex. “How old are you?”
“Eight.”
Then she turned to his sister. Touching the girl’s arm to get her attention once more, she carefully enunciated her question. “And how old are you?”
Alex immediately jumped in to answer for her. “She’s—”
Janell immediately stopped the boy with a raised hand. “Thank you, Alex, but I asked Chloe.”
“But—”
“She can still talk, can’t she?”
He shifted uncomfortably, shooting a furtive look his sister’s way before answering. “Yes, ma’am.”
Janell turned back to Chloe with a firm smile. “So, Chloe, how old are you?”
Chloe shook her head, a clear indication that she hadn’t understood. Janell knew from experience that even if the girl had read her lips properly, she wouldn’t have the confidence to answer. So she took a pencil and a scrap of paper from her handbag and wrote down the question.
Chloe looked at the note, then pursed her lips, as if she would refuse to answer. But Janell determinedly held her gaze and eventually the girl mumbled a reply. “Ten.”
Satisfied that she’d got the girl to respond verbally, Janell included Alex in her next question. “Then both of you will be in my class when you’re ready to join us at the school.”
Eve approached just then with a tray containing a generous mix of treats. “Here you go.” She set the tray between the children, then straightened and placed a hand lightly over her stomach. “I hope you enjoy.”
Both children leaned forward to examine the goodies. “Yes, ma’am,” Alex responded enthusiastically. “And thank you.”
Janell waited for Chloe to add her thanks, but the girl remained silent. She knew Chloe was having trouble interacting with folks around her, but it was time she began learning to do so again.
She leaned over and touched Chloe’s arm. The ten-year-old glanced up, a guarded expression on her face.
“Isn’t there something you’d like to say?” Janell spoke very deliberately, and when she was done she waved a hand Eve’s way.
Chloe blushed and pursed her lips stubbornly. Then she turned to their hostess. “Thank you.”
Eve smiled at the girl as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. “You’re quite welcome. Now, I’ll leave you to enjoy your treats while I check on how the cocoa are coming.”
As Eve walked away, Janell gave the children an encouraging nod. “Help yourselves.”
Without further prompting, they each grabbed something from the tray. Janell reached for a piece of pumpkin-seed brittle, her personal favorite.
As she nibbled on it, she wondered how Mr. Chandler planned to deal with his
new circumstances. Had he already realized how much his life was going to change, that this was not a temporary situation that he could resolve and then go back to the life he’d had before? As far as she knew, he didn’t have any family here in Turnabout. Was there someone he could turn to, or even hire if need be, to help him care for the children?
Before any of them had time to reach for more, the cocoa arrived and Janell let the children drink without further attempts at conversation. The pair gradually relaxed. Alex, whose feet didn’t quite touch the floor, swung his legs absently. Chloe fidgeted with her cup.
Perhaps once they’d finished their cocoa she could try again to get them to open up to her. But she found her thoughts drifting to their uncle, wondering when he would return and feeling a small flicker of anticipation at seeing him again.
Mr. Dawson came over and handed Alex and Chloe each their own very small wooden top. Alex’s had a green stripe around the middle and Chloe’s had a red stripe.
He taught them how to spin the tiny toys and then, with a smile, left them to try it on their own.
Their first few attempts drew smiles and even a giggle or two as they tried to get them to spin correctly. Then they challenged each other to see whose could spin the longest.
While they were still playing, the door opened and Mr. Chandler finally walked in. Janell immediately felt her spirits jump, responding to what, she wasn’t quite sure. But the children’s reaction seemed the exact opposite.
Was it because his presence reminded them of their loss? Or was there some other reason?
Mr. Chandler had the look of someone ready to do his duty by his niece and nephew, come what may. Perhaps that was what they sensed—that they were a duty, not a welcome presence.
Janell saw hints of weariness etched into the lines of his face and a touch of worry and helplessness in his eyes, and her heart was touched once more. Not only had he suddenly been left with a pair of grieving orphans, but he’d also lost his sister as well. The desire she’d felt earlier to help ease his burdens grew stronger.
The Holiday Courtship Page 2
