Scent of Magnolia

by Frances Devine

  Patrick smiled. “Good to be back. Are the horse and carriage I rented last time available?”

  “Yes, sir.” The boy jumped up, wiping his hands on his leather apron.

  “No, I don’t need them until morning. Just wanted to ask you to hold them for me. I’ll need them for several days.” After the arrangements were made, Patrick started toward the hotel. He walked down the dusty street. Most of the stores were closed already. Passing an empty building, he frowned. The sign said Mill’s General Store. He was pretty sure it had been open for business three weeks ago. Pretty short time to shut down and empty out a store. A few doors down he noticed the hardware store was also empty. He continued on to the hotel and registered for a room. He left his luggage and came back downstairs, wondering if he should go back and get the rig and drive on out to the school. He glanced at his watch. No, definitely too late. He went into the dining room and ordered a meal.

  When the waiter brought his food, Patrick said, “I noticed a couple of newly emptied buildings around town.”

  The waiter nodded. “Yes, sir, Mill’s General Store and Tom’s hardware shut down. They took their families and moved to Atlanta.”

  “Both of them?”

  The waiter shrugged. “They were brothers. They decided to go in business together in the city.”

  “Rather sudden, wasn’t it?”

  “Oh. No, sir. They’d made their plans six months ago. A feller by the name of Watson bought the store. He’s getting ready to remodel it before opening for business.”

  “What about the hardware store?”

  The man shrugged. “No buyer as far as I know. Won’t be the first time a building has stood deserted in this town.”

  Patrick thanked the man and turned his attention to the delicious meal, suddenly realizing he was hungry. He wished he’d left Atlanta earlier. He could have had dinner with Molly and Helen.

  Now why had he included Helen in that thought? Come to think of it, he’d thought about her a lot lately. Well, why not? She was Molly’s teacher and seemed to care a lot for his daughter. Of course he’d think about her.

  But why did he smile or grin like an idiot when those thoughts of her came? Shoving the question to the back of his mind, he wondered if she’d have some time for him while he was here. She could tell him how Molly was doing and perhaps teach him some more signs. He wasn’t doing too well on his own.

  Maybe she’d like to go for a drive with him so they could have a nice long talk.

  The last time he’d seen her, her soft blue eyes had seemed sad. Could she have been sorry to see him go?

  He sighed. Don’t be ridiculous, Patrick Flannigan. He continued to chide himself throughout dinner.

  six

  Helen braided her long hair and wrapped the braids around her head, fastening them with hairpins. She’d decided with the work she’d be doing today, helping to move the girls into their rooms, the braids would work better than putting her hair in a bun.

  She glanced in the mirror, turning her head this way and that. Besides, she rather liked the effect. If she had time to mess with braids every morning she might just stick with the hairstyle.

  She gave a little laugh and shook her head at her silliness. What difference did it make anyway?

  With a final glance to make sure her simple housedress was straight, she opened her door and nearly bumped into Charles Waverly, who stood with his hand raised to knock.

  “Oops. I nearly knocked you in the head.” He grinned and stepped back, letting her catch her breath.

  Helen laughed. “You startled me. That’s almost as bad.”

  “Sorry. P.J. wants you and me to put our heads together and come up with a more practical classroom schedule, now that we have more students and teachers coming soon.

  Helen frowned. “We only have two new students so far, with three more coming in the next few months. By then, the school year will be ending and we’ll have the whole summer to think about scheduling. Why is she in such a big hurry?”

  Charles shook his head. “You know P.J. When she gets an idea in her head, she wants it done yesterday.”

  “True.” Impatience surged through Helen, but she gave a chuckle as they walked to the stairs side by side and started down. “Well, we can’t do anything about it this weekend. Let’s each give it some thought and discuss it next weekend. Is that all right with you?”

  “That’s fine.” He gave her a sideways glance and his eyes sparkled. “I like your new hairdo. It’s very becoming.”

  Surprised, Helen felt heat surge over her cheeks. Charles wasn’t one to hand out compliments. He generally tended to tease in the other direction. “Why, thank you. I wanted to make sure my hair stays out of the way while I’m working today.”

  They entered the dining room to find everyone seated. P.J. darted a pointed look in their direction. “Ah, here you are at last. If you’ll take your seats, Howard was just about to say grace.”

  Helen hastened to her seat with Charles right behind her. He held her chair then hurried around to his place on the other side of the table.

  Helen could hear P.J.’s shoe tapping. My goodness, P.J. We’re not in that big a hurry. Calm down. She kept the thought to herself and bowed her head as Howard asked God’s blessing on the food and on their day’s endeavors.

  They were halfway through the meal when Helen heard voices in the foyer. It sounded like. . .could it be? She finished her breakfast, trying not to cast darting glances toward the door.

  She waited while the children filed out after their house parents. They were going to be moving their own things to the bedrooms once the furniture was in place. Some of the neighborhood women had been kind enough to make new quilts for the beds and bright scarves for their dressers. In the meantime, the two volunteers, Becky and Amy, would take them outside to play until time for the noon meal.

  The sight that met her eyes as she stepped into the foyer made her heart leap. Patrick looked down at Molly, whose arms were wound tightly around his waist. The sparkle in Patrick’s eyes matched the one in his daughter’s as she gazed adoringly upward.

  “I wasn’t expecting you today, Papa.” Her voice quivered.

  “I wasn’t sure I could make it, sweetheart, and I didn’t want to raise your hopes then have to dash them.” His glance drifted to Helen and the sparkle brightened even more, if that were possible.

  “Good morning, Helen.” His smile sent a thrill through Helen.

  “Good morning to you, Patrick.” She hoped he didn’t misconstrue the lilt in her voice and think she had a personal interest in his presence. Because, of course, she didn’t. She was simply happy for Molly’s sake.

  Molly tugged on his sleeve. “You’re just in time to help move the furniture to my new room.”

  “Yes, I was just speaking to Albert about that very thing. In fact, I think I’ll help with the others, too.” He pulled one of her braids. “Is that all right with you, Miss Flannigan?”

  Molly giggled. “All right. But we’ll do something together later?”

  “I promise we will.” He stooped and kissed her on the cheek.

  “I’ll see you when it’s time to eat, then.” Her eyes were roving toward the door that had shut behind Amy.

  “You can count on it.” He grinned. “Now run along and join your friends, if you’d like.”

  After Molly ran outside, Patrick turned to Helen, grinning. “I’m assuming we won’t be working together today?”

  “Ummm. No.” Helen laughed. “I’ll be helping clean out the dormitories and then help the girls get settled in.”

  “Then, as Molly said, ‘I’ll see you when it’s time to eat.’ ” He gave a slight bow and started up the stairs.

  “The man is smitten.”

  Helen composed her expression before turning to face P.J. “Whatever do you mean?”

  P.J. laughed. “Never mind. Did Charles speak to you about my request?”

  “Yes, he did. We’ll be thinking about it this com
ing week then get together next Saturday. Does that meet your approval?” Helen hoped the words didn’t sound sarcastic, because she didn’t intend them to be. At least, she didn’t think so.

  “Perfect! I have every confidence in the two of you to get this organized. Of course, you might want to get some input from Miss Wilson, as well, since she teaches two separate sign language classes.”

  “Yes, of course. You want the new schedule for next year?” Helen tried not to fidget, but she needed to get upstairs.

  “Actually, I thought we’d go ahead and implement it as soon as the new teachers arrive.” She looked down at her skirt and brushed at a nonexistent piece of lint.

  Helen felt her mouth drop open and clamped it shut. She took a deep breath. “But that will be in late March. We’ll be preparing for end of school testing and the program just weeks later.”

  P.J. patted Helen’s arm. “I know, dear. But we really need to try out the new schedule, so if it doesn’t work, we’ll have the entire summer to fix it. Now I need to speak to Selma. I have every confidence in you and Charles.” With a flutter of her fingers she charged toward the kitchen.

  Helen sighed then shook her head and started up the stairs. P.J. could be trying at times, but she was an excellent director and most of her ideas worked perfectly. On the rare occasions they didn’t, P.J. was the first to admit her mistake and start over again.

  The morning passed swiftly, and although the work was tiring, Helen enjoyed visiting with Hannah Wilson, Felicity, and some of the neighbor ladies while she worked. She missed Abigail, who was usually right in the middle of any school work project, but she and Trent had gone to Atlanta on business.

  Although they’d all taken periodic breaks, by the time Flora came upstairs banging on a cowbell to announce dinner was ready, the noon break was a welcome relief.

  Laughter rang out through the dining room as they shared silly mishaps that occurred throughout the morning.

  Helen had cringed when she’d heard the men teasing Patrick about his dandified looks in comparison with their work clothes. After all, Patrick hadn’t known it was a work day, but she soon saw that he was a good sport and gave back as good as he got.

  An hour later, refreshed and in good spirits, everyone was back at their tasks.

  School had been held all week in the new third-floor classrooms so that Albert and a few neighbors could transform the former classrooms into dorm rooms. By late afternoon, the touch-up work had been finished on Felicity’s and Howard’s living quarters and all the student rooms and were now ready for occupancy.

  Molly and her roommate, Trudy, one of the new students, stood in their room and looked around with awe. Molly turned and gave Trudy a big hug. “Isn’t it beautiful? And it’s all ours, Trudy. We won’t even have to worry about the little girls getting into our things.”

  Helen glanced at Patrick, who stood in the doorway, and they exchanged a smile.

  Trudy gasped and stepped over to the washstand. Her hand reached out to touch the rose that adorned the porcelain washbowl. “Oh, Molly,” she whispered. “We have our own pitcher and bowl, and they aren’t even tin.”

  Helen choked back laughter. The tin pitchers and wash pans in the girls’ dormitory had been what Felicity referred to as her bane of existence for years, and apparently the girls felt the same.

  “All right, girls. As you can see, Sissy and Flora have filled the pitcher with warm water, so now would be a good time to clean up for supper. Sissy or Flora will empty them later and refill them in the morning. But you will be expected to clean up any splashed water. Can you manage that?”

  “Yes, Miss Edwards.” The girls echoed each other.

  “Very well. You have twenty minutes before supper. We’ll see you in the dining room.”

  She shut the door and waved at Patrick, who’d already headed for the stairs. She grinned as she went to freshen up. She’d bet he had no idea his red curls were dusted with plaster.

  ❧

  When Helen came downstairs, Patrick stood in the foyer talking to Howard and Charles. Molly stood beside him, her hand in his. He’d donned his suit coat and his hair was free of dust. It seemed as if Mr. Flannigan had done some freshening up, too.

  All eyes turned in her direction. Patrick took a step toward her, but before he could speak, Charles offered his arm. “May I escort you in to supper, Helen?”

  Disappointment clouded Patrick’s eyes for a moment but disappeared so quickly that Helen wondered if she’d imagined it.

  Not wanting to be rude, she took Charles’s arm. “And who will escort Miss Molly in, I wonder?”

  “Papa and I are going to the hotel for dinner, and. . .” Molly stopped at a touch from her father’s hand.

  “Oh, I see.” She’d hoped for an opportunity to speak with Patrick after supper and ask how his signing was coming along. “In that case, I’ll see you when you get back, Molly.”

  She turned away before they could see the disappointment that surely showed in her eyes.

  ❧

  Patrick tried to keep his attitude cheerful for Molly’s sake, but the memory of Helen holding Charles Waverly’s arm didn’t make it easy.

  Was Waverly simply being a gentleman or was he interested in Helen romantically? He couldn’t blame the man if he was. After all, she was a beautiful woman as well as a kind and gracious lady. The real question was whether Helen returned the man’s interest. If interest it was.

  “Papa, you’re not listening to me.” Molly frowned and looked about to cry.

  Contrite, Patrick pulled up in front of the hotel. “I’m sorry, angel. I guess my mind did wander a little.”

  He walked around and helped her down then proffered his arm.

  A shy smile tipped her lips. “I like it when you treat me like I’m all grown up.”

  “Well, I’m practicing for when you become a grown-up young lady.” He patted her hand. “But let’s hold that off for a few years.”

  She giggled then pressed her lips together as they walked into the lobby and crossed to the dining room.

  The waiter remembered Molly from the last time and delighted her by addressing her as Miss Flannigan.

  Halfway through her chocolate cake, she yawned and sighed. “I’m sorry, Papa.”

  “Think nothing of it, sweetheart. We’ve had a busy day.” He stretched his mouth open, covering it with his hand. “There, you see? I’m sleepy, too.”

  She laughed. “Oh, Papa. You just pretended to yawn.”

  “You caught me.” He grinned. “What do you say? Let’s head back to the school so you can try out that new bedroom. I’ll bet Trudy’s lonely there all alone.”

  “Oh. You may be right.” She folded her napkin and laid it on the table then stood.

  Before they were out of town, her head sank onto Patrick’s shoulder.

  She roused enough to walk inside when they arrived at the school.

  Helen met them at the door. “Ah, a sleepy girl, I see.”

  Molly yawned. “I slept all the way from the hotel, Miss Edwards.”

  Patrick returned Molly’s hug. “See you in the morning. I’ll drive you and Trudy to church, if you like.”

  “Oh, yes. I’d better go tell her.” She started to the stairs then turned. “Good night, Papa. Good night, Miss Edwards.”

  He glanced at Helen, surprised to see distress on her face.

  “Is something wrong?” he asked.

  “Patrick, you can’t take someone else’s child on a drive unless their parents have left written permission for you to do so.” She bit her lip.

  “Oh, it never occurred to me.” What an idiot he was. “It should have. I know I wouldn’t want Molly to leave the school with someone I hadn’t met.”

  She nodded.

  “I hate to disappoint the girls after I’ve promised.” He glanced at her. “Do you think it would be all right, if a member of the staff went along?”

  “I think so. You’d need to ask Miss Wellington.” P.J. could
be pretty strict where the children were concerned.

  “Actually, I was going to ask you if you would ride with us anyway. That is, unless you’ve agreed to go with someone else.” Like Waverly.

  “Yes, I could go. I usually ride in the wagon with the children, but they have plenty of other adults riding with them.” She lowered her lashes. “I wouldn’t want to disappoint Molly and Trudy. That is, of course, if P.J. gives her approval.”

  Moonlight streamed through the door and touched her hair with gold. Patrick wanted to caress the silky braids that wound around her head.

  “Like I said, I was going to ask you before. So please come with us even if Miss Wellington won’t allow Trudy to go.”

  A blush tinged her cheeks and she smiled. “Then I’ll see you in the morning, and I hope Trudy will be with us on the drive. Good night, Patrick.”

  He stood there for a moment after she’d closed the door. Happiness surged through him. And this time, it wasn’t mixed with guilt. Somehow he knew Maureen wouldn’t mind.

  seven

  The silence in the parlor had gone on too long. Helen opened her mouth to ask Charles to please repeat his last statement, but the sudden chiming of the clock gave her another precious moment of respite.

  Charles sat across from her, the scheduling book on his lap. His face was flushed and seemed to grow redder by the moment.

  Oh dear, she hadn’t heard him wrong. He’d said his affection for her had transcended friendship sometime ago and could she possibly accept him as a suitor.

  She swallowed past a sudden lump in her throat. How could she let him down without crushing his ego? She cleared her throat. “I’m not quite sure what to say, Charles. This is totally unexpected. Could you give me some time to think about it?

  Relief tinged with hope ran across his face and he smiled. “Of course. I realize it’s rather sudden. After all, we’ve been friends and colleagues for years.”

  “Yes, yes, that’s right.” Coward. Just tell him you don’t think of him in any other way. Don’t prolong his anxiety.

  “How long do you think you’ll need to consider the idea?”