Blake folded the paper and put it in his pocket. “She’s scrimped so long she does so automatically.”
John nodded and pulled his napkin across his lap. “Said all she needed to, didn’t she?”
Gideon asked, “Merry and Polly have a room for her?”
Polly appeared at his shoulder. “We do. We haven’t figured out where we’ll put your sister and brother-in-law, but we will.”
Blake picked up his fork. “Anyone have a sofa in their room?”
Gideon nodded. “None of the men. Might borrow a cot from somewhere.”
“Won’t be for long so I guess I could sleep on a pallet in my office. Then my sister and her new husband can use my room.”
Merry stopped. “We have a cot in the attic.”
Blake liked that idea. “I could set that up in my office. Where will you put the… other guest?”
Her lovely face clouded. “I’d like to put him in the creek but I suppose that won’t do.”
“You have a second cot?”
“Yes, we do. Where do you propose we set up the thing?”
“I could share my office. Not a way to win him over, though.”
Gideon asked, “Who’s this that you don’t like who’ll be staying here.”
She spat out, “Mr. Ecclestone from the Children’s Aid Society. He’s coming to check on the orphans who were adopted.”
Bass said, “You can put someone in my room and I’ll bunk at the jail for a few nights.”
Merry paused with the coffee pot in her hand. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“Knock off a few cents from my rent then. I like it here and appreciate all you’ve done to make the place nice for us.”
She offered an almost-smile. “I’ll give you a free month’s rent if you let this man from the Children’s Aid Society stay in your room for a few days that might turn into a week.”
Bass leaned back and asked, “Done. He coming to make trouble for you and Miss Polly?”
“He’s going to try.” Her face puckered and she waved her free hand. “Excuse me.” She turned and hurried into the kitchen.
Bass slapped his forehead. “Durn, now I upset her.”
Blake shook his head. “She was already plenty upset. Has been since that letter arrived yesterday. The rules clearly say that a couple has to adopt.”
John set down his coffee cup. “You know the legal system. Can’t you find a way for the sisters to keep those kids?”
“Not unless they marry right away.” Blake dug into his food.
When he looked up, all three men at the table stared him.
He raised both his hands in protest, hoping they didn’t take the gesture as surrender. “Hey, I’m not a bigamist and not itching to wed.”
Gideon leaned forward. “You couldn’t do better than one of those sisters.”
Bass nodded and pointed his fork at Blake. “I’ve seen you watching Miss Merry so I reckon you wouldn’t be too miserable putting your shoes under her bed.”
John pointed his finger at Blake. “You going to let this man from the Children’s Aid Society ruin the lives of these good sisters and their five children?”
“Why are you picking on me? You’re as eligible as I am.”
Blake hated being pressured. Between his mother’s welfare and his uncle’s mess of documents, he figured he had enough on his plate.
John shook his head. “Isn’t the same. You’re the right age.”
“There’s no right age. The rules don’t say the parents have to be a certain age, just that there are two of them.”
He pointed his fork at Bass. “You’re not that much older than I am. Why haven’t you stepped up and asked one of the sisters to marry you?”
Bass’ face turned bright red and he leaned forward. “Here’s the thing. I’m sort of married.”
Blake stared at the man. “How can you be ‘sort of’ married?”
The deputy exhaled with a whoosh then leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “You see, Neva Jo went home to her parents five years ago. She never got a divorce so reckon I’m still married. Leastways I send her part of my salary every month.”
Gideon frowned at Bass. “Man, all this time you never said a word about a wife. You tried making up with her?”
A mulish expression settled on the deputy’s face. “Naw, if she wants to go off and live with her parents then let her. I’m sure not begging any woman to stay with me.”
Bass unfolded his arms and waved. “That’s not the point here. We’re trying to help Miss Merry and Miss Polly.”
Merry stopped at the table, her eyes red but no longer crying. “Help us do what? If you’re talking about the rooms, we have that worked out now that Bass is letting us use his room for a few days.”
Bass swallowed so hard his Adam’s apple bounced. “That’s good, Miss Merry. I’m moving my things to the jail first thing in the morning. You just say the word if there’s anything else we can do.”
“Thank you, gentlemen.” Merry turned toward the table where her three illegal adoptees waited. Not before Blake noticed her red eyes were accompanied by dark circles underneath.
He drained the last drop of coffee from his cup and returned it to its saucer. “If you’ll excuse me, I have sorting through my uncle’s things waiting for me.” He pushed back from the table and escaped to his office.
Chapter Eleven
The following day, Merry inspected Bass’ room carefully. Sue Travis, a resident who worked half days for part of her rent, and Dora Farris, their full time employee, had changed linens and cleaned the deputy’s room first thing this morning. She and Polly weren’t taking a chance that this would be the time the efficient women overlooked something.
Polly stepped inside. “Sorry, but I had to clean up Evie’s pancake eruption. Poor child. I’m so nervous I may dissolve into tears any moment.”
Merry checked the water pitcher and then the chamber pot. “I hardly slept at all last night.”
“Me either. And Evie being sick this morning at breakfast didn’t help. I don’t know what to do for her. She’s so sweet and being sick embarrasses her as well as keeping her feeling bad.”
Merry sympathized with Polly and with Evie. “The weak tea and crackers don’t help settle her stomach?”
“Not at all. Honestly, sometimes I can actually see the muscles of her stomach knotting and cramping. And the stuff that she excretes. Honestly, I’ve never seen or smelled anything like it.”
“Poor little dear. I’m sure you’ll discover a way to help her. At least now she and Noah know her being sick won’t cause her to be punished.”
Polly’s shoulders sagged as she sighed. “Well, this looks better than he probably deserves so let’s go. He’s due in a few minutes.”
Snakes roiling in her stomach, Merry followed her sister down the hall. She had reviewed the eligible men who’d courted her. Unfortunately, she still didn’t think of one she would trust with her children or her boardinghouse—or, for that matter, with her person.
Polly stopped at the end of the hall at the head of the stairs. “Evie’s lying down so I’m going to go check on her. Noah’s with her, of course.”
“I’ll let you know when that man arrives.”
Merry continued to the parlor where she picked up Tammie. She couldn’t stop pacing while Abigail watched.
Blake came out of his office. “Perhaps you’d like to use my office for your meeting with this man, um,” he paused and looked at Abigail, “you’re expecting.”
“Could we?” She set Tammie on the floor. “Abigail, would you take Tammie to your room and let her take a nap? Be sure she uses the potty first.”
Abigail took the toddler’s hand. “Come on and I’ll show you a book.”
Before Merry realized what she’d done, she’d grabbed his arm, her voice low. “You mean we can have our confrontation in your office, don’t you? I don’t intend to let my children go without a fight. I’ve never had a hissy fit, but
one may be called for.”
He patted her hand where it rested on his arm. “Then I’ll act as referee. I must say you’re always smiling and proper. I can’t imagine you having a ‘hissy fit’ as you call it.”
He grinned. “Mind you, as an older brother to six sisters I’ve seen some major of such encounters.”
She looked at the older man who had just entered. “Prepare yourself for one of volcanic proportions.”
She strode to meet him. “Mr. Grover Ecclestone?”
The smiling man set down his valise but retained his grip on a briefcase. He was of medium height with gray hair, a small beard, and wore spectacles. “Correct. Are you one of the owners of the establishment?”
“Merry Murphy Bird. My sister is upstairs. You’ll be in room four on the second floor. Do you prefer to refresh yourself or meet with us first?” She handed him his key.
He pursed his lips before answering, “Perhaps we should get down to business now.”
She flagged down Sue. “Would you tell my sister that we have a guest? On your way, perhaps you could set Mr. Ecclestone’s bag in Mr. Barnell’s room.”
She turned back to their unwelcome guest. “We include breakfast at seven and supper at half past six. Cook rings the gong at those mealtimes. If you wish the noon meal, there’s an extra charge.”
The man gave the parlor a measuring gaze. “Very pleasant place. I’m surprised a boardinghouse is so large.”
“This was built as a hotel with a nice assortment of rooms and suites until my sister and I converted it four years ago. All our rooms are occupied at the present. Bass Barnell, our deputy marshal, has moved to the jail to allow you use of his room while you’re here. Otherwise, the only rooms for rent are in Lucky’s Tavern or a boardinghouse across town. We’ve changed the linens in Mr. Barnell’s room, of course, but ask that you allow him the privacy of not prying into his personal effects.”
The lawyer continued peering around. “My, my, that’s generous of the deputy. Of course, I’ll be respectful toward his things. I can’t imagine a tavern being as suitable or inviting and I do want to be on this side of town.”
Mrs. Adams and Lettie watched from their favorite chairs in the parlor’s corner. Eunice Randall sat nearby pretending to read a magazine while her boys sat on the floor with their toys.
“The deputy’s being compensated for his generosity. Now, perhaps you’d like to follow me where we can conduct our interview in private.”
She strode toward Blake’s office as Polly hurried down the stairs, looking as if she were going to the guillotine. Merry shared that feeling. Mr. Ecclestone looked to be a pleasant man but Merry harbored a poor opinion of any man who would try to take her children and Polly’s.
Blake closed the door behind Polly and went around his desk. He extended his hand to the man from the orphanage. “I’m Blake Woolf, the ladies’ attorney. Won’t you have a seat?”
Mr. Ecclestone shook hands with Blake then chose the seat at the lawyer’s right.
Merry and her sister chose the other two chairs.
Blake gestured to the minister. “I suggest we hear from you first.”
Ecclestone pulled documents from his briefcase. “It’s come to my attention that neither of you ladies is married, yet you claimed orphans from the train. That is against policy, as I’m sure you know. I’ll have to remove the children and take them with me.”
Merry crossed her arms. “You cannot take our children. They’re now feeling loved and wanted and are blossoming. Mine call me Mama and they like living here.”
Polly gripped the arms of her chair with white knuckles. “Noah and Evie have also adjusted very well to living with me. You can’t offer them the love and care I can.”
Ecclestone’s expression conveyed regret. “I’ve no doubt you can love them and supply good care. What you don’t offer them is a father. Are either of you engaged or do you have prospects of a groom?”
Merry shook her head. “We don’t need a husband to be a family. This is a good environment for them. In back is a lovely, large yard for play. They’ve made friends with other children and have a wonderful time. Our cook prepares nutritious meals for them. They have nice rooms and we’ve furnished them with clothes, books, and toys. The men living here are good examples. The children lack for nothing.”
Blake leaned forward, his hands flat on his desk. “That’s true. Living here is like having several grandparents, each of whom is a solid, law abiding, stable, good influence.”
Polly added, “Evie is ill and I’ve consulted a doctor about her care. She has terrible digestive problems you couldn’t possibly address at an orphanage. The fact she was so ill when she arrived proves this. And, at the orphanage she was punished for her health problems. Noah is settling in very well, and I believe he’ll resume speaking in the near future.”
Ecclestone let the papers dangle from his hand. “You don’t understand, ladies and Mr. Woolf. I have to follow rules and they clearly state that there must be a married man and woman to take charge of the children who are adopted. You cannot provide that, so I must take the children elsewhere. It’s in their best interest.”
Merry grabbed the arms of her chair. “How can you say that when we just told you the excellent care they’re receiving here? My sister just told you how much better health her two are in now that they’re in her care. Single mothers successfully raise children every day.”
Ecclestone shook his head. “I must follow procedure. I assure you the rules were made with the children’s welfare in mind. That’s why I follow up on each adoption.”
Merry leapt to her feet. “You have your nerve, you hypocrite! Where were you when Polly and I were adopted by the meanest couple in Nebraska? No one checked on us. No one! We shared a living hell from the time we were adopted until our so-called parents died almost ten years later. You call that having our welfare in mind?’
Polly shook her finger at Ecclestone. “Having a married couple didn’t offer any protection for us. Having a so-called father for the boys adopted at the same time as us didn’t keep them from having scars on their backs from the beatings from the man you say is necessary. Merry and I weren’t protected when our hands were so raw they bled and we had to huddle together to keep from freezing on winter nights.”
Merry leaned over the minister, barely restraining herself from striking the man. “Where were you when we couldn’t go to school in bad weather because we didn’t have warm enough clothes and no coats? Can you imagine how cold we were doing chores in winter without a coat? You listen to me, you can’t take our children, do you hear? They are our children!”
Ecclestone, who had leaned as far back in his chair as he could, held up a hand to stay Merry. “Obviously, you were a victim of our system. That was before I was the one verifying parents. I sincerely regret the treatment you received, but you must understand this is why we check each adoptee. I have to check the other children adopted here in Mockingbird Flats. That will take several days. I… I’ll give you a week to find a husband before I remove your five children.”
She yelled, “A week? One week?”
He waved the same hand. “That’s all I can offer. Now, I’d like to go to my room.”
Merry jerked open the door. “Don’t be late for supper.”
She closed the door behind him with a bang and turned toward Blake. “Well, are you able to do anything but referee?”
Polly clasped her hands together. “There must be something you can do to stop him stealing our children.”
Blake cleared his throat, his expression pensive. “Since you received the letter, I’ve thoroughly researched your case. There’s simply nothing I can do. Believe me, I’m truly sorry.”
Polly pulled her handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed at her weeping eyes. “I must see about Evie.” She left the office.
Merry wanted to sink to the floor and curl into a ball. Instead, she clasped her hands, tears stinging the back of her eyelids. “Thank you fo
r letting us meet in your office. I didn’t want to chance the children overhearing.”
“You’re welcome. By the way, that wasn’t a volcanic fit. My youngest sister, who you’ll soon meet, can shake the walls.”
She forced a smile she didn’t feel. “Do you know when they’re arriving?”
“Tomorrow at three.” He gestured to a corner where bedding and a cot waited. “That woman with the unbelievable orange hair brought me supplies.”
“Dora Farris is her name and that’s her real hair color. She’s very nice but she hasn’t trusted men since her husband abandoned her ten years ago.”
“Nice to know it’s not just me she hates. Anyway, you’ve cleared up another thing. I can’t imagine any woman choosing that hair color.”
“Thank you again. I’ve taken enough of your time.” She left his office and went to her suite.
She’d almost asked him to marry her. She knew he liked her and had caught him watching her. Why couldn’t he propose to her and solve her problems? Good heavens, he lived and worked here anyway so there really wouldn’t be much of an adjustment for him.
Chapter Twelve
Merry went to her sister’s rooms and caught her weeping. “Polly, I hate seeing you so unhappy.”
Polly sniffed and dabbed at her eyes.
“Polly, what are you going to do? Have you thought of someone you can trust as a husband—even temporarily?”
Her sister shook her head. “With that Ecclestone here, I’m sure he’d check to make sure we were sleeping in the same bed. Otherwise, I could ask Gideon or John or Bass.”
“Um, Calvin overheard Bass say he’s married. Even though his wife left him to live with her parents years ago, they aren’t divorced. Still, that leaves Gideon and John.”
Polly twisted her handkerchief in her hands. “I have until Friday. I won’t lose my children, Merry. I can’t. I love them and they love and need me. But, I won’t lose our livelihood either by marrying someone I can’t trust.”
“I know you won’t, Polly, and neither will I.”
Polly shook her head. “I want to adopt the children officially myself. They’re my children.” She covered her face with her hands. “I don’t know what to do, who to ask.” She sobbed until her shoulders shook.
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