by Danni Roan
“Please don’t make her go away uncle,” Bev said, grasping Hester’s arm. “I told her to wear Mama’s dress. I don’t want her to go.”
“She doesn’t have to go,” Cecil said his eyes straying back to the woman in question.
“But Mr. Payton,” Mrs. August protested. “Your brother never allowed the children in to dinner. And this…” Mrs. August twisted lip spoke more than words could tell.
“My brother is no longer with us,” Cecil said lifting a hand and taking Hester’s as she descended the last few stairs. “Perhaps it is time for some things to change around here.” He couldn’t seem to take his eyes off the lovely vision he held lightly by her fingers. “Children, I’m pleased you could join us.” Carefully he tucked Hester’s hand into the crook of his arm, turning to see that Jonas did the same for Beverly before walking into the dining room.
All heads turned as Cecil led the little entourage in to dine. For the past few months he had done nothing but struggle to keep his young charges under control. To make them listen or provide them with the right person to see to their needs. Time and time again, it had all failed, with no nanny, teacher, or governess staying more than a few short days, but now here they were, acting, for all intents and purposes, like well mannered little people.
Carefully seating Miss Johnson, Cecil indicated that Jonas and Bev should take a seat then nodded to Abel. “Abel, friends, I would like to present to you my nephew Jonas Payton, and my niece, Miss Beverly Payton, and Miss Johnson, their governess. We are pleased to have them attend us this evening. Please be seated.”
Men and women along the table took their places, nodding, and shooting curious glances at the children and their care giver. It was highly unusual to see the Payton children, let alone dine with them. Apparently more had changed since Carver Payton and his wife had passed than anyone could have known.
Mrs. August stood in the doorway glaring at Hester. The woman had no right taking such measures in a respectable home. If the chit had designs on Mr. Payton and his newly acquired wealth, Mrs. August would be sure to expose her for her scheming ways if it took a lifetime.
Chapter 5
Hester gazed around her at the beautifully dressed men and women who barely gave her a glance. Her stomach quivered with nerves as she saw the first course served and wondered if she would manage to get through the night. She was a simple young woman who had grown up in a tiny home on the outskirts of the city. She wasn’t even sure which fork to use with her salad.
She hadn’t been raised for this kind of event. Her life had been simple, filled with faith, friends, and an uncle who loved her. Looking up, Hester noticed Beverly watching her and she offered a smile studying the narrow faced blonde woman across the table from her and began imitating her every move. A moment later Beverly was doing the same and dinner progressed.
Around her, polite conversation turned to fashion and finance as those already acquainted with each other chatted. Hester kept her eyes sharp and her mouth quiet as she willed herself to get through the evening in one piece. She was doing this for the children and that was all that mattered. She turned smiling at Jonas who was talking to Abel, doing his best to look grown up and worthy of a seat at the table.
***
Cecil tried to pay attention to the conversations around him, but his eyes kept straying to the young woman who had boldly brought his young charges to one of the most important dinners of the day.
On the other side of the table, Abel kept the conversation going as course after course arrived. Although the meal was delicious, Cecil would have been just as happy with a hearty stew over a camp fire. He had never felt so out of place in his life, yet this seemingly humble servant had stepped up to the task of being a sophisticated nanny without hesitation. There was far more to this woman than at first met the eye, and what met the eye was pleasing enough.
A tap on his shoulder made Cecil look up as the doorman whispered in his ear.
“A gentleman is asking to speak to the owner of the house,” the young man in the fancy suit said. “He insists.”
“If you’ll excuse me,” Cecil placed his napkin on the table and pushed to his feet. “I have a pressing matter, but will be back in a moment. Please enjoy.”
A titter of whispers raced along the table as Cecil followed the doorman into the hall to be confronted by a tall willowy man with a shock of white hair and well trimmed beard.
“Can I help you?” Cecil asked.
“I’m Hyke Johnson, and I’d like to know what you’ve done with my niece?” the older man asked, twisting his battered hat in his hands. “She came here to clean this morning and I haven’t heard from her since.”
“Mr. Johnson,” Cecil sighed with understanding. “I assure you that your niece is perfectly fine. As a matter of fact she is having dinner with me and my guests right now.”
“Dinner?” the old man’s eyebrows rose. “Why would a cleaning woman be eating at your table? What have you done?”
Cecil raised his hands in surrender, hoping to calm the agitated man. “I promise she’s fine. Her position here in the house has changed making it necessary for her to join our table.”
“Mr., I don’t know what you’re going on about,” Hyke said, “but I’d like to speak with Hester. She’s a good girl, and you’re home does not have a good reputation among those of us who do the dirty work.”
Cecil shook his head seeing that nothing short of seeing Hester would put the old man’s mind at ease. “Mr. Johnson, please have a seat in the parlor and I’ll bring your niece to you. Perhaps she can reassure you.”
Hyke looked between the young man and the doorman who had led him into the house. “Bring her sharp like,” the old man said with a nod following the doorman to a comfortable, tidy room, with a warm fire burning on the hearth.
Cecil hurried back into the dining room heading straight for Miss Johnson without a look at his guests. Leaning over he whispered in her ear, helping her with her chair as she hurried to rise and exit the room.
“I’m so sorry about this,” Hester groaned. “I should have thought to send word to Hyke. My uncle worries, of course.”
“Don’t worry,” Cecil grinned. “It speaks well of your family that he came looking for you.”
“Please don’t neglect your guests because of me,” Hester blushed. “I’ll send Hyke home and then get the children ready for bed.”
“Hester!” Hyke sprang to his feet as she entered the room. “What on earth is going on here?” The older man grasped her arms looking at the fancy dress and neatly quaffed hair. “Are you all right?” He pulled her to him, wrapping an arm protectively around her shoulders as he glared at Cecil.
“I’m fine uncle,” Hester felt a nervous bubble of laughter escape. “Things are complicated.”
“Explain,” the old man never took his hard eyes off Cecil who ran his hands through his hair again.
Hester patted her uncle’s arm. “As you know,” she began. “I started here this morning cleaning fireplaces, but Mr. Payton has a big dinner party and needed someone to help with his niece and nephew. As you can see I agreed. I’m sorry I didn’t send word. It was thoughtless of me.”
“So this man isn’t trying to take advantage of you?” Hyke narrowed his eyes again studying the shocked expression on the other man’s face.
“I assure you sir,” Cecil protested. “I am not that kind of man. The woman we had hired to care for the children walked out on me this morning and I was desperate. Your niece kindly stepped in and has done a remarkable job with both Beverly and Jonas.” Cecil cleared his throat. “I am doubling her pay.”
“Is this true?” Hyke looked down at Hester who grinned.
“Yes, uncle, it is. The children are going to be worried about my absence, so please go home and I’ll see you later.”
Hyke reluctantly let Hester go. The girl was dear to him, and he already felt that he had let her down losing his job. It wasn’t his fault that the factory had burne
d, or that the owner had mortgaged it so heavily that they couldn’t even hope to rebuild.
“Actually, Mr. Johnson, why don’t you go downstairs and have something to eat,” Cecil suggested. “I’m sure Mrs. August will find something for you then once Miss Johnson has the children cared for you can take her home with you.”
Hyke looked between Hester and the young man, but he nodded. He would feel better being in the house where he could help if he was needed. “I agree,” he finally nodded. “Hester you come right to me as soon as you’re done.”
Hester leaned over placing a kiss on her uncle’s cheek. “I will, now go.” Without another word she hurried from the room, Cecil stalking after her on long strides.
“We thought you’d left,” Beverly whispered as Hester was helped back to her seat. “Where did you go?”
Hester smiled down at the girl, pushing a strand of russet hair over her shoulder. “I’ll explain soon,” she promised. “At least I got back in time for dessert,” she added with a bright smile.
Across the table, Jonas yawned and Hester could see that the busy day and excitement was getting to him. Shooting him a wink that garnered her a grin, she lifted her fork delicately and began to enjoy the luscious cake that had been placed before her. It had been a long, taxing day, and she would be happy to get the children to bed and see an end to it. Her nerves were jangled beyond repair, and she longed for the comfort of her own chair and a hot cup of tea.
Looking up she caught Mr. Payton studying her and was surprised by the appreciation in his eyes. Would she have a job in the morning? Would she and Hyke be trying to find another position when the sun came up? She hoped not, her eyes drifting back to the two children who had lived up to every expectation she had set. In one short day, both of the little ruffians had become dear to her, and she hoped she wouldn’t have to say good-bye.
Chapter 6
“Hester,” Jonas yawned as she guided the boy to his room. “Will you put Hebbie in his box for me?” The boy’s hand dropped into the pocket of his dinner jacket pulling out a small coiled snake and placing it in her hand.
Hester bit her lip, holding back the gasp that rose in her throat as the cool, smooth skin of the snake met her palm. “Has this been in your pocket all night?” she asked looking for something that might be a home for the creature.
“Sure, Hebbie’s my friend.” Jonas stripped out of his clothing with no sign of modesty and reached for the night shirt tossed over at chair.
Hester shivered as she lowered the little snake into a large jar partly filled with twigs and rocks. She could only imagine what would have happened if the snake had gotten out of the Jonas’s pocket during dinner. Was it any wonder the household couldn’t keep anyone willing to look after the children? How many times had the presence of the tiny snake been enough to send someone packing?
Helping the boy into his nightshirt, Hester took his hand and smiled. “You did great today,” she said brushing his hair from his eyes. “Now come and we’ll say our prayers.”
The door opened and Beverly slipped inside, the ruffles of her white night gown brushing her bare feet. “I thought you were going to help me with my dress,” she said accusingly.
“I’m sorry, apparently Hebbie needed my help first,” Hester smiled.
“You met Hebbie?” The girl’s eyes went wide. “And you’re still here?”
“I did,” Hester grinned. “He seems to be happy to be back in his jar where he belongs. I’m sure he isn’t thrilled to be stuffed into Jonas’s pocket.” Hester shot a significant look at the boy in question. “Now come say your prayers.”
Beverly stared at Hester for a long moment but didn’t move. “Why would I do that?”
“Because God has given you another day on this earth with people you love. You’ve had enough to eat, a warm bed to sleep in and much to be thankful for.”
The young girl shrugged walking to the bed where Hester helped both Bev and Jonas kneel. Sitting still for several seconds as the children closed their eyes and folded their hands, Hester ordered her thoughts, thinking of all the things to be thankful for as she lifted her voice in prayer.
Cecil edged the door open a crack, startled as he watched the young woman kneel by the bed with Bev and Jonas and something turned over in his heart. Somehow the unassuming Hester Johnson had pulled off something he never would have expected possible tonight. Even now she was seeing to the needs of his small kin in a way he had never considered. She must be exhausted. Miss Johnson had gone from scullery to nursery in a matter of minutes then been compelled to join his unruly charges to a fancy dinner.
Stepping away from the door Cecil was certain of one thing; he needed to find a way to convince Miss Johnson to stay. He needed to insure that she would be there for the children he had no idea how to raise.
***
Hester closed the door after putting the children to bed. It had been a big gamble bringing them to dinner, but it was time they were seen for who they could be, not for whatever they had done. If you never set expectations for children, how were they ever to live up to them?
“Miss Johnson,” Mr. Payton stepped away from the wall near the head of the stair smiling softly, giving Hester a start. “If you have the time, I’d like to talk to you and your uncle.”
Hester felt like she could fall over where she stood, but she nodded. Today had been one of the most physically and emotionally exhausting days of her life. She had been up since before dawn, and her whole world seemed to have been turned on its head.
“Of course,” she replied softly, looking down at the fancy dress she still wore as she fell into step with the man. He had removed his dinner jacket and now stood in shirtsleeves and vest, looking handsome and far more comfortable than she felt.
“I’ve asked your uncle to join us in the parlor,” Mr. Payton continued walking briskly down the stairs. “If you’ll join us, I have some business to discuss with you.”
Hester followed the man down the stairs and into the now tidy parlor, where her uncle sprang to his feet from a comfortable chair. “Are you ready?” Hyke asked looking keenly at his niece.
“Please have a seat Mr. Johnson, Miss Johnson.” Mr. Payton lifted a hand indicating another chair and moving to the sofa as Hyke resumed his place. “Tea?” he indicated the pot and cups on the table smiling when Hester nodded enthusiastically.
Mr. Payton looked at the teapot then back to Miss Johnson, before reaching for it and splashing some of the bright contents into a cup.
Hester grinned at Mr. Payton’s awkward attempt to pour tea. “Allow me,” she offered, looking to her uncle who passed his cup. Once they had all been served, Hester leaned against the high back of the winged chair and sipped her tea with a sense of relief. The day was over.
Cecil held the delicate cup in his hand studying the young woman across from him. She looked tired but hadn’t complained even once. Placing the cup of tea on the table, he pushed to his feet and paced the room, coming to rest by the fireplace and leaning against the mantel. “I’d like you to continue working for me,” Cecil blurted. He was completely out of his depth in this matter, and he knew it but pressed on.
Cecil Payton would have been more comfortable sitting around a campfire eating bacon and beans with a group of rowdy cowboys, or pushing a plow behind a mule than standing here in this fancy parlor trying to sort out staffing, for a house he didn’t even like. Cecil’s life had been about travel, experience, and action. Sitting in a fancy house trying to understand the intricacies of business, manage a house full of servants, or even making his niece and nephew behave like tiny humans instead of hyenas, was above his grasp.
Slowly running a hand over his weary features, Cecil turned back to look at Mr. Johnson and his niece. “I am not ashamed to admit that I’m ill equipped to deal with my current situation. I have no understanding of children or any of this,” he waved his hand absently at the room. “I need help.”
Hester placed her empty cup on the table
and eyed the teapot with longing before she spoke. “If you don’t feel fit to be here, why are you?” she asked.
“I have no choice,” the man looked down to where she sat, his hazel eyes tired. “I’m my brother’s heir and that entails all of this.” Cecil looked around him as if he were looking at a strange piece of abstract art.
“But why do you have to stay?” Hester persisted. “Couldn’t you take the children and go somewhere else?”
Cecil ran his hands through his hair. He would love nothing more than to saddle a good horse and race as far from the city as it could carry him, but he had responsibilities now. He had stockholders, businessmen, employees, and others depending on him.