The six of them ate their food leisurely, enjoying the tepid warmth of the April sun. Afterward, Constance began clearing the picnic things, while Terence and Jessica went for a walk.
Devlin helped Prudence to her feet then shook out the blanket and draped it over his one arm, offering Prudence the other one. She hesitated a moment before she placed her hand on the proffered appendage. Constance did not seem to mind, for she had taken Gaylord’s arm and they had started across the Common.
Prudence rode home in silence, her thoughts on the man by her side. She was bewildered by the strange feelings she had whenever Devlin was near. When he was not near her, she could think more objectively, but at times like these she wanted … what?
She shook her head to clear it of confusing thoughts. She would have to talk to Constance about her attitude toward Devlin and tell her that if she were not very careful, she would lose him. Having settled the matter in her mind, Prudence leaned back, a frown forming on her face.
Devlin was just crossing the street on his way to the Hilliards’ when he noticed Prudence slip furtively out the side gate near the front yard and cross the street quickly. In a moment, she would be gone from sight.
Curious, he decided to follow her, and before long, the reason for her stealthy actions became apparent. Devlin found himself in one of Boston’s seedier sections of town, and he felt himself grow angry at Prudence’s complete disregard for her own safety.
When she reached a large brownstone house and disappeared inside, Devlin waited a moment before following her up the steps. A sign beside the door read: SARAH FULLER’S SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF.
He stood wondering what Prudence’s connection was with this establishment. Was it possible she was secretly meeting a man on the sly without her parents’ consent or knowledge? Could it be he was a teacher at this school? His face settling into tight lines, Devlin used the bell to ring for admittance.
A young maid dressed in black opened the door and lifted an inquiring face to his. “May I help you?”
Suddenly, Devlin felt very foolish, for what could he say to justify his presence here? “Yes. I … um … wondered if I might speak with the proprietor of this establishment.”
“Of course.” She studied Devlin’s obviously expensive clothes before motioning for him to follow her to a room just off the side hall. She knocked softly, waiting for an answer before she opened the door slightly and peeked her head inside. When she pulled back, she opened the door wider. “Principal Baker will see you now.”
Fully expecting to see some handsome young man with Prudence, Devlin was surprised to find himself face-to-face with a short, rotund little man with a balding pate. And Prudence was nowhere to be seen. Frowning in annoyance, Devlin hastily rearranged his features into a smiling mask when the gentleman introduced himself.
Mr. Baker waved him to a chair. “Please have a seat, Mr. Drake, and tell me how I might assist you?”
Devlin’s eyes quickly studied the scrupulously clean room and he noticed that the furniture was simple and the room itself rather spartan. In fact, the only furniture was the desk behind which Mr. Baker sat, the wing chair into which Devlin lowered himself, and a large table, scattered with books and papers, sitting in front of the window.
Mr. Baker remained silent, his little gray eyes rather piercing in their intensity. Only his eyebrows rose as he waited for Devlin to explain himself.
“I wondered,” Devlin told him, clearing his throat, “if you might tell me something about your school?”
Eyes twinkling, Mr. Baker relaxed back against his own chair. “Our school is a total communication school. We teach not only sign language but lipreading and Visible Speech.”
Devlin sat back in surprise. He had not even known that such schools existed. And what exactly was Visible Speech?
Mr. Baker continued enthusiastically to expound the merits of his fine establishment. Devlin only interrupted him once. “But the sign on the door reads ‘Sarah Fuller’s School for the Deaf.’”
Nodding his agreement, Mr. Baker went on to explain how Sarah Fuller had a larger school in another part of Boston, but that this school was for those who could ill afford to send their children to such a fine establishment.
Devlin still could not fathom the reason for Prudence’s coming to this school and he was becoming more curious by the minute. “Would it be possible for me to have a tour of your school, Mr. Baker?”
Realizing by the cut of his clothes that the gentleman standing before him was extremely wealthy, Mr. Baker readily agreed. It was not uncommon for the wealthy to find outlets on which to expend their wealth. It gave them the feeling of contributing without having to leave the comfort of their homes. A panacea for their guilt, no doubt. If this young man could be persuaded to give a donation, then perhaps he would be able to go ahead with some of the plans he had been formulating for a while now.
“At this time, we cannot afford a live-in establishment. Our children come, as in regular school, for several hours a day to learn their lessons. They are usually attended by one of their parents because it is necessary for the parents to learn to communicate with their children in the same way that they are being taught.”
The old brownstone had been converted into a school, each door containing a large pane of glass that allowed visual access to the classroom. In the first room, Devlin watched as the teacher moved her lips carefully, while signing the word. Fascinated, he stayed and watched. The children ranged in ages, the youngest being no more than six. Each child was concentrating on the teacher’s mouth instead of her hands.
“Mrs. Thomson is teaching the children to read lips.” Mr. Baker explained. “She first signs the word with her hands, and then shows them how to mouth the word with their lips. These children already know sign language.”
There were only ten children in the classroom. “How many children do you have in your school?” Devlin wanted to know.
Mr. Baker continued on down the hallway, talking over his shoulder. “About thirty, right now. We could teach more perhaps, but we haven’t the finances to be able to do it. As I said, these children are from poor families.”
When they reached another room, Mr. Baker paused and, while Devlin watched, he explained that the teacher in this class was teaching the children sign language. Although she was an older matron, her fingers moved with the grace and rhythm of a ballerina.
First, she would show them a picture and then she would sign the word. The children signed each sign after her and the teacher would continue with that word until she felt certain the children thoroughly understood. Several older people sat on the periphery of the room, and Mr. Baker explained that those were the parents of some of the children. When the teacher signed a sign, not only the children followed, but the parents, as well.
At the last classroom, Devlin was brought up short, for there, sitting on the floor and surrounded by children, sat Prudence.
Chapter 6
Devlin watched as one young pupil got up from the floor and went to Prudence and placed one hand on Prudence’s mouth and the other hand on her throat. The little girl bent close to watch the movement of Prudence’s lips. Devlin could hear no sound from this distance, but he watched as the child struggled to imitate what Prudence had said.
He watched as Prudence’s eyes lit up while she reached out and hugged the little girl enthusiastically. The other children applauded, although Devlin knew they could not have heard the sound, either.
Mr. Baker was beaming at Prudence, a soft glow warming his eyes. “Miss Hilliard was sent to us by God Himself, I’m sure, for she has been such a blessing. The children adore her.”
From the look on the speaker’s face, Devlin was sure the principal did, also. Devlin frowned. “Prudence is a teacher here?”
Surprised, Mr. Baker turned to him. “You know Miss Hilliard?”
Devlin hesitated. “Er … yes. I am a friend of the family.”
“Then you already know of the work here.”
One black eyebrow winged its way upward. “I’m afraid not. Miss Hilliard hasn’t discussed it with me.”
Puzzled, Mr. Baker frowned back at him. “How odd.”
“May I speak with Miss Hilliard for a moment?” Devlin asked.
The principal was reluctant. “I hate to interrupt a class.”
“I assure you, I won’t take but a moment of her time.”
Relenting, Mr. Baker opened the door and went inside. Devlin could see him talking to Prudence and then she crossed the room and came out. When she noticed who her caller was, her face drained of color.
“Devlin, what are you doing here?” she asked.
“I saw you leave your house and I followed you here,” he answered.
His whole bearing told Prudence he was displeased with her. Shrugging her shoulders, she tried to sound defiant. “What do you want?”
Devlin looked past her to where the principal stood, watching them while also trying to teach the children. Devlin’s eyes came slowly back to hers. “I would like an explanation.” Seeing the flames burst in her eyes, Devlin knew he had just made a big mistake. Still, it was too late to back down now. “I will wait for you outside with a carriage. What time will you be finished?”
“I don’t wish to ride home with you, Devlin Drake. And what time I leave is none of your concern.”
“Perhaps I should discuss this with your father.” He heard the wind rush out of her.
Prudence glared at him for several seconds before gritting her teeth and answering, “Four o’clock.”
He nodded his head. “I’ll be here. And, Prudence …?”
She turned from the door and glowered back at him.
“Don’t leave without me. I would hate to have to come searching for you.”
She understood his threat. Turning, she left him frowning after her.
When Prudence descended the stairs at 4:00, Devlin was awaiting her in the hallway. Mr. Baker was standing by his side, warily eyeing the larger man.
“Prudence, Mr. Drake has informed me that he will be escorting you home.”
Prudence locked eyes with Devlin, before nodding to the principal. “That’s right, Mr. Baker.”
Still unsure, the principal nonetheless handed Devlin Prudence’s cloak. Devlin took it and placed it around Prudence’s shoulders. He held her shoulders a moment too long and Prudence squirmed out of his hold.
As Devlin helped Prudence into the carriage, he tucked a blanket around her legs. Although the weather was not nearly so cold as before, it was still only the end of April and relatively cool.
Prudence had remained silent while Devlin attended her. Now she turned to Mr. Baker and smiled, though the expression never reached her eyes. “Mr. Baker, I will return tomorrow to help with class.”
Mr. Baker studied Devlin uncertainly. “Are you sure?”
“Of course, I’m sure,” Prudence told him with no small amount of irritation. Devlin and she would have a talk and she would let him know in no uncertain terms what she thought of his high-handedness. After that, he could very well stay out of her life.
They started off at a brisk trot, which Devlin quickly slowed to a walk. Before Prudence could say anything, Devlin told her in a rather amused voice, “How your parents came to name you Prudence, I have no idea, for you certainly haven’t any.”
Immediately riled, Prudence turned on him. “I’ve done nothing wrong!”
His own anger came quickly to the surface. “Then why are you skulking around the back streets of Boston like some low-class thief?”
“I wasn’t skulking!”
“Do your parents know where you were?” When she quickly turned away, he had his answer. “Why not?”
She lifted her nose in the air, and for a moment Devlin was distracted, for she had the cutest little pug nose. But that cute little nose could have very well gotten itself into big trouble. Anger returning, he pulled the carriage to the side of the road.
Prudence noticed they were close to the Common. She turned blazing, guilty eyes to his face. “This is not my home.”
“You and I need to have a talk,” Devlin told her, and she knew by the set of his chin that that was exactly what they were going to do.
Going on the defensive, Prudence told him, “You are not my brother yet. I don’t need you to look after my life, nor anyone else for that matter.”
“You need someone to keep you out of trouble, that’s for certain.”
She pressed her lips tightly together. “I am not in trouble,” she told him, her voice softening as she continued, “at least I won’t be if you don’t tell.”
Devlin studied her head, bent down beside him. Prudence was twisting her fingers together in her lap, awaiting his decision. She looked so innocent. His anger cooled.
“You are one incredible woman,” he told her softly.
The color rushed to her face, and slowly she turned to face him.
Devlin sighed. “Promise me you won’t go to the school alone again.”
The flames were back in her eyes. “I’ll do no such thing!”
“Prudence—” He gripped her elbow with his hand and she slapped it away.
“I won’t! They need me.” She turned beseeching eyes on his. “Please, Devlin. They need me, and I want to help the children.”
Devlin studied those beautiful hazel eyes with their speckles of brown showing through the green, and swallowed hard. Constance had never been able to melt his heart the way this young woman could. Without saying anything, he lifted the reins and slapped them across the horse’s back.
“Where are we going?” Prudence knew they were headed away from the Back Bay area.
“We’re going someplace where we can have a little talk.”
Devlin said no more and they sat in silence as they drove on. Prudence watched the houses flash past and knew they were heading out of the city. Finally, Devlin pulled to the side of an isolated road and he stopped.
Prudence eyed him uneasily and Devlin saw the hesitation in her eyes. A devilish sparkle entered his own.
“Worried?” he asked. “What can I do to you that some tramp from the streets couldn’t do?”
“Devlin—” she began but was interrupted when Devlin reached across the seat and drew her into his arms. He crushed his lips against hers and Prudence began to struggle.
Lifting his head, he glared down into her frightened eyes. “Is that what you were worried about? Your puny strength is no match for mine, so how much more so a cunning fugitive from the streets. What would you do if you were attacked?”
Fear was rapidly turning to anger. “I could scream!”
“Try it.”
She opened her mouth to do just that and Devlin covered her mouth with his lips again, snuffing out the scream before it began. Prudence struggled ineffectively against his superior strength, finally relaxing against him when she realized she could never break his hold.
When Devlin lifted his head, there were tears running down Prudence’s cheeks. Feeling like an animal, he released her. Brushing a trembling hand back through his hair, Devlin let out a long breath. “I’m sorry.”
Prudence said nothing, wiping at the tears with her hand. Devlin produced a snow-white handkerchief and handed it to her. She took it, but refused to meet his eyes.
“Prudence,” he implored softly, “I’m sorry. It’s just that when I think of what could have happened to you, I see red.”
“That’s no excuse,” she told him.
“You’re right.” He waited until he was sure he had himself under control before he looked at her again. “Just promise me you won’t go to the school again unless someone accompanies you.”
“That’s ridiculous. Nothing has happened to me yet.”
Devlin went very still, but Prudence was too distraught to notice. “How long have you been going there?” he asked her very softly.
She studied the maple trees to the right of the path. “It’s been … let’s see … two ye
ars now, I think.”
“Two years!”
Prudence immediately realized her mistake.
Devlin grabbed her by the arms, glaring fiercely down into her face. “You will give me your word or, so help me, I’ll go straight to your father.”
Clashing gazes. Clashing wills. Yet Prudence felt she had the most to lose. She dropped her eyes to her lap. “I really feel like God wants me to do this, Devlin.”
Devlin felt his anger drain away. “I am not suggesting that you don’t go at all, merely that you don’t go alone. Can’t you see the sense in that?”
She looked back at him. “I go only in the daytime.”
He pressed his lips together. “Just two blocks from your school a man was murdered. In broad daylight … for his money.” He let the words sink in and watched the color slowly drain from her face.
“If I ask anyone at home, Father is sure to find out. I can’t take that chance.”
“What makes you think your father would object?”
She twisted her lips. “Didn’t you?”
He was already shaking his head. “No. I think what you are doing is wonderful. I wouldn’t think your father would object, either. Why don’t you talk to him?”
“And if he objects?”
“He won’t.”
She shook her head again. “I can’t take that chance.”
His lips tightened. “Then I want your promise not to go alone.”
She remained stubbornly silent.
“Fine,” he told her. “Then I’ll take you.”
Surprised, she began to chuckle nervously. “You?”
“Me.”
Prudence knew he was determined to have his way. Maybe if she could make him understand. “I go to the school only twice a week to help in any way I can. Today was an exception because Miss Turner, the regular teacher, was ill. It seems she will have to stay abed for several days. I believe she has a bad cold.”
Devlin watched Prudence and wondered, not for the first time, how she could possibly be related to her two butterfly sisters. “How came you to know about the school in the first place?”
Prudence grinned, feeling her uncertainty vanish under Devlin’s obvious interest. “I met Sarah Fuller at a tea. She told me about her schools and it seemed such a fine thing to do that I wanted to help. She offered to let me learn along with the children. Now, I know almost as much as the other teachers, at least enough to help out when one or the other can’t be there.”
The Timeless Love Romance Collection Page 5