Angeline smiled at the cowboy. “Hello, Mr. Drummond. How are you this evening?”
He nodded at her then held out his hand to Cassandra. “May I have this dance, Miss Bradford?”
She placed her hand in his. “Delighted.”
Angeline watched them glide onto the floor. She grew panicky. What if no one asked her to dance? What if they suspected she was with child and shied away from her?
“You’re looking lovely tonight, Miss Chandler.”
A gasp of delight escaped. “Reverend McIntyre, you’re here. How nice to see you.”
He held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”
She reached for him as if he extended a lifeline and she was drowning. “I’d like that. I was afraid no one would ask me.”
He chuckled. “You needn’t worry about that. I was racing a couple of men to get to you first.”
She gazed at him skeptically. “Nice of you to say, but you’ll get a blister on your tongue for lying. Then, how will you speak on Sunday?”
He held his tongue stiff and said, “I’ll thalk lak thiss.”
She laughed as he twirled her across the room.
When the waltz began, he shook his head. “I don’t know this one.”
She kept hold of his hand. “I can show you.”
“You know how to waltz?”
She smiled at his shocked expression. “Don’t look so scandalized. Lydia gave us dance lessons this week. Some of the men took them too. I think either Mrs. Lyons or Mrs. Hill gave them.”
“Yes, but I couldn’t get there.”
“Look, it’s easy. You just make a little box with your feet. See, one together, two together, three together, four. Then you can turn or do fancy stuff, but you just keep making the box as you go around the room. Remember, if you bump into someone you’re their minister and they have to forgive you.”
He grinned. “I guess I can try. Can we go over there to the side so I don’t trip anyone but you?”
She followed him to a corner of the room. “You won’t. You learned the other dances so you can learn this one.”
She let him lead but he was so busy looking at his feet he lost count. “Just look at me and I’ll count for you. Okay?”
“How can you expect me to concentrate on my feet while looking at a beautiful woman?”
She gazed into his lovely hazel eyes. “What a nice thing to say but you don’t get off that easily. I expect you to concentrate as we go…one together, two together, three together, four.”
Soon he’d caught on and braved a bit further onto the floor. “This is nicer than I’d thought. I see from watching some of the couples that the waltz can be quite fancy.”
“We had a lot of fun learning. Of course, there was a lot of room and we could be as grandiose as we wished.”
He grinned as he twirled her. “I can imagine eight young women giggling and twirling.”
“Oh, you can’t imagine how much laughter and silliness. Lydia is so kind and her home is elegant yet comfortable. I’m lucky she found me.”
His eyebrows raised. “I thought you girls found her.”
She’s hinted to him but couldn’t come right out and tell him how Lydia had saved her. “Well, I guess we found each other. However you put it, I’m fortunate to be here.”
The dance ended and he guided her to the refreshment table. “Could we get some punch and sit out the next dance so I can talk to you?”
Her pulse surged. Was he going to propose?
They gathered cups and small plates of finger foods and found a place to sit.
She wondered aloud, “Who’s watching Matthew?”
“Mrs. Ramirez. She fills in at the café when needed, but she wasn’t needed with so many people coming here.”
“I saw Mrs. McAdams made it. She wanted to come in the worst way.”
He took a sip of punch. “So she said. She also told me you made her promise to take her medicine. Riley Gaston has been trying to get her to follow his instructions for months.”
She flashed him a smile. “Doctor Gaston didn’t know he was dealing with a party girl at heart.”
“There’s something I want to ask you.”
Oh, she wanted so badly for him to propose. “Whatever you have in mind, tell me.”
“Would you consent to be Matthew’s nanny while I’m out of the house? Mrs. Gallagher simply isn’t able to any longer.”
Her hopes plummeted. She held back tears and stared at the plate in her lap.
He leaned down to peer into her face. “Have I insulted you? I meant no disrespect. I know how kind you are and could think of no one I’d rather have caring for my son.”
She forced a smile. “I-I’m honored you trust me, Reverend McIntyre. You know I think Matthew is adorable. Tell me what hours you have in mind.”
“I thought about four hours a day. You let me know when. I haven’t visited outside town as often as I’d like recently. I can pay you, of course, though not as much as your time is worth. My salary isn’t large, but I feel called to serve this community.”
At least she would be helping someone who needed her aide. “The pay isn’t important. And I’d still have time to do my own visiting and help Lydia.”
“Then you’ll care for him?” He leaned back with a wide smile. “What a relief off my mind. Mrs. Gallagher said she won’t be able to watch him any longer. She wants to go visit her daughter in Cleburne.”
So she was really helping Mrs. Gallagher as well as the minister. “I’ll come Monday unless you need me tomorrow.”
“I stay at home on Saturdays unless there’s a special request like a wedding or funeral or sudden illness.”
“All right, then we’re all set. I’ll come at eight on Monday.” She gave what she hoped was a cheerful-looking smile. She’d learned long ago from her parents how to sparkle on demand.
“Thank you, Miss Chandler. You have no idea how much I appreciate your agreeing to help me. And I also recognize how much you’ve already contributed to Tarnation’s residents.”
The banker approached. “Say, preacher, you can’t monopolize this pretty girl all evening. May I have this dance, Miss Chandler?”
Angeline stood. “Excuse me, Reverend McIntyre.” She took Mr. Tucker’s arm and they joined other dancers.
Grady watched her glide away with Bart Tucker. He knew he’d upset her, but he hadn’t meant asking her to nanny as an insult. She’d already said she liked kids and she’d appeared to enjoy Matthew when she met him.
He stood and walked to where Lydia and Adam sat with their punch.
Lydia looked at him and frowned. “You look upset. Everything all right?”
“Not upset, just puzzled. Miss Chandler appeared to be enjoying our conversation but when I asked her to be nanny for Matthew, she seemed to withdraw. I didn’t mean to upset her.”
Lydia looked annoyed with him.
Before he could ask why, Adam said, “Aw, Grady, she probably figured you were going to ask her to marry you. Good thing you didn’t. I think she ought to marry Elias. They’d make a good pair.”
He blurted, “Are you crazy?” He wished he could recall his words but the thought of Miss Chandler with Elias Kendrick upset him. “I heard they went to Miss Chitwood’s performance together, but Elias is wrong for her.”
In spite of the odd smile Lydia offered, she appeared annoyed with him. “And who do you think is right for Miss Chandler?”
“I…I don’t know, but not Elias. I’ll think about the subject and get back to you.” He took out his pocket watch. “Oh, I told Mrs. Ramirez I wouldn’t be late so I’d better be on my way. I enjoyed the ball.”
He collected his hat and went home. He’d accomplished what he’d come for, so why wasn’t he happier?
***
The next morning, Angeline approached Lydia. “Could I speak to you alone, please?”
Lydia touched her arm. “Let’s go to my husband’s office.”
Angeline followed her hostes
s into the manly room. “Don’t you think you should call it your office by now?”
Lydia sighed and shook her head. “I’ve tried but I can’t come into this room without picturing William sitting at the desk. He was a dynamic man and not easy to forget.”
“Making the room yours wouldn’t mean you forgot him. Do you believe he’d want this left as sort of a shrine?” Angeline gestured around the office.
Lydia stood in the center of the room and slowly turned in a circle. “Good Heavens, that’s how the office appears, isn’t it? That’s not at all my intention.”
She sat behind the desk and waved a hand to dismiss the comment. “That’s a subject for another day. I can see you’re upset. Tell me what’s bothering you.”
“Reverend McIntyre asked me to take care of his son when he’s out calling on members of the congregation.”
“And that upset you?”
“In a way. I’m honored he trusts me with his son’s welfare.” She heaved a sigh. “You see, when he said he had something he wanted to ask me, I thought he intended to propose.”
“And instead he asked you to work for him. There’s quite a difference in your mind and in mine, but he meant the request as a compliment.”
She fiddled with the folds of her skirt, unable to meet her hostess’ eyes. “Are you certain? I thought perhaps he viewed me as servile and unwholesome.”
“Before Grady left last night, he spoke to Adam and me. He said he’d upset you but he didn’t understand when or how. When he said he’d asked you to work for him, of course I knew why. Sometimes men are a bit dense, dear.”
She raised her head enough to peek at Lydia. “You don’t think he looks down on me?”
“He wouldn’t ask you to care for Matthew if he did. He’s only let two people ever care for his son, Doreen Gallagher and Lola Ramirez. If they aren’t available, he takes Matthew with him or stays home. As a favor to me, I hope you won’t back out, Angeline. Grady and Matthew need you and so does Doreen Gallagher.”
That relieved her mind. “Oh, then that’s all right. I told Reverend McIntyre I’d be at his home at eight o’clock Monday morning. He said he’d still give me time to visit my friends around town.”
“I know they count on you cheering them up. You’re doing a lot of good for our town. I’m very glad you’re here.”
“Thank you, Lydia. I come from a home where a daughter is thought of as a commodity to impress business associates. Hearing you say you’re glad I’m here is balm for many wounds.”
Chapter Seven
Monday morning at eight o’clock, Angeline knocked on the parsonage door. She wore her green skirt and blouse.
The minister answered without his waistcoat or jacket. His collar was undone and he wasn’t wearing a tie.
Taking in his disheveled state, she asked, “Am I too early?”
He stepped back to admit her, a wide smile on his face. “Right on time. Thank you for agreeing to help with Matthew. I’m running behind, as you can see. I put Matthew in his crib.”
“Where is that?”
He indicated another room with a nod. “Follow me. I’m afraid he’s in a fussy mood, which is why I’m not ready for the day yet.”
“Have you both had breakfast?”
He glanced over his shoulder. “We had oatmeal an hour ago.”
They entered the little boy’s room. He stood in his bed jabbering. When he saw his father he raised his arms and said, “Daddy, want down.”
Angeline lifted him. “How about Angeline? Will I do, Matthew?”
This morning she’d plaited her hair and let the braid hang free. Matthew seized the pigtail like a rock climber with a rope. He laughed and tugged then put the hair in his mouth as he jabbered more.
“Why don’t you show Angeline where your clothes and toys are kept?” She looked at the minister. “Does he take two naps or one?”
“He has one nap at about half past noon. Mrs. Gallagher left detailed instructions which you can follow or not. I only promised to give them to you.” He handed her a list from the bureau by the crib.
She accepted the long list, grateful to have the help offered. “By now she’s no doubt devoted to him.”
“Seems to be but her hips and back bother her and make caring for him difficult. I plan to be back by noon unless something unexpected occurs. Sorry, I’ve no way to send word if I’m going to be late.”
She tickled Matthew and sent Reverend McIntyre a mischievous grin. “If you’re not back by dark, I’ll call the sheriff.”
“Thanks, Miss Chandler. I’ll finish dressing and be on my way. Matthew’s fine without me unless he sees me go out the door, so I won’t come back in to tell you I’m leaving.”
“Have a pleasant day, Reverend McIntyre. Your lovely son and I will be fine.”
Grady hastily dressed and left the parsonage. Having Miss Chandler in his home was much different from Mrs. Gallagher or Mrs. Ramirez. He couldn’t explain away the sensations he’d just experienced but he knew he had to get his baser emotions under control.
Seeing Angeline, for that’s how he’d come to think of her, holding a laughing Matthew created yearnings he thought he’d mastered after Georgia’s death. He definitely didn’t need more complications in his life. Angeline was supposed to solve a problem, not create a larger one.
He met Riley Gaston on what passed for a sidewalk. “Hello, Grady. Heard you’ve a new nanny for your boy.”
Grady stared at his friend. “How on earth has that news traveled already? Miss Chandler only started working for me a few minutes ago.”
Riley laughed. “Fiona McAdams passed me the news. Said Miss Chandler told her at church that she’d still call on her but at a different time. You’ve made a good choice there.”
“Mrs. Gallagher simply had to resign. She wants to visit her daughter in Cleburne. Besides, I think chasing after Matthew was causing her to be ill.”
“For a fact it was. Have to say if Miss Chandler sticks with her job, I’ll be surprised. Those girls in the Bride Brigade came to find husbands not chase after a kid that’s not theirs. You can bet about the time your boy gets used to her, someone will snap her up for his wife.”
The notion he’d lose her stirred unpleasant emotions he fought to extinguish. “You may be right. In the meantime, she seems to have charmed a lot of our church members. I hope she works the same magic on Matthew.”
The doctor nodded. “While she’s here, she’s made my job easier by getting several of my patients to take their medicine and eat properly. Hope she marries someone in town and continues her visits.”
They parted and Grady went on his way to the livery where he asked Fabian to ready the little buggy he used to visit congregation members who lived outside town. Soon he was on his way north of Tarnation. He couldn’t get Riley’s comment out of his mind.
He wasn’t naïve enough to believe Miss Chandler would have difficulty finding a husband. The image disturbed him more than he wanted to admit. Stupid, he told himself, because he had no claim on her.
Should he speak for her? No, he had no right. He had a small salary from the church and his job here depended on the approval of a church board in Indiana. If Harlie Jackson had his way, there would soon be a new minister for Tarnation.
Although far from picturesque, Grady enjoyed living in Tarnation. Except for one or two malcontents, good people made up the town. The place was growing and soon there’d be other children.
Who knew if the Bride Brigade might write favorably and recruit friends to travel here in search of a husband or home or both? He admitted to himself he was an optimist. In his head he visualized the town with a school filled with children and the church filled to the walls.
Drat his luck. His picture included Angeline Chandler smiling up at him from a front pew. Right now he had to rein himself in or he’d make a fool of himself and drive away his son’s nanny.
He visited four homes in the rural area. Had he brought a lunch, he could have
talked to more. Perhaps next time, he’d do that. Now, he looked forward to returning home. He took out his watch and realized he’d miss seeing Matthew before his nap.
When he had returned the buggy and horse to the livery, he strode home. Although he’d told her he might be late, he hadn’t intended to be. He didn’t want Angeline thinking he was taking advantage of her good nature on her first day.
He opened the door to a wonderful smell. Inhaling deeply, he paused in the entry and his stomach rumbled.
“You’re home, Reverend McIntyre. I have your dinner waiting for you in the kitchen. Matthew’s already eaten and is having his nap.”
“I didn’t intend for you to cook for me. I admit I’m happy you did.” He placed a hand at his middle. “Once I inhaled that aroma, my stomach is protesting for food.”
“I’m not used to your range, but the chicken and dumplings didn’t turn out badly, if I do say so myself. I’ve made better biscuits, but perhaps you’ll be charitable.”
He hung his jacket over a chair and sat at the table where she’d set a place. What a treat to come home and find a warm meal waiting for him.
“Have you eaten? If not, perhaps you’ll join me.”
“I had a few bites with Matthew.” She laughed and stared at stains on the front of her clothes. “He does enjoy his food. But I’ll sit with you so you have company for your meal.”
She took a seat and he offered a quick blessing for the meal and the hands that prepared the food.
“How nice of you to include me in the blessing.”
“Please accept my apology for Matthew’s enthusiasm.” He dug into the large serving of chicken and dumplings. While he chewed, he buttered a biscuit.
What should he say? Her top appeared new though he’d seen her wear it before. “I’ll reimburse you for laundering your clothes. Mrs. Diaz does a nice job.”
“Thank you, but I don’t do too badly myself. Lydia has been training us in all the housekeeping skills we don’t yet have.”
“And what are you learning?” He was surprised to know she knew how to cook He’d pegged her as from a wealthy home. He took a bite of the chicken and savored the flavor.
Angeline (Bride Brigade Book 2) Page 5