Another guilty pang struck Maggie’s heart. She was asking a lot of her friend. She wasn’t sure God heard her prayers or was inclined to answer, but at least she could try. “Of course I’ll pray.”
Lilly gave her a quick hug, then slipped out the door.
Maggie watched her go, her stomach sinking. Then she closed her eyes. “God, I’m not sure if You’re listening, but if You are, would You protect Lilly and help me find out the truth about what happened to my family?” Her whispered words seemed to bounce off the ceiling, and the silence pressed in around her.
What was she doing? God didn’t want to hear from her. She’d closed her heart to Him a long time ago, and she shouldn’t expect Him to hear her prayers or do her any favors.
She sighed, confusion and longing tugging her emotions in opposite directions. She might not know if God heard her prayers, but two things were clear: she had misjudged Nate, and she had more reasons not to trust Helen Harcourt.
Maggie pushed the needle through the hem of the new navy-blue dress and took a few more stitches. It was not a very pretty color, but she’d given the light-green fabric to Violet, and Grandmother said she preferred the burgundy.
Maggie leaned back on the settee, reminding herself she should be grateful for the fabric Mrs. Burnell had given them. At least now she would have another dress to alternate with the plain brown one she’d worn since the fire. But it was hard to stir up much enthusiasm for the dull color and stiff fabric.
Violet clomped across the room on her crutches and gazed out the window. “Can we go outside?”
“Not right now, dear.” Grandmother cut another length of thread from the spool and struggled to thread her needle.
“But Maggie said we’d take a walk this afternoon.”
Maggie looked up from her sewing. “I need to finish this hem, and you need to learn to be patient.”
Violet mumbled something under her breath.
“Be careful, young lady.” Maggie looked up from her sewing.
Violet swung around. “Oh, I’m just going to supplicate if I don’t get some fresh air!”
Maggie stifled a laugh. “You mean suffocate?”
“Yes! It’s so stuffy in here. Please let me go outside.”
“I’m halfway around the hem. Find something quiet to do until I’m finished.”
Violet leaned on her crutches and swung her casted leg back and forth. “Why can’t I go outside by myself?”
“For goodness’ sake, Violet. The last time I let you go out by yourself, you were hit by a motorcar and ended up with a broken leg.”
“That was an accident!”
Maggie lifted her eyes to the ceiling. “Yes, a very serious one.”
“All right, girls. Let’s not argue.” Grandmother set her needle and thread aside and rose from her chair. “These old eyes of mine need a break from sewing. I’ll take Violet out for a walk.”
“Thank you!” Violet vaulted across the room on her crutches.
“Slow down, dear,” Grandmother called and followed Violet into the great hall.
Grandmother’s voice faded, and Maggie heard the front door open and close. She looked out the window and watched Violet fly across the front drive and start down the path toward the stable. Grandmother followed at a slower pace. Maggie smiled and shook her head. This was their third full day at Morningside, and Violet’s love for horses had grown by leaps and bounds since they’d arrived.
Nate had brought Samson around front again for a short visit that morning. And yesterday he’d taken Violet to the stable to see his other horses. She returned with a glowing face and nonstop descriptions of every horse he owned.
It was kind of Nate to take time for Violet, especially when he had so many other responsibilities. He seemed to understand how hard it was for her sister to be cooped up in the house and weighed down by her cast. He never seemed to tire of her endless questions and chatter; in fact, he seemed to enjoy them.
Maggie released a soft sigh and picked up her needle again. Like Violet, she’d always loved being outdoors. She supposed that came from the hours she’d spent with her father on jaunts around the estate and through the countryside. But after her parents and sister passed away, she’d learned to put her work first and do what needed to be done.
The library door opened, and Clara walked in with several dresses draped over her arm. “Ah, here you are. I’ve been looking for you.”
Maggie stood and greeted Clara.
“I’ve brought you some dresses.” She crossed the room toward Maggie.
A ripple of surprise flowed through Maggie, and her gaze traveled over the colorful assortment: aqua, mint, coral, pink, and a sky-blue dress made from a shimmering satin. “Oh, they’re lovely.”
“Yes, they are, and I can’t wear them since we’re in mourning.” Clara sighed and laid the dresses over the end of the settee.
Was she giving her the dresses or lending them until Maggie could sew more of her own? Either way, Maggie was happy to accept them. “Thank you, Clara. That’s very kind.”
“It was Nate’s idea. He thought we’re about the same size, and since Mother and I will be wearing black for at least a year, someone ought to enjoy them. Feel free to alter them to fit.” She gave the dresses one more wistful look and ran her hand over the top gown. “I also gave Lilly some undergarments for you. She put them in your room. And after you decide which dresses you’d like, you can come to my room and choose some hats and gloves.”
Maggie wasn’t sure which Clara mourned more—the loss of her father or the separation from her colorful dresses. She silently scolded herself for that unkind thought. Clara was only seventeen. She might not have been as close to her father as Maggie had been to hers.
“The pink dress is a few years old and quite a bit smaller,” Clara said, fingering the sleeve. “I thought you might be able to cut it down for Violet.”
“I’m sure we’ll make good use of them all.” Maggie ran her hand over the smooth fabrics. Each dress looked beautifully made. Each had ruffles and sashes, and the sky-blue dress had beading on the bodice. If she started on it right away, she might be able to make the needed alterations and wear one of them tomorrow.
Clara glanced around the room and then looked back at Maggie. “May I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
Clara sat in the chair opposite Maggie. “If there was a young man who caught your eye and you grew very fond of him, but your parents didn’t approve, what would you do?”
Maggie looked up and met Clara’s gaze. “I don’t have the benefit of my parents’ guidance. They passed away four years ago.”
Clara’s cheeks flushed. “I’m sorry. I knew that. I wasn’t thinking of you in particular.”
“So the question is…hypothetical?”
“Yes, exactly.” Clara clasped her hands. “I was just wondering how someone in that kind of situation might…overcome her family’s objections and convince them she was mature enough to make her own decisions.”
Maggie looked down at her sewing and pondered her reply. Clara was obviously talking about herself, and that put Maggie in an awkward position. If she encouraged Clara to follow her heart and take a stand against her family, that would no doubt upset Mrs. Harcourt and most likely Nate. But if she advised her to accept her family’s decision, would she destroy Clara’s chance for love?
Maggie tucked the needle into the fabric and set aside the dress. “Our emotions can easily override our good judgment when our affections are involved. That’s why it’s usually wise to listen to our family’s advice, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.”
Clara’s hopeful expression dimmed, and she sank lower in the chair.
“But if the young man is a worthy suitor,” Maggie added, “then there’s nothing to fear.”
“Nate says Mother would never accept Owen.” Her eyes widened, and she lifted her hand to her heart. “Please don’t say anything to Mother. I haven’t told her about
him, and I don’t want her to know yet.”
Clara looked so troubled that Maggie couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. “I understand. I won’t say anything to your mother.”
The light returned to Clara’s eyes. “Thank you, Miss Lounsbury.”
“Please call me Maggie.”
“All right.” They exchanged smiles, and memories of conversations Maggie had shared with her sister Olivia sent a bittersweet pang through her heart.
Clara leaned forward. “It’s difficult to care for someone and know he cares for you, but then find so many obstacles blocking the path of true love.”
Maggie sent her a kind smile. “True love?”
“Yes, I love Owen, and he says he loves me. He hopes to train to be a veterinarian, but right now he is working as one of our gamekeepers, and Nate says that makes it impossible for us to be together.”
Disappointment flooded Maggie’s heart. How unkind of Nate to rule out Clara’s young man simply because he was a member of the staff. Of course, Clara was young, and Maggie had no idea if she and Owen would be a good match. There might be other reasons Nate disapproved. “I’m sorry, Clara.”
“Well, I’m not giving up. There must be some way to convince Nate and Mother to accept Owen.” She rose and paced across the room. When she reached the window, she spun around and faced Maggie. “I know!” She hurried over and sat beside Maggie. “You could speak to Nate for me.”
Maggie stared at Clara. “I don’t think that would help your cause.”
“Oh, I’m sure you could convince him.”
“Whatever makes you say that?”
“I’ve seen the way he watches you when you walk into the room and how he listens to you at dinner.” Clara’s eyes glowed. “I think my brother is quite fond of you.”
A delightful mixture of hope and embarrassment flooded Maggie’s heart. “Your brother and I are old friends, nothing more.”
Clara tipped her head and studied Maggie. “Perhaps, but I think there’s a possibility for something more if you’re agreeable.”
Maggie gave a self-conscious laugh and turned away.
“And if you told Nate that Owen Campbell has fine prospects and would be a good match, I’m sure he would listen.”
It was tempting to think she might be able to sway Nate to do as she asked. But did she want to test her power of influence by speaking up for Clara and Owen? She didn’t know the young gamekeeper, and she wasn’t sure about his intentions or character.
But another question rose in her mind, demanding an answer. How did Nate feel about her? She pushed the question away. It was foolish to listen to Clara. The girl was love-struck and imagining romance wherever she looked. Maggie should guard her thoughts and not let them travel in that direction. If she didn’t, it would only lead to discomfort and heartache.
She and Nate might be old friends, but she worked in a millinery shop and made barely enough money to care for her grandmother and sister. He was a wealthy gentleman now, master of a large estate, and part owner of the largest engineering firm in the north of England. If he didn’t approve of Clara’s involvement with Owen Campbell, surely he would never allow himself to be committed to Maggie. Her hope sank like a stone tossed in the lake, and she released a soft sigh.
Love might not be on the horizon for her, but she could speak up for Clara and her beau, and perhaps they would find their happily-ever-after.
Nate led Juniper through the open stable doorway and started up the path toward the house at a gentle pace. He looked up at Violet, perched happily in the sidesaddle. “Are you enjoying your ride?”
“Yes, very much!” Her blue eyes sparkled, and dimples creased both her rosy cheeks.
Mrs. Hayes walked on the opposite side of the horse, keeping a careful eye on her granddaughter. “Be sure to hold on.”
Violet gripped the pommel and stretched a bit taller in the saddle. “I can see over the garden wall!”
Nate exchanged a smile with Mrs. Hayes. “Yes, I’m sure you have quite a nice view from up there.”
“I can see everything!” She smiled, looking like a little princess riding her noble steed.
He chuckled. Today he’d finally consented to give Violet a short ride on his gentlest horse as long as her grandmother agreed.
“I love Juniper. She’s so pretty.” Violet leaned forward and ran her hand over the horse’s neck.
“She seems to like you as well.” He studied Violet for a moment, pondering the fondness he felt for her. He’d never been very close to Clara, but for some reason Violet, with her bright-blue eyes, sweet smile, and sunny outlook, captured his heart. He was afraid he’d have a hard time saying no to anything she asked.
She looked out across the estate with a dreamy expression. “Someday I’ll ride all the way to the ocean.”
He grinned. “You’re fond of the seashore?”
She shrugged. “I haven’t really been there.”
Nate’s steps stalled. “You’ve never been to the sea?”
“No, but Maggie read me a story once and showed me the pictures.”
He looked across at the girl’s grandmother. “The sea is only thirty-five miles away. I’m surprised you haven’t taken her.”
Mrs. Hayes glanced at him over the top of her spectacles. “We’re not in the habit of taking holidays at the seashore, or anywhere else for that matter.”
“But surely a short visit would not be out of the question.”
“Our lives are quite different from yours. We can’t often take time away from the shop.”
“Of course,” he said, regretting his remarks. Then an idea struck, and he looked her way again. “While you’re waiting for your shop to be rebuilt, perhaps we could arrange a visit to the seaside.”
“Oh no, that’s too much trouble. You’ve already done so much for us. We couldn’t ask you to take us to the seashore.”
“You didn’t ask me. I’m offering.”
Mrs. Hayes’s soft smile returned. “Well, it’s a lovely idea.” She looked up at her granddaughter. “What do you think, Violet? Would you like to see the ocean?”
The girl gave an eager nod. “Oh yes, please!”
As they approached the house, Maggie stepped out the front door. When she saw Violet atop Juniper, her brow creased and her gaze darted to Nate.
Before he could reassure her, Violet called out, “Look, Maggie! I’m riding Juniper!”
“Yes, I see.” Maggie’s cool tone made it clear she was not pleased. She crossed the drive and met them in the middle.
Nate stepped forward. “We kept a slow pace, and I never left her side.”
“I should hope not.”
His irritation flared, but he reined it in. She was concerned for her sister’s safety; still, he was disappointed she didn’t trust his judgment. He reached up and carefully lifted Violet down. “There you go.”
Mrs. Hayes came around Juniper and passed Violet her crutches. The little girl slipped them under her arms and looked up at Nate. “That was a nice ride, but next time I hope we can go faster.”
Maggie flashed him a warning look and stepped closer to Violet.
“Let’s make sure your leg is healed first.” His reply was more for Maggie’s sake than Violet’s.
Mrs. Hayes bent and whispered something in the child’s ear. Violet looked up and beamed Nate a smile. “Thank you for the ride.”
Warmth spread through his chest, easing away his irritation. Even if Maggie didn’t appreciate what he’d done, he’d made her little sister happy. “You’re welcome, Violet.”
“We’re grateful for your kindness.” Mrs. Hayes nodded to Maggie, as though urging her to add her thanks, but she said nothing. Mrs. Hayes placed her hand on the little girl’s shoulder. “Come along, Violet. It’s time for us to go inside and finish our sewing.”
Violet sighed and sent Juniper one last look. “Good-bye, Juniper. I’ll see you soon.” She turned and started toward the house with her grandmother.
&nbs
p; Maggie watched them go, but she made no move to follow. As soon as they passed through the doorway, she turned to Nate. “I wish you would’ve asked me before you took Violet for a ride.”
“You weren’t there, so I asked your grandmother. And it wasn’t actually a ride—it was just a short walk from the stable to the front drive.”
“But she has a broken leg.”
“I lifted her in and out of the saddle. She was perfectly safe.”
Maggie looked away, her lips pressed in a tight line.
Why was she upset with him? He’d gone out of his way to fulfill Violet’s wish. There was no danger in that little walk. But Maggie didn’t seem to see it that way, and if he was going to regain lost ground with her, then he’d better soften his stance. He leaned toward her. “I hope you know I’d never let anything happen to Violet.”
Her taut expression eased. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be cross. I suppose I’m overprotective at times.”
He made an effort to see things from her perspective. “If you are overprotective, then I’m sure it’s only because you’re a caring sister.”
“I try to be, though she doesn’t make it easy. She takes off on those crutches like a racehorse.”
He smiled at the comparison. “I understand. She has a broken leg, and you don’t want to see anything like that happen again.”
“Yes, but it’s more than that.” Her voice wavered.
He watched her closely, waiting for her to explain.
“Violet and Grandmother are all I have left of my family.” Her voice choked off.
He stilled, struck by her words and the vulnerable look in her eyes. Though four years had passed, she had not fully recovered from the tragedy of losing her parents and sister. And those wounds were easily opened when circumstances reminded her of that terrible day.
A powerful urge to comfort her flooded through him. If only there was some way he could take away her pain and make up for those losses. But he couldn’t bring back her family or replace what she’d lost. He’d tried to help by repaying his family’s debt and opening his home after the fire. If she would let him, he would do more.
Shine Like the Dawn Page 17