He caught her casting several confused glances his way. Was that a good sign? Was she warming to him at all?
If so, how long should he keep this up before he proposed again?
* * *
Janell wasn’t certain what to make of Mr. Chandler’s behavior. One minute she thought he was actually flirting with her and the next he seemed distant. Was it her imagination? Or was he just being gentlemanly?
Regardless of what it all meant, she had to hold fast to her resolve. Her peace of mind depended on it. But he wasn’t making it easy on her.
That evening, as he walked her back to the boardinghouse, Mr. Chandler opened their conversation with a question. “Are you sure Chloe is ready to go to school tomorrow?”
She heard the genuine concern in his voice and gave him a reassuring smile. “It depends what you mean by ready. She won’t want to go. She’ll be scared and uncomfortable and probably embarrassed. But if we waited until she actually wanted to go, she might never leave the house.”
He chuckled. “I’m glad I have you to help figure these things out. I’m not sure I could handle it on my own.”
“Trust me, you’d do fine. A lot of this is instinct and trial and error. I just have more experience, is all.”
“That’s no small advantage.”
Uncomfortable with his praise, she returned to the original topic. “I promise to make the transition as easy on Chloe as possible.”
“I know. That’s the only thing that makes this bearable.”
This was the last night his aunt would be around to watch the kids while he walked her home. Janell wondered if that meant this would be their last evening stroll together. If so, she realized she was going to miss them.
Not that she had any right to his time or his company. Even though her feelings toward him had changed significantly since she’d turned down his proposal, if he was to ask her again today her answer would have to be the same. The past she’d left behind her when she moved to Turnabout ensured that marriage—to any man—was not an option for her.
But for the first time since she’d moved here, she found herself sorely tempted.
The afternoon passed by much too fast, and before she knew it, they were once more at the foot of the boardinghouse steps.
“Thank you for escorting me home once again, Mr. Chandler.”
He gave her a small, crooked grin. “Don’t you think it’s time we used our given names?”
His question caught her off guard. “I don’t—”
“It’s what friends do. You do consider us to be friends, I hope.”
“Yes, of course—”
“Good. Then it’s settled. Good night, Janell.” And with that, he tipped his hat and turned back the way they’d come. The faint sound of masculine whistling floated back on the air toward her.
“Good night, Hank,” she said softly. Then she turned and slowly entered the boardinghouse.
He considered them friends, did he? That was both sweet and disappointing. Why did she want more when she knew she couldn’t do anything about it?
“Well, hello, dear.”
Janell paused with one foot on the stairs leading up to the second floor. “Oh, hello, Mrs. Ortolon. I’m sorry—I didn’t see you there.”
The woman gave a broad smile. “Not surprising. I could see your mind was elsewhere.” She waved toward the table in the entryway. “I just wanted to make sure you knew you received a letter. It’s from your sister, I believe.”
Janell obediently retrieved her letter. “Thank you. I’ve been waiting for this.”
“You’ve certainly been spending a lot of time at Mr. Chandler’s home since he returned with those two children on Saturday.”
Was Eunice trying to read something gossip-worthy in her actions? “I’m doing what I can to help him ease the children into their new home.”
“And that’s mighty charitable of you. And then giving up your room so poor Rowena could find some relief from that cat they brought with them. Why, that went above and beyond in my book.” She gave Janell an arch look. “I certainly hope Hank appreciates all you’re doing.”
She ignored the question, instead giving the woman a distracted nod. “I think I’ll head up to my room—I’m eager to read my letter. Good evening.”
There was no way she was going to hang around and let Eunice Ortolon drag information from her. But if Eunice had taken note of her time spent with Hank, perhaps another meeting with the city council was in order to nip any rumors in the bud.
Her lips twisted in a mirthless smile as she thought about the fact that rumors such as this were really minor when compared to the truth she’d worked so hard to keep hidden.
Then she sobered. Truth was, her reputation was something she was determined to guard closely. Much as she wished it were different, she’d never have a family of her own, so her job as schoolteacher was all she had.
And she’d do just about anything to protect it.
Chapter Sixteen
Right after breakfast the next morning, Hank walked through town, escorting both children to the schoolhouse. For once, when he’d insisted on holding Chloe’s hand, she hadn’t argued with him. He could feel the nervous tension radiating from her and knew she was terrified but was trying to hide it. Not even the sight of the festive windows in the various shops could draw a smile from her.
Was this too soon to push her out among other children? Should he keep her home today, even if he had to stay home with her himself?
He took a deep breath. Janell thought Chloe was ready, and he trusted her instincts. She was the schoolteacher, after all.
He glanced at Alex. Yesterday, when he’d walked the boy to school, Alex had run off to play with the others as soon as they reached the school yard, just like any other boy.
But not today. Today Alex seemed determined to accompany Chloe into the schoolhouse, as if sensing she needed him.
As soon as they entered the classroom, Janell looked up and greeted them with a smile. He was growing to look forward to that smile.
“Good morning.” At the same time she spoke, she signed the words to Chloe.
The only other person in the schoolroom was a young girl about Chloe’s age—one of the Tucker children, if he wasn’t mistaken. She was stoking the stove that served as a heater to the classroom, but she looked up and smiled a welcome to the new arrivals.
Janell met them halfway and took Chloe’s hand, then moved to the front row of desks. She patted the third one from the left. “Chloe, you’ll sit here. That way you’ll have a clear view of the blackboard.”
Had the girl caught all of that?
Whatever the case, his niece seemed to have understood and she slid into the seat indicated.
Hank stood there a moment, knowing he should leave, yet feeling as if he would be abandoning his niece.
Then the Tucker girl stepped forward and approached Chloe. “I sit next to you,” she explained. “I’m Lily.”
To Hank’s surprise, the little girl laboriously spelled out her name in sign.
Janell turned to him, a look of “it’s all going to work out” on her face. “Don’t worry. She’ll be fine. Now, it’s about time to call the rest of the students in, so you should probably go on to the mill.”
“Of course.” She was right—his hovering here wouldn’t do anyone any good. Besides, he needed to check in on Aunt Rowena. She’d be leaving as soon as her friend arrived with the wagon this morning, so he wanted to thank her one more time and make sure she didn’t need help with anything. Given the circumstances, she’d stayed longer than could have been expected. And if it hadn’t been for the knowledge that Miss Whitman was so determined to lend a hand, he might have panicked.
Which reminded him. He reached into his jacket pocket and pull
ed out a small bundle. “I almost forgot,” he said, holding it out to Janell. “Aunt Rowena asked me to give this to you.”
Janell accepted the package, but looked at him with a puzzled expression. “What is it?”
“Open it.”
She did as he said, then sucked in a breath. It was his aunt’s cameo necklace.
“I can’t—”
He touched her arm briefly. “She wanted you to have it.”
He knew how much that cameo meant to his aunt. He’d never seen her without it. It seemed Janell had made quite an impression on Aunt Rowena.
* * *
While the children played outside at recess, Janell stood watching them from a window. Chloe’s first day was going about as well as could be expected. The girl was on the playground, but she hadn’t really joined in any of the games. She wasn’t alone, though. Lily sat with her. Whether she wanted one or not, it appeared Chloe had a new best friend.
She absently fingered the cameo that now rested against her throat. Why had Mrs. Collins given it to her? Had it been a message of some sort? Regardless, it was a lovely piece of jewelry that had been given to her by a dear lady. She would treasure it for always.
Then she saw Mr. Chandler heading toward the school yard. What was he doing here? Not that she minded. Quite the opposite, in fact.
It warmed her heart to see him here in the middle of the day. No matter how gruff he pretended to be, Hank really did have a soft spot for his niece and nephew.
She stepped out on the schoolhouse porch and he strode forward until he reached the lower step.
After they exchanged greetings, she smiled. “To what do we owe the honor of this visit?”
“I had lunch at Daisy’s restaurant and thought I’d swing by on my way back to the mill to see how everything is going.”
The school was most definitely not on the way to the mill, but Janell let that pass. “You’ll be glad to hear that Lily Tucker has taken Chloe under her wing.”
“And how has Chloe responded?”
“She was standoffish at first, but I think she’s beginning to thaw a bit.”
“Good. Chloe could use a friend.”
Janell nodded. “Lily is a bright girl with a very big heart. She’ll be good for Chloe.”
“Did you prod her to befriend my niece?”
“Not at all. It happened naturally.”
Hank set one booted foot on the next step up. “Alex mentioned that Mrs. Cooper comes by to give music lessons after recess.”
“She does. Verity should be here soon if you wish to speak to her.”
“No. I was just wondering... I mean, Chloe won’t be able to participate in that.”
“No, but she won’t be the only one. Some of the students spend that time studying. And for the next several weeks some of the students will be working on a nativity play.”
He raised a brow at that. “Do you truly think Chloe can take part in a play?”
“Yes. But only if she wants to. It’s not something that can be forced on her.”
“I sleep easier at night knowing Chloe has you looking out for her.”
The quiet sincerity in his voice brought an unexpected lump to her throat. Before she could collect herself enough to respond, he tipped his hat and turned to go.
Why did he have to make keeping things businesslike between them so difficult?
* * *
Later that evening, when it came time for Janell to return to the boardinghouse, Hank realized she no longer protested the courtesy. He took that as a sign she was becoming more comfortable with him.
As soon as they were out of earshot of the house, she turned to him with a serious expression. “Now that your aunt has gone, I think it’s time Alex moved into his own room and left Chloe to hers.”
“They’re not going to like it,” he said. “And aren’t you the one who suggested I turn a blind eye to their room sharing?”
“I am. But that was just during their settling-in period.” She nodded. “And you’re right—they probably won’t like it. But children don’t always know what’s best for them. That’s a parent’s job.”
But he wasn’t their parent; he was their uncle. There was a difference. “And if Alex tries to sneak back into Chloe’s room?”
“Then you send him back to his own bed, firmly but with a minimum of fuss.” She gave him a sympathetic smile. “I do have a suggestion for something that might make the transition easier for them.”
He hid a smile—of course she did. “I’m listening.”
“Try making their rooms more personal and welcoming. Right now they have all the charm and warmth of a hotel room. These aren’t temporary accommodations, after all. These are rooms they will occupy for many years to come.”
She didn’t actually expect him to try decorating their rooms, did she? “I can help,” she continued. “I’ll take them to the mercantile and let them each pick out fabric for new curtains. Perhaps find some toys or keepsakes to set out—did they bring anything of that nature with them?”
“Most of their possessions were lost when their home collapsed.” He rubbed his chin. “But the house we’re living in is the one their mother and I grew up in. There may be a few of our things still stored up in the attic.”
“Then perhaps you could tell them some stories of that time, something that will give the rooms, and the house itself, history and meaning to them.”
“I’m not much for telling stories.”
“Oh, come now, Mr. Chandler. Everyone can tell stories.”
He wasn’t so sure he believed that, but he was willing to give it a try. With a nod, he changed the subject. “I can’t believe you convinced Chloe to take part in your Christmas play.”
“Actually, it’s Lily who gets the credit for that. She’s one of the angels and she convinced Chloe that she would feel better if she had another angel standing with her. That, and the fact that she wouldn’t have any lines, was all it took.”
Then it was Janell’s turn to change the subject. “You haven’t asked about my matchmaking activities lately.”
Was she so eager to see him matched with another woman? He’d thought he was making progress with her. “I figure you’ll let me know when you have something to tell me.”
“You certainly don’t seem to be in as big a hurry as you were a few days ago. Are you no longer looking to have a wife by Christmas?”
“That’s still the goal.” Though he would prefer it be with one particular woman. “Or at least to have set a wedding date by then. Do you have some news for me?”
“We need to scratch Maddy Jean off the list. She is not interested in marriage right now.” She pulled the list from her pocket. “I’d like to have a quick discussion about whether you have a preference as to what order I approach the rest of them.”
It seemed the schoolteacher had absolutely no trouble remaining unemotional when discussing his future wife.
Hank figured he had to step up his courting efforts.
Chapter Seventeen
Janell arrived at the Chandler home bright and early Saturday morning. As soon as breakfast was over she turned to the children. “The three of us are going on a little shopping trip.”
“What are we shopping for?” Alex asked.
“I’ll tell you when we get there.”
“What about Uncle Hank?”
“Don’t worry about me.” Hank carried his dishes to the counter. “There are a few things I need to take care of around here.”
Was he glad of the opportunity to have the house to himself for a while? She imagined that hadn’t happened since he’d returned to town. It must be a big change for a man who’d lived alone for at least as long as she’d lived in Turnabout.
Alex spent most of the wal
k to the mercantile trying to pry from her what they were shopping for. Even Chloe seemed intrigued. When they arrived, it was to discover Mr. Blakely had decorated his shop window with a toy train, complete with tracks and landscaping. It took nearly five minutes to pry Alex away and lead him to the back of the store.
When she stopped at the fabric section, Alex’s face fell. She noticed Chloe, however, was fingering the fabric longingly.
What girl her age didn’t like pretty things? And while the clothing Chloe had was no doubt adequate, it looked as though it had been handed down.
Perhaps she would also get a length of dress fabric while they were here.
“What are we doing here?” There was a definite pout in Alex’s voice.
“We’re going to spruce up your rooms and give you a chance to fix them up however you like.” She waved toward the bolts of fabric. “And we’re going to start with curtains. You can pick out whatever fabric you like.” She turned to Chloe and carefully signed out bedroom curtains.
Alex gave her a speculative look. “Start with—does that mean there’s more?”
She smiled. “It does. But that’s going to be a surprise.”
Satisfied, Alex turned his attention to the fabric and quickly picked out a dark blue with thin yellow stripes. Chloe took a little more time and eventually picked out a pale green fabric dusted with tiny pink flowers. Janell took note of the other fabrics the girl lingered over. She would be back later to select a pretty piece for a dress.
Later, when they returned home, they found Hank in the parlor, a pleased-with-himself smile on his face. He took a moment to admire the kids’ choices in fabric, but she could tell there was something else on his mind.
He finally cleared his throat. “Come on into the kitchen for a moment—there’s something I want to show you.”
As soon as they stepped into the kitchen, he waved toward the table. “I went up in the attic while y’all were gone. I dug through a couple of old trunks my ma—your grandmother—had stored up there and found a few things I thought you might want for your rooms.”
The Holiday Courtship Page 14