“Thank you. Your kindness means the world to me. I know nothing about babies, just that they’re darling little creatures. But I promised his mother I’d care for him as my own before she died, so I hope you’ll teach me everything I need to know.”
“You’re a natural. Isn’t she, Abigail?”
Abigail smiled as she reached forward and tickled Moses under his chin. “Indeed. You’d think he really was your own child. Had you not explained the circumstances of his birth, I wouldn’t have known he wasn’t yours.”
The compliment gave Emma Jane more confidence than she thought it would. Until now, she hadn’t realized her own fears in becoming a mother. Yes, she’d always loved babies, but her own mother had never done any of the motherly things she saw happening between Olivia and Abigail. The unmistakable affection between the two women sent a twinge to Emma Jane’s heart.
Jasper and Stephen entered the room, flanked by Charles, Abigail’s husband.
“Jasper!” Olivia smiled up at the men. “I was just telling Emma Jane what a fine boy you have. He’ll be such a credit to you and your family.”
A dark look crossed Jasper’s face, and it pained Emma Jane to see that he was still resistant to the idea of taking in Moses.
“He’s not my boy.”
Stephen clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s hard to form an attachment so soon, but mark my words, you’ll love him like your own before you know it. Olivia and I have taken in more than our share of children needing homes—none as babies, mind you—but each and every one is as precious to us as if they were our own.”
Jasper’s scowl only deepened. Didn’t he realize that this may be the solution to their problem? Both of them despaired of ever having children, so in taking in other children who needed homes, they could have a family of their own. Surely with all of Jasper’s money, he could afford plenty. Perhaps he just needed a little time and the encouragement of how it had worked for the Lewises before he was sold on the idea.
Emma Jane turned to Olivia. “I had no idea that you’d done that. I’d love to hear more about how you were able to take in other children.”
Jasper grunted, and the look he gave her made Emma Jane wonder if she’d made a mistake in asking the older woman to share her story. But the happy glow on Olivia’s face was enough to convince Emma Jane that she’d made the right decision. After all, Olivia had been so good to them, it seemed only right to show support for Olivia’s endeavors.
As Olivia talked about her joy in being able to give less fortunate children a home, Emma Jane couldn’t help but watch the lines deepen between Jasper’s brows. She hadn’t meant to make him uncomfortable, but they also hadn’t had much of a chance to speak privately since arriving. Last night, they’d both been so tired, and Emma Jane had fallen asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Since rising, they’d both been occupied by various members of the Lewis family.
Moses began to fuss, and before Emma Jane could ascertain what the problem was, Abigail reached for him. “I think this little one is due for another feeding.”
She gave Emma Jane a smile. “I am so glad to be able to help you with him. David is getting so big and independent that I miss these days of having a small one.”
Abigail glanced fondly at the little boy who sat on his father’s knee, tugging at his beard. Then she gave Charles such a deep look of love that it made Emma Jane’s heart churn again. Oh, to have that for her own life. What would it be like to exchange such sweet, tender glances?
Emma Jane transferred the baby to Abigail’s arms, then looked down at her own embroidery. Seeing her new initials stitched with her own neat hand seemed almost out of a dream or some other reality that couldn’t possibly exist. Jasper glanced at her, then at her embroidery, then looked away.
Things were so different between them now. When they were last here, they’d built a friendship of sorts. During their time in the mine, they’d talked, really talked, and Emma Jane had thought they’d come to a level of mutual respect. Then here at the hotel, where Emma Jane recuperated from her injuries, they’d become even friendlier.
She looked out the window, covered by the swirling snow. The last time they’d been stuck here, they’d also been trapped by a snowstorm, but it was nothing like this one. Now that they were closer to winter, the snow lasted longer and was colder and thicker.
Spying the basket of yarn near Jasper’s chair, Emma Jane smiled. Perhaps all Jasper needed was a reminder of their previous bond.
“Do you remember how I tried teaching you how to knit?”
When they were trapped here before, Emma Jane and Mary had tried showing Jasper and Will how to knit. The men’s hands were clumsy with the needles and yarn, and while they did not get any real knitting accomplished, they’d had great fun. And, as Emma Jane remembered with a pang, she’d felt a connection between her and Jasper.
A hint of a smile twitched at his lips. But his voice remained dull. “As I recall, it was not a successful endeavor.”
“Well, maybe we can play checkers instead,” Emma Jane said brightly, hoping to engage him in some way.
“I don’t like checkers.” Jasper turned to Stephen. “You wouldn’t happen to have any good books in that study of yours, would you?”
Emma Jane’s heart sank as her husband stood.
“Oh, yes, yes, I do!” Stephen jumped up, and the two men exited the room, Charles joining them.
“Don’t mind them,” Olivia said, patting Emma Jane as she walked over to the teapot. “Stephen and Charles were arguing politics earlier, and they know I only allow it in the gentlemen’s room. They’ve been itching to continue their discussion. Would
