The large kitchen and dining area were full of guests as Polly Esther and a young woman with ginger colored hair hurried to place dishes on the tables.
Hester was pleased to see that Alyssa knew her way around the kitchen and was helpful as well. It was good to see the whole family working together to make their guest comfortable.
“Tea or coffee?” a woman in her early thirties asked. “I’m Ernie, Ellery’s wife. I don’t always help out, but we have a full house tonight.” She lifted dark eyes looking around the dining area at the guests assembled.
“Tea please,” Hester replied leaning away so that Ernie could fill her cup. Already she felt more welcome and comfortable in this busy boarding house than she had at the fine home in the city.
“Will you be staying long?” Ernie asked filling Hester’s cup.
“No, I believe Mr. Payton intends to go to his new house tomorrow.”
“New house?” the dark-haired woman asked. “I haven’t heard of any new buildings in Biders Clump.”
“I don’t believe it’s new, only new to Mr. Payton and the children. I think it’s called the Rally house.”
“The Rally House!” George Olson’s voice rose, blasting along the table and bringing silence. “Why no one has lived in that old place in nearly fifteen years. You won’t want to go there.”
“I assure you, Mr. Olson, I do want to go there.” Cecil spoke. “It is the house I have inherited and hope to make into a home for my niece and nephew.”
George scratched his head and sighed. “You’ll have your work cut out for you then.”
“George, leave Mr. Payton alone,” Polly chided gently as she took her seat at the table. “I’m sure he’ll figure it all out whenever he sees the old house.”
“Is it haunted?” Jonas asked his eyes full of excitement. “We’ll chase the old ghosts right out of it.”
“There is no such thing as ghosts,” Mrs. August said. She looked even more ridged and stiff than she had upon arrival. “Now eat your dinner, and we’ll get ready for bed.” The housekeeper shot a glance at Hester, clearly indicating that she should have taken charge in this area already. “We’ve had a very long journey, and the sooner we are settled the better.”
Hester listened to the conversations around her as the family chatted about the day’s events, and Cecil quietly inquired about the Rally House. As confident as she had been only moments earlier she felt a sense of worry creeping up her spine. If the house were truly run down, or unsafe, would they all return to the city once more?
Hester was certain that Mrs. August would love nothing more than to hurry back to the fancy brown stone, but deep in her soul Hester knew that this fresh start was what they all needed.
As the meal wound down and coffee and cookies were served, she kept an eye on the children. Another boy closer in age to Jonas had joined the table, as well as a little girl of about three. Jonas was already busy boasting of all the things he wanted to do with the other children, and Beverly was carrying on a quiet conversation with Alyssa. If all went well, the children could be settled and start school in good order. It was Hester’s hope that they would make friends and learn to do things for themselves. Perhaps she was setting herself up to work right out of a job, but wasn’t it more important that she instilled a sense of purpose and ability into Beverly and Jonas than to be there caregiver indefinitely?
Hester knew all too well how quickly life’s circumstance could change turning your whole world upside down. It was important to her that the children learn to become self sufficient, good citizens, who contributed to the well being of their hometown, state, and country. Hard times came to everyone, but it was how they faced them that made the measure of a man or woman.
Hester’s eyes drifted to Mr. Payton, who was chatting with Ellery and noted how his handsome face glowed. He belonged among people like this, not the high society business types of the big city. His dark eyes shone with ambition as he tried to coax out details on what might be needed at the Rally House.
“I plan on farming,” he said offering the other young man a smile. “I’ll need help, but a small farm, with a few cows and chickens could provide nicely for us. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and hope to teach Jonas as well.”
He turned to look at the boy who yawned wide, barely able to keep his eyes open.
“I think for now, it’s time for Jonas to go to bed,” Hester said. “Thank you for a lovely meal, Mrs. Olson. Children thank our hosts and come along.”
The children, too tired to argue quickly said their good-byes, promising to see the others again in the morning, as Hester stood.
“Ernie would you mind showing them to their rooms,” Polly asked. “I believe everything is ready.”
“Thank you,” Hester turned to the other woman. “I assume I’ll be staying in with the children.”
Polly looked at George who looked at Cecil in turn. “If that’s what you wish,” she finally said. “I thought you’d be staying in with your husband instead.”
Hester felt the blush burn her face as she shook her head. “I’m sorry for the confusion,” she muttered. “I’m only the governess.”
Cecil held back a smile at the obvious embarrassment on Hester’s face. She was a very pretty woman, and he could see how the mistake had been made.
“Thank you Hester,” he finally managed. “Please see to the children, and I’ll explain the rest.”
Hester felt a wave of relief wash over here as her uncle chuckled, but she quickly took the children by the hand and hurried after Ernie. Life certainly wasn’t dull with the Paytons.
Chapter 13
“Are we going to our new home today?” Beverly asked rising and rubbing the sleep
