“It does seem like a friendly place.” Together they passed a plump blonde woman on the arm of a thin blonde man who were apparently out for an evening stroll and soon arrived at the store.
Hester smiled as she walked into the simple yet well stocked mercantile. The friary and fantastical seemed to be missing from the store, but she could see at a glance anything you might need would be available.
“Good evening,” a kind faced woman called as she wiped down the counter at the front of the store. “How can I help you?”
“We’re here for supplies,” Cecil offered walking forward with a smile. “I have a list if it can be ready in the morning, unless you deliver.”
“Let me see,” the woman took the list scanning it quickly. “You must be the family that is moving into the old Rally house. I hope it isn’t too terrible.”
“Not terrible,” Hester offered, “Just in need of a good cleaning and some upkeep.”
“You must be a brave young wife to take on a place like that,” the woman turned back to her counter placing the list under a small stone.
“Oh, no!” Hester blushed. “I’m just the governess.”
“I’m sorry,” the clerk blushed. “I shouldn’t assume. Well welcome to Biders Clump all the same.”
Cecil couldn’t stop the grin that spread across his face at the woman’s assumption. Hester was a very attractive woman after all, and he couldn’t deny his affection for her. She had been exactly what he had needed, and the longer he knew her the more he respected her willingness to work hard to make things better. He knew that only time would tell how the children would adapt to their new home. At the moment, it was still fresh, new, and exciting, but sooner or later the reality of the change would catch up.
His niece and nephew had never had to work for anything in their lives. They were spoiled, bored, and often rude. He could only hope that with the help of Miss Hester Johnson, they would grow into responsible and loving adults.
“You leave this list with me,” the shopkeeper said. “We will have most of what you need ready for pick up in the morning and then we can deliver the rest in the afternoon.”
“Well that was easy,” the man said as they walked back outside. “Are you up for a stroll?” He looked down as Hester hesitated.
“I should get the children to bed.”
“They can wait half an hour, besides they are getting to know their teacher and the other children. Isn’t that good for them? I think they need to start learning to do more for themselves.”
“I can’t argue with that,” Hester agreed as they stepped onto the board walk taking in the sites of the town. “They are both very bright children. Beverly doubts herself too much and Jonas is far too bold though.”
“You’ve done wonders with them in only a short time.” Cecil shook his head still trying to understand his good luck.
“Mr. Payton,” Hester hesitated over his name for a second. “I think you should be prepared for things to go terribly wrong.”
“What? Why?”
“I only mean that the children are not used to this kind of life. They are accustomed to everything being given to them. At the moment everything is new and exciting, but when that wears off, it could get much more difficult.”
Cecil threw back his head and laughed. He had been thinking the same thing only an hour ago.
“I don’t see what’s funny about it,” Hester sighed. “I’m afraid it is true.”
“I’m sorry,” Cecil turned warm eyes to her as they walked past the sheriff’s office. “It’s just that I was thinking the same thing earlier. We can’t expect them to simply get along so well forever. I’ve been expecting an explosion at every turn.”
“What will you do about it when it comes?” Hester stopped turning to look up into his handsome face. Emotions roiled inside of her as she studied his dark eyes. She liked this man, but also realized that she was only an employee, and that if she displeased him, she could be without a living. Although obviously strong and capable in some areas, he seemed vulnerable and unprepared in so many others.
“Miss Johnson,” Cecil began taking her hands in his. “I’m not my brother. I will not dismiss you, or let the children run you off with their bad behavior. As long as you are willing to stand by and fight the good fight you will be their caregiver. You seem far more capable of dealing with them than I ever have been. I know little about children and rely on your judgment. I hope you understand that.”
Hester felt herself relax. But she still worried. “You might not always agree with my decisions or methods,” she pressed. “The children may grow to hate me.”
“I can’t see that happening.” Cecil looked down into Hester’s beautiful brown eyes wondering how anyone could hate her. “I promise I’ll stand with you whatever you do.”
Chapter 16
“You can’t keep that thing in the house,” Mrs. August's voice echoed down the hall along with a soft sob from Beverly as Hester and Cecil returned.
“Oh dear,” Hester glanced at the man beside her and together they raced up the stairs.
“Mrs. August whatever is the matter?” Hester asked as Beverly glared at the housekeeper, tears shimmering in defiant eyes.
“This child thinks she can keep this mangy creature in the house,” Mrs. August spat pointing at the crate with the mother cat and kittens. “It won’t do.”
Hester hurried around the housekeeper, kneeling at the crate. “She has kittens,” Hester looked up at Beverly and smiled.
“Byron said she would be a wonderful mouser,” the girl sniffed. “You said we needed a cat for catching mice. Please don’t make me get rid of her.” The girl turned imploring eyes to her uncle.
“You can
