“Jonas is fine,” Cecil’s voice was a comforting sound that Hester clung to as she collapsed back onto the couch. “What happened?”
“You fell down the stairs,” Cecil moved to her side, kneeling and taking her hand. “Your uncle is attacking the cellar now as if he intends to punish it for doing you harm.” The man’s soft smile buoyed Hester’s spirits. “I’ll call him for you.”
“No, wait,” Hester clung to his hand. “Where was Jonas? Is he alright?”
Cecil felt his heart melting at Hester’s words. She had nearly met her own demise and her first thoughts were for his nephew. “He was in the attic, sulking. He and Beverly are up there now looking for his snake. I just hope the cat doesn’t find Hebbie first.” Mr. Payton smiled. “Jonas swears he’ll never let his slithering pet out of the jar again if you’ll get better.”
“They are good children,” Hester offered wearily. “Just have faith that they’ll grow into who they need to be.”
“I will if you’ll continue to help me.” Cecil squeezed her hand again as he pushed to his feet. “I’m going to call Hyke. He’s been worried sick.”
Hester sagged back onto the sofa, letting him go. Jonas was safe that was all that mattered. How could Mr. Payton think she would leave the children as long as they needed her? As long as he trusted her to do what was best for them?
“You’re looking better,” Mrs. August walked into the room carrying a tray with a small tea pot, cup and toast. “You need to eat and get back your strength.”
“Thank you,” Hester carefully pushed herself upright letting the housekeeper place the tray over her lap, surprised when the older woman made a fuss, propping her up with pillows.
“You gave us quite a fright,” Mrs. August turned straightening little items in the room. “I’m glad you’re not badly injured.”
Hester nearly choked on her tea, spluttering and setting the cup back on the tray. Mrs. August had been against her since Mr. Payton had made her governess over the children. The stalwart housekeeper seemed to believe that Hester was putting herself above her station, and had made that perfectly clear. Perhaps there was hope that the two women could become friends after all.
“I know I didn’t trust your motivation in the beginning,” Mrs. August lifted her chin, her sharp features harsh above the high collar of her familiar black dress. “Today you did more than prove that you’re truly dedicated to the children. I’m sorry.”
Hester smiled looking up to meet the older woman’s eyes. “I do care for the children,” she spoke. “I never intended being anything but a cleaning woman at the house, but things rather took on a life of their own. All I can say is if I take something on, I do my very best. Always.”
Mrs. August smiled, giving one shake of her head. “I’ll check on the children while you rest,” the older woman stated, walking out of the room in a rustle of skirts.
“Hester!” The children rushed down the stairs, the thunder of their feet and high cry of their voices, shooting straight through her head only moments later.
“Mrs. August told us you were awake. How are you? Do you need anything? What can we do?”
Hester smiled reaching out and taking the children’s hands in hers. “Could you be a little quieter?” she asked. “I have a terrible headache.”
“Sorry,” both children whispered.
Something warm plopped onto Hester’s lap and she jumped with fright until she noticed it was just the cat.
“Minny, get down,” Beverly chided reaching for the cat who had pushed her face up to Hester’s.
“Minny?” Hester asked reaching out and stroking the cat.
“Jonas started calling her Skinny Minny, so that’s what we call her. Of course she isn’t as skinny as she was before.”
Hester chuckled. “No between all the treats you give her, and what appears to be an unending supply of mice, she is doing well. How are the kittens?”
“Their eyes are open now,” Jonas ginned. “They are very squirmy.”
“That reminds me,” Hester met the boy’s dark eyes. “Did you find Hebbie?”
“Yes, he’s safe in his jar again. Uncle Cecil said Minny might kill him if she though he would eat her kittens, but that is silly, he’s far too small to swallow a whole kitten.”
“Still,” Hester spoke kindly, “Hebbie is far safer in his jar. I hope you realize that.”
“I do, but I like for him to be able to hunt on his own sometimes.”
“Maybe we can get him a bigger glass cage later,” Beverly suggested. “Like the ones they had at the zoo.”
“Really!” Jonas’s eyes went wide. “Let’s go ask Uncle Cecil.” Jonas dashed off before anyone could reply leaving Hester and Beverly alone.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” the girl said. “We promise to do better if you’ll stay. I know Jonas didn’t want anything to happen to you.” Beverly’s eyes swam with tears.
“It’s all right,” Hester reached for the girl pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“I don’t like saying good-bye,” Beverly sniffed. “I miss Mama and Papa and don’t want to leave anyone else, ever again.”
“Good-byes are part of life,” Hester soothed. “But there are also wonderful hellos. I know I would be a poorer soul without knowing you and Jonas.”
“And Uncle Cecil,” Bev insisted.
“And your uncle as well. We all ended up here for a reason, Beverly,” she smoothed the girl’s strawberry blonde hair and placed a kiss on the top of her head. “We’ll figure out what that is in time. For now we simply have to do the things set before us to the best of our ability.”
Beverly nodded, her tenderness zinging straight to Hester’s heart. She hadn’t expected to fall in love with these spoiled children the day she had stepped into the fancy brownstone in the city, but she was glad she had.
***
A strange rattle and clatter made Hester look up then turn toward the
