“Mr. Payton, Mrs. Olson has brought a welcome committee and cleaning crew.” Hester grinned.
“We figured with a place that has sat empty for so long, you could all use an extra hand or two.” Polly grinned, turning to examine the house more closely. Besides,” she added with a wicked grin. “We all wanted to see what this place is like. It’s in better condition than I would expect.”
“The house was well built and closed up tight, so it has held up well,” Cecil said, feeling a little overwhelmed. “There’s a terrible lot of work to be done, but at least the roof is sound.”
“That’s good, George doesn’t like working on roofs at his age.” Polly’s chuckle seemed to put everyone at ease.
“I’ve got the coffee on,” Mrs. August walked back into the room watching the two older women washing the dirty windows at the front of the house, a bemused expression on her face. It was clear to see that the housekeeper wasn’t accustomed to receiving help.
Polly Esther walked to Mrs. August taking her hand. “That’ll be nice for when we take a break. How about we go upstairs and see what we can get into.”
A moment later, Hester was alone with Mr. Payton who was looking at her intensely.
Chapter 22
“How are you feeling?” Cecil asked, running a hand behind his neck. He could still feel Hester in his arms as he carried her from the dark basement below.
“I’m afraid I get dizzy when I try to stand.” Hester replied. “Mrs. Dixon, one of the women that came with Polly, sent her husband to fetch the doctor. I tried to stop her but…”
“I’m glad she did.” Cecil looked up noting the two older women washing the windows on the front porch, one carefully directing the other. “I didn’t want to override you when you said you didn’t need one earlier.” He shot Hester a half smile and she responded with one of her own.
“Who’s that?” Cecil stepped closer as a young woman carried a bucket and broom up the stairs.
“I think that’s Sara, Mrs. Dixon’s daughter. Becky is in the kitchen with Mrs. August, and a woman named Quil is cleaning mantels. It all makes my head spin.”
Cecil crossed the space between them in one stride falling to one knee. “Why don’t you lie down again,” he urged. “You need to rest and get better.” He felt his heart stutter as he thought of trying to go on without Hester’s help.
Hester met Mr. Payton’s eyes and something quivered in her stomach. He was a very handsome man and his eyes drew her in.
“Hester.”
“Yes?”
“I’m, I’m glad you’re alright. I will be relieved when a real doctor checks you out though.” He turned pacing the room as he questioned the strange feelings in his heart. He was starting to care for the pretty woman who had done so much to care for Bev and Jonas. “Thanks for not letting the children run you off.”
Hester opened her mouth to reply, but Mr. Payton was gone, walking through the kitchen door without a backward glance.
Hester settled herself back onto the sofa, feeling guilty for not doing something to help as a whirlwind of activity buzzed around her. She wasn’t used to sitting still while others did things for her, and it felt odd, but she knew that it was the best thing she could do. Unfortunately, that left her mind all to idle to consider her feelings for Mr. Cecil Payton.
By noon, all of the ladies returned to the living area to join Hester and the others for tea and sandwiches. She was surprised at how comfortable she felt with the others and even Mrs. August seemed to relax as Becky helped her bring the food out and place it before their guests.
“Mrs. August?” Hyke stepped into the parlor, his white hair sticking up in all directions from the dust and cobwebs covering his head. “Oh, I’m sorry,” he stopped looking around at the women. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your tea party.” The old man’s brows rose high as the women tittered.
“What is it Mr. Johnson?” Mrs. August turned pinning him with a condemning look.
“I just wanted to know if I can have one of these sandwiches on the table.” Hyke scanned the room again, looking ready to bolt at any moment.
“Yes, those are for you and Mr. Payton.” The housekeeper turned back to the children who sat with the adults. “Jonas you may eat with the men if you like.”
Jonas sprang to his feet racing to the kitchen without a backward glance, relieved to miss out on women’s talk.
“Now it’s just us girls,” Beverly piped, making everyone laugh.
The ladies had nearly finished their lunch when a buggy arrived and Doctor Walker knocked on the door. “Where’s the patient?” the man asked, hefting a black bag in one hand as he smoothed his gray mustache with the other.
“Here,” Hester greeted. “I’m Hester Johnson. I’m so sorry to trouble you.”
“No trouble,” the doctor replied walking into the room and squinting at her. “That’s a nasty bump,” he pointed at her head. You’ll need to take it easy for a few days at least.” The graying doctor turned gazing at the other women who rose returning to unfinished jobs.
“Uncle Cecil is looking at the barn,” Beverly spoke to Janine, taking her hand as they walked toward the door. “Do you want to see it?”
Hester smiled. Beverly had gravitated to the young woman with the sweet little girl, and it made her happy to see that Bev was adjusting to her new home.
“I can carry Alice if you like,” Beverly’s voice was hopeful.
“Well, let’s take a look at you,” the doctor pulled a chair close sitting down and taking her wrist, checking her pulse before examining her eyes. “I’d say you’ll be fine,” he grinned. “Just take it easy. If you
