Daisy grins and loops an arm through Mrs. Flannagan. “You’re a genius,” she whispers.
“Daisy! Look at these! Oh, I hope you have two of them.” The ladies laugh and hurry to her side to pick out two cream colored pants with matching jackets and shirts. Before they leave, they add two chocolate velvet pantsuits and hats.
Allen waits out front with the wagon, and they are quickly loaded up. Anika reaches in the back and grabs her carpet bag, before stepping to Allen and Daisy who are saying goodbye to Mrs. Flannagan.
“Allen, I need to make one stop before we go home if that’s alright?” she asks softly.
“Of course, name it,” he offers a hand to his wife to assist her into the wagon.
“I need to stop at the Charity Home for Orphans. I have a few quilts to drop off.”
Daisy glances down at her bag and smiles. “I thought they were for Delaney?”
“No, these are specially sized for the children. Two by four feet, sometimes longer for the older children. It’s only three this time. I’ve been really busy.”
“Daisy, its’ been too long since we’ve had a Quilting Bee. What better project than the children?” Mrs. Flannagan gasps, “I have tons of scrap pieces of material that we can use.”
“That's a wonderful idea! Anika, what do you think?”
“I think you're both amazing. The children have nothing, and there are one hundred thirty-four children at this one home.” All three people stop moving and stare at her in shock.
“How could we not know this, Allen?” Daisy gasps.
“I don’t know, but we will bring this up at church on Sunday. Let’s go visit and see what else they need,” Allen replies with a determined glint.
Anika hugs Mrs. Flannagan and climbs into the wagon, hoping she didn't upset them. Three blocks down the street, they turn, and Anika points to a large brick three-story building. It was vacated due to shell damage after the war. “There it is. It has been repaired by some of the Mill workers.”
“I usually just drop the quilts with Pastor Donegal, he runs the children’s home.”
“Perfect. Let's go see him.” Allen guides the ladies through the dark doorway, not expecting much. He is pleasantly surprised to find a warmly lit entryway with rugs and a large fireplace. Chairs and couches are paired together to make multiple seating areas for different purposes.
Pastor Donegal is walking towards them with a handsome man. He greets them the moment they step inside. “Ms. Coltrane, welcome back. Mr. and Mrs. Ward, it’s nice to see you. You remember Rhemi Darlington.”
“Of course, hello Mr. Darlington,” Daisy says.
Rhemi bows slightly and smiles at Anika. “Now, I’m sure we haven’t met,” he reaches a hand out, causing Anika to back away from him.
“Excuse me, Mr. Darlington, this is Anika Coltrane our new nanny,” Allen doesn’t miss the way his eyes light up at the description.
“Rhemi just made a generous donation to the Orphans home, and we are ever so grateful. The Darlington family owns the Mill and have generously offered to pay for the repairs to the building,” Pastor Donegal explains.
“That’s very kind of you,” Anika replies.
“Perhaps, I could arrange a tour of the Mill for you, Ms. Coltrane.” Rhemi steps closer, “I have a new covered carriage that is sure to keep out the evening chill.”
Daisy's eyes narrow at the audacity of the suggestion and Allen feels her stiffen in outrage next to him.
“Is that your new carriage out front? I saw a group of men looking it over. She sure is a beauty,” Allen says.
Rhemi's eyes snap to his, and he stammers a quick goodbye.
Daisy nudges Allen and smiles at the Pastor. Anika grins and watches Rhemi rush from the building. She can’t help but make comparisons to Glenn. Rhemi is dressed in the finest navy day suit, with his hair perfectly combed and he is obviously from money, but he is too clean for her liking. She prefers a man to smell and dress like a man.
“What can I do for you folks?”
An hour later, they are back in the wagon, and no one speaks for the first few minutes. “I had no idea.” Daisy reaches for Allen's hands.
“How could we be so blind, Daisy, they don't even have beds!” Allen snaps the reins and hurries home.
“They are the lucky ones,” Anika explains. Daisy and Allen stare at her in horror.
“Why would you say that?” Daisy asks.
“Some sleep inside doorways, under bridges, wherever they can find shelter. They go days without eating. It must be dealt with or they will turn to crime and other means of survival,” Anika clarifies.
“Sunday is going to be eye-opening for our congregation,” Allen states.
“You will go with us, Anika, and I’m going to suggest the proceeds from our bake sale go to this charity and organize a quilting bee.”
“I, I don’t know if I’m ready, Daisy.”
“It’s much easier to gossip about someone you don’t know, Anika. Once they see you with our family things will die down.”
Allen listens quietly as they ride through town.
“Perhaps, your right. It would be good for Delaney to make some friends.”
Anika hurries to the nursery when they return and finds both boys being changed by the new help. Glenn insisted on hiring Mrs. Henrietta. She is a sixty-year-old freed slave who is thrilled to have her first paying job.
“How did they do?” Anika asks as she picks up Allen.
“Just fine, though they are about to start fussing. You want me to stay and help?” She asks.
“No, ma’am. Thank you for coming today. It was nice to get out.”
“My pleasure. When do you need me next?” She asks.
“Can you
