Finding a Frontier Family

Spring Hill is the orphan train’s last stop—a final chance for Simon McKay to find homes for his young charges. When his fellow placing agent quits, Simon enlists help from the frontier town’s pretty schoolteacher. Cecilia Holbrook is as intriguing as she is independent, yet Simon’s devotion to his mission will soon call him back to New York.

Long overshadowed by her flirtatious sister, Cecilia is done with waiting for a man to choose her. She’s already fighting the school board to keep her position. Now she’s struggling not to lose her heart to Simon. Could their shared concern for the children show them how to follow a new dream, together?

After earning a degree in business and jumping from job to job, MOLLIE CAMPBELL was more than a little surprised—and pleased—to find that writing was the perfect fit. A lifelong Midwestern girl, she currently lives in Indiana with her husband, two young kids and a rather energetic beagle. When she’s not writing or reading, she loves watching superhero shows with her husband and collecting antiques.

Also By Mollie Campbell

Taking on Twins

Orphan Train Sweetheart

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Orphan Train Sweetheart

Mollie Campbell

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-08445-1

ORPHAN TRAIN SWEETHEART

© 2018 Abigail Downey

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

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“How fast do you suppose we’ll fit in the rest of the visits?”

“I’d say a week or two. It depends on how much time your schedule permits.”

Cecilia tried to ignore the way her heart leaped at the thought of the time they would spend together. “Helping you make sure the children are all safe and happy is a priority.”

With his eyes glued straight ahead, Simon pulled the reins to slow the horse. “Do I get the chance to take you home this time, or should we part ways here?”

“I hope you can forgive me for that, Simon. I overreacted and I’m sorry. I would appreciate it if you would drive me home.”

He turned then, his eyes searching her face. As much as she should, Cecilia refused to break the intense stare. But she soon found herself falling into the pale blue depths, imagining that warm, even romantic feelings were hidden in them. She had to look away. Her fickle heart was running wild without reason. And that would lead only to pain.

Dear Reader,

I hope you enjoyed Cecilia’s story. Of all the Holbrook sisters, her struggles are closest to my own, so writing about her journey was a challenge! I pray that the things she and Simon learned are an encouragement to you like they have been to me.

I’ve had a fascination with the orphan train for a long time, so getting to write this story was a thrill for me. Starting in 1854, thousands of children were “placed out” to foster families through the orphan train. It wasn’t a perfect system, but it offered a solution for many children who were alone on the streets. It was fun to take real accounts of children who rode the orphan train and work them into Cecilia and Simon’s story.

Thank you for reading! You can find me on Facebook as Mollie Campbell and on Twitter as @MollieACampbell.

Mollie Campbell

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped:

therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;

and with my song will I praise Him.

—Psalms 28:7

To Mom and Dad, with thanks for your endless support, constant faith, unshakable love and all those hours spent with the kids so I could write. I love you!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Dear Reader

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Epilogue

Extract

About the Publisher

Chapter One

September 1860 Spring Hill, Nebraska Territory

“They aren’t here yet?” Cecilia Holbrook turned from scanning the horizon at the sound of her sister’s voice. She moved over so Cat could join her under the shelter of the hotel roof, both of them shivering when several errant drops of rain hit their heads. Cat dabbed her damp face with a handkerchief. “Those poor children will get soaked if they don’t make it soon.”

Cecilia’s eyes swept the rolling hills past the edge of town again. “I expect them to arrive any minute.”

Cat bounced on her toes as if it would bring their visitors faster. “Is everything ready? With all you had to do these last few weeks, I can’t imagine any item could remain undone.”

Stifling the urge to roll her eyes, Cecilia brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. “Yes, everything is ready. The hotel rooms are paid for and waiting. The donated clothes are all clean and placed on their beds. The food Aunt Lily sent over for supper is in their rooms.” Cecilia could have listed what felt like a hundred other details, all things the town expected her to handle. As the schoolteacher, they expected her to be in charge of everything that happened in town regarding children. Even if they were capable of doing it themselves.

Cecilia took a calming breath of cool, damp air. She had to remember that all this work hadn’t been for the benefit of the old biddies in the Ladies’ Aid Society. It was for the children who were set to arrive from the orphan train. Finding good families for each of them was worth being treated as a workhorse for a bit.

Smoothing her already perfect hair, Cat let out a sigh. “The excitement in town these last few days has been so invigorating. I’ll be sad to see it end.”

Raising her eyebrows at her sister, Cecilia waited for Cat to realize what she’d said. The woman never bothered to think before speaking. Sure enough, Cat gasped a second later. “Oh, that didn’t sound right. Of course, I want all the children to find good homes. But it’s thrilling that we would get children from the orphan train coming to Spring Hill, with no railroads in the territory. It feels like a surprise party for the whole town.”

Glancing down the street again, Cecilia nodded. “I know what you mean. People have been quite excited about our little guests. It’s hard to believe they made all those stops and there are still children who haven’t found homes.”

Shifting from one foot to the other, Cat arched one eyebrow. “Well, I hope that doesn’t mean even more work for you. You’ve been running around preparing for their arrival for days.”

Cecilia was saved the trouble of coming up with a kind answer when the rumble of wagon wheels and thump of hooves on packed dirt drew the sisters’ attention back to the street. There it was. Cecilia’s first glimpse of the wagon showed two placing agents on the seat and a cluster of small heads peeking up in the back. Cecilia’s heart pounded as she prepared herself to face the load of strangers. New situations always made her a little clumsy and she hoped that, this time, she wouldn’t make a fool of herself.

A few more drops of rain splattered on the boardwalk as the vehicle drew to a stop in front of them and Cecilia’s mind formed a quick prayer that the rain would hold. Next to her, Cat craned her neck as the male placing agent jumped down from the seat and went around the wagon to help the female agent climb out. His face remained obstructed by the brim of his hat, but the woman turned to look right at them. And her pinched expression didn’t look pleasant at all.

Once the woman was steady on the ground, the male agent turned to greet them. Cecilia started to step forward when a gust of wind whipped around them and caught the brim of the man’s hat, sending it hurtling toward her. She jumped in shock as the solid material hit her square in the face. Heat flooded her cheeks as she fumbled to grab the hat. Just as she’d feared, this was not an auspicious start.

Holding the hat out for the man to take, Cecilia found herself looking almost straight into the palest of blue eyes. They would have been beautiful if his expression had been less icy. He reached out one hand and yanked the hat from her grip. “Are you hurt?”

She almost missed his words while trying to determine if his dark hair was brown or black. “What? Oh, no, I’m fine. It was only a hat.”

His face hardened and she couldn’t believe she’d already managed to get on his bad side. Standing in front of her with a serious expression as he settled the hat back on his head, he didn’t look like a man who smiled often, but she thought he might look even more handsome if he did.

Turning to the female placing agent, Cecilia offered a smile that went unreturned. The woman was older than Cecilia had expected, for someone who spent her time trekking across the prairie with groups of children. Her cold eyes swept the main street of Spring Hill with obvious disapproval. Her graying hair was pulled back into a bun so tight it made Cecilia’s head ache just looking at it. Those poor orphans must have had a joyless trip with these two in charge.

Stepping forward, Cecilia extended her hand to the man. “I’m Cecilia Holbrook, Spring Hill’s schoolteacher. It’s a pleasure to have you here.”

He took her hand in his large, rough one. “Simon McKay. Nice to meet you, Miss Holbrook.”

“Please, call me Cecilia. Some things tend to be rather informal out here on the frontier.”

Turning to the woman and trying to smile again, Cecilia wasn’t at all surprised by the look of disdain on the agent’s face as they shook hands. “And I’m Effie Wright. Miss Wright, if you please.”

All too aware of Cat’s muttered grumbles behind her about Miss Wright’s aloofness, Cecilia pulled her sister forward. “This is my sister, Cat. We’re very glad you made it before the rain started.”

Simon greeted Cat in much the same way he had her, but Cecilia couldn’t miss the way his eyes lingered on her sister. She had come to expect that response. Cat was stunning and vivacious. Men were always drawn straight to her, as Cecilia had learned the hard way. Fighting to unclench her jaw, Cecilia gestured toward the door. “Let’s get you all inside before we get soaked.”

Miss Wright sniffed in displeasure, as if Cecilia was somehow responsible for the weather, then started herding children out of the wagon.

The four adults made quick work of getting them all inside the building. The Thomas House was a quiet, clean establishment and Cecilia had made certain to get their special guests the best rooms available. Just as the ladies of the town had instructed.

Inside the lobby, Cecilia retrieved keys from the young man at the desk. She handed two to Simon, who then took the four boys in the group and led them to their reserved rooms. Cecilia took the other two keys and led Miss Wright and the six girls to their rooms.

It only took a few minutes before Miss Wright dismissed Cecilia with a haughty sniff. Heading back to the first floor, Cecilia paused halfway down when Simon called her name. He loped down the stairs to join her, his position one step above her putting him quite close. “Thank you for helping us get settled. Is everything ready for placing out the children tomorrow?”

Cecilia gripped the handrail. The pleasant, masculine scent that surrounded him caught her off guard. “Yes, I believe we’ll have a fine turnout. The timing couldn’t be better. This area took a hard hit with the financial crisis a few years ago. My own sister and brother-in-law adopted twins last year when no one else could take them. But we’re recovering now and people are ready to reach out to the less fortunate. The town has responded with a great deal of excitement.”

Simon held her gaze with those pale eyes. “That’s good to hear. Part of the duties of a placing agent is to ensure that the children go to good homes where they will be well cared for. Were you informed that Miss Wright and I will be staying in town for several weeks to visit the families after their placements?”

Shaking her head, Cecilia bit her lower lip. “No, I wasn’t aware of that. I’m sure your rooms can be reserved for that amount of time. And the Ladies’ Aid Society will take care of any other needs you may have.” Which meant more work for her. But it was for the children. It would be worthwhile.

“Thank you for that. We very much appreciate it. And...” He hesitated, a slight grimace coming over his face. “I’m sorry for Miss Wright’s curt behavior. She’s a little difficult to get to know, but she has boundless energy. That’s vital with so many children to look after.”

Cecilia felt some of the tension drain out of her shoulders. He could have apologized for his own demeanor, as well. But maybe his admission meant at least one of the placing agents would be easy to work with. Looking up from her spot one step below Simon, she thought she caught him sneaking an appraising glance at her. She mustered a teasing tone, hoping a little banter would lighten his mood even more. “We all have our burdens to bear, I suppose. I happen to have a sister I always have to apologize for. But please let me know if you need anything else.”

Her heart fell when his lips turned down in another frown. She had offended him again. He started to turn away even as he spoke. “Yes, of course. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She watched his retreating back for a moment before she rushed down the stairs, chest burning. As always, she had made a fool of herself in front of a handsome man. She chided herself for letting her imagination run away with her. What had made her think she could be lighthearted and playful with him? And she was a fool for imagining there could have been a spark of interest in his eyes. Simon was only in Spring Hill to do his job. And he didn’t seem very happy about it.

* * *

Simon rose early the next day, feeling like he hadn’t rested at all. He always slept poorly the night before placing out children. He couldn’t help worrying about the orphans, about the people who would come to look them over and about his own feelings getting in the way. He wanted nothing more than for each child to find a happy, loving home, but that didn’t always happen. And those instances haunted him.

Stepping into the hotel lobby, he was startled to see Miss Wright standing next to her travel bag, bonnet in hand. She met his gaze with a stubborn expression. “Mr. McKay, I’m sorry to inform you that I’m leaving. This trip is more than I can handle. I’ve made arrangements to leave on the stagecoach this morning.”

It took several seconds before Simon could respond. “What do you mean you’re leaving? We’re placing out the children today. I need your help.”

The woman’s eyes shifted away. At least maybe she felt a hint of remorse for threatening to leave him shorthanded. “I simply can’t stay. These frontier towns—with the dust and the rough people—are getting to be too much. I’m going back to Chicago to stay with my daughter.”

Pressure built in Simon’s chest, making his head throb. “Miss Wright, please. You know we’re supposed to check in on the families in pairs. What am I supposed to do if you leave?”

Her face softened a minuscule amount but her voice was still firm. “You can find someone trustworthy here, I’m sure. Perhaps that young schoolmarm. She seems competent. I don’t know, but it’s no longer my concern.”

It was clear that she wasn’t going to change her mind and Simon refused to beg her to stay. The last thing he wanted to do was to ask the lovely teacher to spend hours riding out to rural homes by his side. But that was starting to look like his only option. “Fine, Miss Wright. I wish you the best and will pray you have safe travels.”

He whipped around and went straight to the hotel desk. It took several minutes, but he managed to convince the young man there to keep an eye on the children during their breakfast. Then he left the hotel and walked to the small school, where they would gather the orphans and prospective parents later. If he waited a bit, maybe he could intercept Cecilia before anyone else arrived and he could ask for her help in private. But, to his surprise, the door was cracked open. He peeked in and saw that Cecilia was already there. Tension tightened his shoulders.

Their first meeting yesterday had not been his best moment. Her stormy blue eyes and tall, slender frame had caught his attention and that was something he couldn’t have. Distraction led to mistakes. And he had too many young lives in his care to let mistakes happen. No, he had realized that his life traveling the rails would never mix well with women and marriage. So he had to keep his mind off them.

But it hadn’t taken any time at all to see that Cecilia cared about the orphans and getting them placed in good homes. Now that he found himself in a situation where he needed help, she might be his best prospect in this town. He had to pull himself together and keep her on his side.

Pushing away from the door frame, Simon cleared his throat to make his presence known. Cecilia turned, eyes wide with surprise. “Oh, I didn’t know you were here. I wanted to get an early start on clearing space so everything will be ready when the children arrive.”

Simon joined her near the front of the room and took hold of the other end of the desk she was getting ready to move. “Let me help you. I appreciate the work you and the town are putting into this. There aren’t many places that try this hard to make us feel welcome.”

Cecilia’s pretty smile distracted him for a moment and he almost smashed his toe on the leg of the desk. He tensed again. Another mistake due to distraction.

“We’re pleased to have you all here and want to make sure we show it. The residents of Spring Hill are quite proud to be able to help a few of those unfortunate street children.”

Swallowing a surge of irritation at her description of the children, Simon forced himself to remember that she meant well. Many people did, they just didn’t understand the experiences these children had already been through in their short years. But Simon understood all too well and he hated the pity in the voices of those who claimed they cared.

With some effort, he let the comment pass and helped her to carry the desk across the room. Cecilia had already shoved several up against the wall. He helped her move the rest of the desks and, in no time, the room was clear and ready for a crowd. Cecilia wiped her forehead with the back of one hand and stretched her shoulders. “Well, it looks like the hard part is done.”

Walking to the front of the room, Simon wished it could be that easy. The hardest part for him was still to come. “We’ll have the children line up here, where prospective parents can see them. Your approval committee will be present?”

She turned to point at the table they’d arranged in the back of the room. “Yes, and they’ve already selected a good number of families. We shouldn’t have any trouble placing out all of the children.”

Nervousness tightened Simon’s chest. Although many towns were able to approve parents by a committee beforehand, there was always a chance that one of the children would be placed in a home where they wouldn’t be treated well. He swallowed hard around the dry lump in his throat. He couldn’t bear to see any of the children abused. Like Michael.

Shaking off the unpleasant memories, Simon turned back to Cecilia. “I guess everything is in place, then. I’ll head back to get the children assembled and bring them over. But there’s something I need to ask you first.”

Her open expression and encouraging nod unnerved him. He wasn’t used to people being so trusting. “I was hoping you might agree to help me with visiting the orphans with their new families after they’re placed out. The Children’s Aid Society tries to assure that there are two adults evaluating each home. Unfortunately, Miss Wright has decided to leave immediately and travel to Chicago, so I’m left without the second opinion I need to make complete reports.”

She dropped her gaze and pursed her lips. “And all you need is for me to visit the children with you?”

Was helping him—and the children—so distasteful that she had to use that tone? Maybe she wasn’t as caring and agreeable as he’d thought. He fought to keep his tone friendly. He needed her help, after all.

“Yes, that’s it. I usually wait several weeks so they have time to adjust to each other. Then we would make a brief stop at each home to interview the children and the parents. You would need to record your impressions about the suitability of each placement. Nothing more.”

She tapped slim fingers on her chin as she considered his request. Finally she met his eyes, lips turning up in a hint of a smile. “Certainly, I’d love to help the children in any way I can.”

Simon nodded, his throat turning dry. One thing he hadn’t considered until that moment was that he would have to be careful, spending so much time alone with Cecilia. The last thing he needed was a woman thinking he would put down roots and settle in a frontier town like this just for her. But he had Cecilia’s agreement to help him complete his task. He would have to pray she would look out for the children’s best interests and not hinder his work.

Cecilia offered to help him get the children, so together they left the building and walked back to the hotel.

The town was the epitome of frontier life with its uneven planked boardwalk, wide dirt streets and rough buildings covered with flimsy façades. Here and there, he caught a glimpse of buildings that were nicer, put together with more thought and effort, but a large part of the town seemed to have been thrown together in a hurry.

At least the hotel was a respectable place. The Thomas House, run by a kind older couple of the same name, had been a good choice for their stay. As he and Cecilia approached the front door, an older man came out and held it open for them.

Simon was surprised to see the children already lined up inside. Each one had on the new clothes the residents of Spring Hill had provided and carried a small bag with their meager belongings inside. The oldest girl, Ada, held baby Clara in one arm. They stood just the way Miss Wright had insisted on, with their chins held high like little soldiers.

Simon gestured for them all to come outside and line up in front of the building. Once they were in place, he walked in front of the row, examining each child. All ten faces—four boys and six girls—were scrubbed clean and their clothing was neat. But almost every set of eyes showed at least a hint of fear.

He stopped his pacing and tried to smile at each of them. “Well, children, it’s time to go and meet your new families. I expect each of you to behave well. Address adults as ‘sir’ and ‘ma’am.’ Say please and thank you. Speak when spoken to.”

Simon swallowed the lump of emotion rising in his throat. Oh, Lord, let them each find a good home. Licking dry lips, he finished his talk before the waves of feelings got the best of him. “I know you’ll make me proud today. Let’s go.”

He nodded to Ada, who spun on her heel and led the line of orphans down the street, chin still pointed in the air. Simon and Cecilia followed at the rear, behind Charles, one of the oldest boys. As they got closer to the school, Charles’s steps slowed, almost imperceptibly, until Simon was walking next to him.

The boy looked nervous, fidgeting with the bottom button on his slightly too large donated jacket. “Mr. McKay, sir, what if they don’t want one of us? You said this is the last stop. What if someone isn’t picked?”

Charles’s dark head hung low, nearly breaking Simon’s heart. He rested a hand on the child’s shoulder as they walked. “I assure you, Charles, no one will be overlooked today. There are more than enough families in Spring Hill who are excited to have a child join their home. Each of you is sure to find a good match today.”

The boy nodded and sped up to keep pace with the others.

Feeling Cecilia’s eyes on him, Simon turned to see the look of pity on her face. “The poor dear. I can’t imagine the fear the children must feel. I do hope the day goes as well as we expect. For their sakes.”

Simon couldn’t bring himself to respond beyond a noncommittal nod. No, she couldn’t imagine what the children were feeling at that moment. His own life experience had taught him how pivotal this day would be for the orphans. It could mean the difference between life and death.

He tried to brush aside the memories of childhood horror that started to rise but the surge of heartache must have showed on his face, anyway.

Pausing, Cecilia stopped him with one hand on his arm. “It looks like there’s more on your mind than the children. I know we’ve only just met, but if you need to talk, I’ve been told I’m a good listener.”

He couldn’t help the pang of longing that hit him with her earnest words. As much as he would need help in this town for the weeks ahead, there was no way he was going to divulge his past or his feelings to her. No matter how pretty she looked, with that encouraging smile lifting her pink lips. Simon couldn’t imagine that such a lovely young woman would commit to traveling the country with the orphan train rather than having a family of her own. And there was no way he was walking away from the one thing God had called him to do for a selfish reason like his own emotions.

“I’m anxious to get all the children placed out to good homes and return to New York. Nothing more.” He winced at his gruff tone. So much for his determination to be nicer to her.

Drawing herself up straight, she trained her eyes on the children as they entered the school. “You aren’t fond of the frontier?”

Trying to sound more pleasant, he shook his head. “It’s not that. There are always more children on the streets in New York. These trips take so long, it feels like I’m missing the chance to help someone. And I can’t stand that.”

* * *

Cecilia turned to see Simon’s eyes scan the prairie behind the school. Her heart beat a little faster at the view of his strong profile and she chided herself. This was about the children, not about spending time with the handsome placing agent. He had just stated that he would return to New York as soon as he could. Was she going to be so silly as to put her heart in a position that would only lead to being hurt again? No, she couldn’t let that happen.

Squaring her shoulders, she followed Simon up the stairs as he held the door to the school open. Entering the familiar room, she was pleased to see that all the children were standing in one very straight line in front of the large blackboard. The only sounds were the ticking of the clock on the wall and a slight shuffling of feet now and then. It appeared the children knew what was expected of them for the event. If they continued to behave this well, they would make an excellent impression on the potential parents.

Running her eyes down the line, Cecilia looked closer at the children, wishing she had time to get to know each one. She hoped their new families would send them to school for the fall term so she could continue to keep up with how they were doing. Grabbing paper and a pencil, she went to the end of the line, starting with the boys, who were lined up youngest to oldest.

The first boy was darling, with round cheeks and blond hair combed back. He looked up at her with wide blue eyes.

“What’s your name, dear?”

“Edwin.”

“And your last name?”

“Matthews.”

Cecilia wrote his name at the top of her paper. “Edwin Matthews. Very good.”

From behind her, a throat cleared and Simon corrected the child. “That’s ‘Edwin Matthews, ma’am.’”

The boy’s face turned crimson. “Sorry, Mr. McKay. Edwin Matthews, ma’am.”

Glancing behind her, it was all Cecilia could do to keep from rolling her eyes. But that was the kind of thing Cat would do and Cecilia had never been as forward and blunt as her younger sister. Still, she wished she could point out that Simon’s gruff commands weren’t necessary. These children behaved much better than the ones who attended classes with her.

Turning back to Edwin, she gave him her most encouraging smile. “And how old are you, Edwin?”

Thin shoulders shrugged. “The people at the home thought I might be around five. Ma’am.”

Writing the number next to his name, Cecilia rested one hand on Edwin’s head for a moment. How could he not even know how old he was? The things he must have experienced in his life on the streets were unimaginable to her. With effort, she resisted wrapping the child in a hug and moved on to the next boy. He was James Watson, age eight. As she went down the line, Cecilia also met Charles Wilkinson and Patrick Dalton, both age nine.

As she moved on to the girls, a heavy weight settled on Cecilia’s heart. These children were so strong and brave. Each must have a story of such pain and loss. She had lost her father several years ago, as an adult, and that had been terribly painful. She couldn’t imagine these little ones bearing such tragedy at their young ages.

She set her focus on filling out the paperwork as she met Helen Watson, age four and sister to James and Gertie, a lovely ten-year-old down the line. Then there was Sophia Butler, seven, and Jane Dalton, eight. Jane was very clearly Patrick’s sister. They looked almost like twins, with matching dark hair and stormy gray eyes.

Finally she stood in front of the oldest girl, fifteen-year-old Ada Baker, who held six-month-old Clara Brown. Ada was a beautiful young woman, with a slim figure and wavy blond hair. Watching her bounce the baby with practiced ease, Cecilia fervently hoped the girl would find a wonderful home where she could experience a few years of childhood before marrying and having children of her own.

Standing back with the list still in her hand, Cecilia addressed the children, who stood at full attention thanks to Simon’s prodding. “Thank you all for answering my questions so well. The people of Spring Hill are so pleased to welcome each of you. I know you’ll all find parents who will love and care for you. And I hope each of you will attend school when the fall term begins since I’m the teacher and I would love to see you again.”

She tried to meet as many of their eyes as possible with a broad smile as Simon took over from her, reminding the children of the process that would soon begin.

The weight of worry that had settled on her became a heavy knot in the pit of her stomach as Cecilia slipped outside to see people already gathering to look the children over. She prayed that they would be gentle and kind as they examined the orphans. She had heard stories of little ones being treated like livestock at auction at these events. She would hate to see any of those darlings handled that way.

The three men who formed the approval committee stepped forward to speak with her. Mr. Collins, the head of the school board and owner of Spring Hill’s largest mercantile, greeted her first with a tip of his hat. “Miss Holbrook. A fine day for placing out some orphans and doing our Christian duty, eh?”

She nodded, trying to keep her irritation with the man at bay, as always. He had made it his mission for months to make sure she knew he didn’t care for a woman teaching their school. Fortunately, the rest of the board hadn’t voiced any disapproval with having a female teacher. Even if she didn’t love teaching the school as much as she had expected to, Cecilia needed the job. It was vital to keeping her independence, and thus, worth the frustrations that came along with it.

The other two committee members greeted her with more sincerity than Mr. Collins. Then all three men filed into the school to meet Simon and the children.

Cecilia stood in the shadow of the building and watched the gathering crowd. She knew many of the faces, but Spring Hill was growing quickly and there were always new people settling in. She offered up another prayer on the children’s behalf. There were so many unknowns about how this day would turn out. How could Simon stand the strain of doing this so often with so many children?

Finally, Simon stepped out of the school and came to stand at the base of the steps. “Hello, everyone. If I could get your attention for a moment, I’ll give you the details of today’s proceedings and then you can go in and meet the children.”

He paused, looking around until the crowd had quieted and stood watching him. “Thank you all for coming today. We have brought ten children, four boys and six girls, ranging in age from six months to fifteen years. They are all healthy and strong. We have worked with them the entire trip, so they will be well-behaved. Feel free to talk to the children and look them over, but please, be kind.”

Turning back up the steps, Simon opened the door and held it open as the crowd streamed into the school.

Cecilia watched from her position in the shadows, examining each face that passed her, wondering if they were as nice as they looked. She tried to determine if that woman would be a gentle mother or if that man would take good care of a child not his own.

Shaking her head, she reminded herself that it didn’t matter what she thought. Simon and the approval committee were the only ones who could deny a placement. After the last person walked through the door, she started up the steps. She tried to guess Simon’s emotions as she approached him where he waited inside the door. His jaw was tight, arms crossed over his chest as he shifted on restless feet. Those intense eyes locked on hers as he spoke in a low voice. “Well, I guess it’s time.”

Pressing one hand against her stomach in an effort to calm the fluttering inside, Cecilia fixed a smile on her face. “It is. Let’s go find good homes for your orphans.”

Chapter Two

Simon’s heart raced as he and Cecilia moved through the crowd toward the children, but no one paid any attention to them. The room buzzed with quiet voices. Many of the visitors stood around in clumps talking to each other and watching the proceedings. But one group of people had spread out in front of the line of children and were talking with them in low voices. Simon positioned himself at the boys’ end, hoping to keep an eye on as many of the children as he could at one time.

A middle-aged couple stood in front of Edwin, their eyes appraising as they listened to him answer their question. Simon was pleased with the way the boy responded. He was respectful—

“No!” The loud shout broke through the hushed tone in the room, startling Simon. His heart froze and he tried to force air into his lungs. He looked past Edwin to see Charles fighting to pull his arm away from the grip of an older man. Rushing down the line of children, Simon just missed grabbing Charles’s arm as the boy ran by him and escaped out the door. Simon was torn. He hated to leave the group, but he had to go after Charles.

When his eyes swung to Cecilia, she met his gaze and nodded even as she moved toward him. “The committee will take care of the other children. I’ll help you find Charles.”

He didn’t want to think about how nice it felt when she fell into step with him as he hurried past gawking people and out the door. Instead he focused on praying that the boy hadn’t gone far. But the schoolyard was empty, as was the street that led to the hotel where they had spent the previous night.

Turning to Cecilia, he tried not to let panic show, but he was certainly feeling it. He couldn’t let one of the orphans down. Again. “You know this town. Where could a nine-year-old boy hide?”

She looked down the street, emotions playing across her face as she thought. Then it brightened and she pointed to the next street over. “Maybe the mercantile, around the corner, down Second Street. There are lots of shelves and displays to hide behind and enough people coming and going that he wouldn’t be noticed.”

Simon nodded in agreement and they took off in the direction she pointed. As they hurried down the dusty street, he tried to piece together what had happened. “Did you see anything? I only heard him shout and caught a glimpse of a man holding his arm, then he was running away before I could stop him.”

“I saw Mr. Huntley talking with Patrick and Charles. Neither of them looked very happy. But then one of the girls started talking to me and I didn’t see what happened to make Charles run.”

Stomach clenching, Simon increased his pace. He had to find out what had happened before one of the other children went home with this Mr. Huntley. He and Cecilia entered the mercantile, several customers glancing their way as they barreled through the door. Simon scanned the room. Cecilia was right, this was a great place for a little boy to hide. He went straight to the counter near the front, where a woman in a richly trimmed dress covered by a tidy apron eyed them with derision.

“Excuse me, we’re looking for a boy who ran from the orphan train placing out. About nine years old, with brown hair and brown eyes. Have you seen him?”

Raising her chin, the woman managed to look down her nose at him, despite her lack of height. “A ruffian fitting that description tried to come in here a few minutes ago, but I shooed him away. I won’t have my customers’ pockets picked while they shop.”

Gritting his teeth, Simon managed to thank the woman and leave the store before he lost his temper. The nerve of her, calling Charles a pickpocket. She didn’t know a single thing about these children. But he had been on the receiving end of that kind of quick judgment too many times to count. Lashing out at her wouldn’t do the children any good. Pausing at the corner of the building, Simon sucked in a deep breath. He had to get hold of himself.

Cecilia’s hand on his shoulder helped drive away the last tendrils of anger. “Simon? Are you all right? We’ll find him, if that’s what’s bothering you.”

Dropping his head, Simon shook it in response. “No, I’m sure we will. It was that woman’s attitude toward Charles that upset me.” Trying to rein in his irritation, he met her eyes. “I know the prejudice these children will face, even if they find respectable homes. There are too many people in this world that will judge them based only on how their lives started out.”

He wanted to look away when the familiar heat of embarrassment spread through his chest. He didn’t want to go on, to confess his own history and how close to home that sort of criticism hit. But, oddly enough, Cecilia’s eyes held understanding. “I know how people can judge, too.” Her voice was quiet and her eyes shifted away from his as she continued. “But that’s one good thing about having the schoolteacher on your side. I’m in a great position to make sure these children aren’t treated poorly. By anyone. Now, let’s find Charles and see what happened.”

An unexpected smile broke out on Simon’s face before he realized what was happening. He hadn’t known Cecilia for long, but he was finding that she was full of surprises. Turning back to the street, he glanced in both directions. “Where do we look now?”

Cecilia’s head tilted as if she was listening to something he couldn’t hear. She held up one finger, like one of the old schoolmarms from the orphan’s home he’d spent a few months in as a child. Turning around, she took several confident steps into the dark shadows of the alley between the mercantile and the building next to it. “Charles? I know you’re there, dear. Come on out and tell us what happened. We want to make sure you’re all right.”

Several moments passed but Cecilia never took her eyes off the shadowed space. Simon had decided that she must be a little crazy when he heard scuffling sounds and the slight sniffle of a runny nose. A few seconds later Charles’s face appeared, tear-streaked and dirty even in the dimness of the alley. Simon’s heart lifted in relief. They had found the boy, at least. But now to get him to tell them what had made him run.

When Charles stepped out of the shadows, Cecilia knelt and wrapped one arm around his thin shoulders. “Tell us what happened. Why did you run away?”

The boy scuffed his feet in some loose dirt at the edge of the boardwalk, head down. “That old man, he was looking me and Patrick all over. And not very nicely, either. But then he grabbed my face hard and started trying to look at my teeth. Yuck.”

Cecilia spoke in a soothing tone but Simon didn’t hear her words. Anger burned in his chest and he forced himself to relax, trying to calm it. It wouldn’t do the children any good for him to lose his temper with some old farmer who didn’t think before acting. Smoothing Charles’s messy hair with one hand, he spoke with as much calm as he could muster. “You let us handle Mr. Hartley, Charles. Please come back with us. I know there’s a good family in there waiting to take you home.” At least, he prayed with all his heart that there was.

Heaving a deep sigh, the boy nodded. Cecilia kept one hand on his shoulder as they walked in front of Simon back to the school. Watching them, Simon’s mind turned to his own childhood, as it did during every orphan train stop. How many young lives would have turned out better if there had been a good woman around who cared about them? Could some observant adult have stopped the tragedies that marred his memories?

Shaking his head to clear away thoughts of things that couldn’t be changed, Simon reminded himself that he was that adult. He was doing everything in his power to make certain these children found caring homes. His only purpose in life was to place as many children as he could, in the best homes that could be found. No matter that he sometimes longed for his own family. God had placed Simon with the Children’s Aid Society so that he could make up for his failings.

Back in the schoolroom, Cecilia walked Charles to the line. Simon looked around the room, noticing that three of the girls and two of the boys were gone. Striding over to the table where the approval committee sat with their paperwork, he said, “Gentlemen, could one of you tell me if Mr. Hartley left with a child?”

One of the men dug through a sheaf of papers and pulled one out, handing it to Simon. “Yes, here’s the form. He took Patrick Dalton.”

Worry settled in Simon’s heart. “Do you know this Mr. Hartley well? One of the children was frightened by his behavior. I can’t let Patrick stay with him if the man isn’t kind to him.”

The committee head, Mr. Collins, raised his chin high, voice cold. “I can assure you that Mr. Hartley has been here for several years and I’ve never known him to be anything but a good fellow. This committee would never approve a placement that we know would be harmful to a child.”

Tension started to creep up Simon’s shoulders at Mr. Collins’s offended tone. And the uncertain looks the other committee members shared didn’t help any. “Of course, I know you wouldn’t. I didn’t get the opportunity to meet the man, that’s all. I prefer to know who the children go with. But I’m sure the placement will turn out fine if you say so.”

Turning away from the table before Mr. Collins could berate him again, Simon went to join the line of children. Charles was the only boy left. Simon was surprised to see that a young couple had gathered James and both of his sisters, Gertie and Helen. People rarely took more than one child. Would the siblings be able to stay together?

Fifteen-year-old Ada was the only girl left. She stood with her arms crossed and her face holding a deliberately disinterested expression that Simon knew all too well. As he watched, an older woman with a kind, wrinkled face hobbled up to the girl. He couldn’t hear what they said, but it only took a moment before Ada’s face relaxed and the girl threaded her arm through the woman’s. He nodded to Ada in encouragement as the two went to the approval committee together. That might be the perfect companion for an independent, older girl.

Movement at his side caught Simon’s attention. Cecilia, looking at him with shining eyes. Eyes that he could get lost in if he let himself. But he couldn’t do that. His mission was to rescue children from the streets. Romantic thoughts about a pretty woman in some frontier town would only hinder his goals. No matter how much he might wish otherwise.

* * *

Cecilia watched Simon, wondering why she was so drawn to him. He was grumpy and often sharp. But when she’d looked over and noticed a sappy, approving grin on his face, something inside her had to know what had made him so happy. Until he looked at her and glared. Why did he glare so much?

Refusing to allow his attitude to affect hers, Cecilia nodded in the direction of the approval committee. “Did you see the sweet couple that was talking with Gertie, James and Helen? They’re so kind and I think they might consider taking all three children.”

She watched his gaze shift to the cluster of people at the table. Eleanor and Robert were new in town, but she had spoken to them several times and very much enjoyed their company. They had been married for a few years and Eleanor had confessed her disappointment that they didn’t have children yet. She had been so excited about the orphan train stopping in Spring Hill.

But Simon’s expression remained stoic. Didn’t anything please this man? She tried again. “Isn’t it wonderful? Three siblings staying together and going to a happy home. I doubt you could ask for a better placement.”

Watching his face, Cecilia thought she saw his jaw relax and lips soften for a brief moment before his expression hardened again. “That would be nice. But I doubt that young couple can handle three older children. I’m afraid they’ll change their minds in a few weeks. James can be quite a handful.”

Cecilia couldn’t help herself. His tone was so condescending. Resting her hands on her hips, she faced Simon head-on. “I’ll have you know, that’s a lovely couple and I have no doubt that they understand what they’re getting into. They can handle three children.”

Finally meeting her gaze, Simon raised one eyebrow with deliberate slowness. “I’m not saying they aren’t good people with good intentions. But taking on three orphans is a lot of work that they might not be prepared for. I’m not going to intervene in the placement. I just don’t think it will last.”

“That’s awfully cynical. I would have thought that someone who helps create families for orphans would have a little more faith in people.”

His eyes slid away, focusing somewhere on the floor behind her. “Actually, it does the opposite. When it comes to orphans, most people aren’t as kind and compassionate as you are. I know that from personal experience.”

Trying to determine from his expression if that comment meant what she thought, Cecilia refused to let the moment pass without finding out a little more about him. “You’re an orphan, too?”

His jaw tightened. “Yes. And no, I don’t want to talk about it. Believe me when I say that I know what they’ll face in life. And it isn’t always nice, even if they do find a good home.”

Cecilia glanced at the children again, her heart aching for them and for Simon, for the pain in their lives that she didn’t understand. She couldn’t imagine the kind of hurt the little ones had felt over and over as they’d continued on the orphan train, stop after stop, without being chosen. “Well, I still think that Eleanor and Robert will handle those three without a problem. You’ll see. It will be one of the orphan train’s most inspiring success stories.”

Simon shrugged and crossed muscular arms over his broad chest. Cecilia squeezed her eyes shut as she turned away, chiding herself for noticing such things. She had a sure path before her and letting her heart hope for the love of a man who was leaving soon wouldn’t serve her purpose well. She had to stay unemotional while she fulfilled her commitment to help with the visits. Even if Simon was terribly handsome. In a brooding, gruff sort of way.

Clearing her throat, Cecilia kept her eyes focused anywhere except on him as she moved the conversation to a safer topic. “What kind of help will you need from me for the next few days?”

“Tomorrow, I’d like to visit Mr. Hartley. I didn’t get a chance to meet him and after what happened with Charles, I don’t know if I trust him with Patrick. I’d like to go get a feel for the situation now, rather than wait for our official visit in several weeks.”

Cecilia was about to answer when her sisters, Cat and Coralee, called to them from across the room. The two made a striking pair. Coralee always had a regal bearing and exuded complete confidence. And then there was Cat. Their youngest sister was small and delicate, with a perfect figure that would make any eastern socialite jealous. She had the most animated face Cecilia had ever seen and she was effortlessly delightful in public. Of course, her sisters had experienced her mood swings, but few other people saw anything but perfection from Cat. As much as she loved her sister, Cecilia had always thought it was rather sickening.

After her sisters greeted her with hugs, Cecilia nodded in Simon’s direction. “This is Simon McKay, the placing agent. Simon, you met Cat yesterday. This is our other sister, Coralee Hadley.”

Simon nodded in greeting to her sister, then stepped back as Coralee took one look around the room and started grinning. “Cecilia, this is wonderful. Have the children all found homes?” Since adopting twins Louisa and Phillip, Cecilia’s older sister had a soft spot for adoptions. She had been as excited as anyone when they’d found out the orphans were coming to Spring Hill.

Glancing toward the front, Cecilia noticed for the first time that only Charles remained. His head hung low and no one seemed to be paying any attention to him. A wave of helplessness washed over Cecilia. He had been so worried about not being chosen and now his fears might become reality.

Turning to find Simon still behind her, Cecilia grabbed his arm. “Simon, Charles is all by himself up there. What if no one wants to take him?”

His eyes slid closed as a pained look crossed his face. Cecilia wondered if he had felt the hurt of being overlooked in favor of other children. She certainly knew what it felt like to live in someone else’s shadow. Her spine straightened. She wasn’t going to let that happen to such a sweet little boy. But as she took a step toward him, Coralee spoke up. “We can’t have the little fellow left out. I’ll go talk to him.” Waving across the room, Coralee got the attention of her husband, Jake, and gestured for him to join her. Together, they went and spoke to Charles in low tones.

Simon’s eyebrows rose. “Are they interested in adopting more children? I don’t want him to get his hopes up if they’re only being nice.”

Resting her fingers on her chin, Cecilia tried to think back, to remember if Jake or Coralee had said anything about taking in another orphan. Beside her, Cat giggled. “Those two can’t stand to see a child alone. I said days ago that they wouldn’t be able to resist taking home another one.”

Cecilia fought the urge to pinch her sister. Cat never seemed to think anything was noble or important. She rarely took anything more seriously than she took herself. Cecilia crossed her arms, eyes still glued to her older sister and the boy. “Well, I’m grateful that they care so much. Charles was so worried about not being chosen by anyone. But thanks to Jake and Coralee, he might find a loving home, after all.”

Cat shrugged and wandered off to chat with their aunt Lily. Shaking her head, Cecilia turned her attention back to the scene unfolding across the room.

Simon’s voice was close to her ear when he spoke. “Are they good parents? Will they treat him well?”

She turned to see him absently run one hand through his hair, displacing a few of the fashionably long strands. Her heart melted a tiny bit. He looked like one of the boys himself. Uncertain, hopeful and a little afraid. Offering a confident smile, she responded with a firm nod. “They’re the best parents. Their twins are happy, healthy and well-loved.”

He didn’t respond as they watched Coralee wrap her arm around Charles’s shoulders and follow Jake to the approval committee’s table. Cecilia couldn’t resist a happy sigh. “It looks like they’ve come to an agreement. I’m so pleased. The twins will love having a big brother.”

The room was almost empty by the time Jake, Coralee and Charles finished their paperwork and left. The men from the approval committee approached Simon and Cecilia. Mr. Collins stuck out his hand to shake Simon’s. “It seems we’ve had a successful day.”

Simon’s face was impassive. “That remains to be seen, Mr. Collins. Miss Holbrook has graciously agreed to help me with the home visits I’ll be handling in the next several weeks since the other placing agent was called away as soon as we arrived. The placements will be successful if I find all the children are in happy situations.”

Cecilia could see Mr. Collins clench his jaw at Simon’s blunt response. But he and the other committee members tipped their hats and left the building without causing a scene. Noticing that everyone else had left, Cecilia went to the closet at the back of the room, grabbed a broom and started sweeping the floor. Without a word, Simon came along behind her and moved desks back into their places. They had the schoolroom put to rights soon enough.

By the time they finished and she locked the door behind them, Cecilia was feeling the effects of the emotional strain of the day. She was more than ready to get home. Simon gripped her elbow with one hand when she stumbled stepping off the last stair. “Thank you for all you’ve done, both today and before we arrived.”

She mustered a smile through her embarrassment. “It was worth it to see those darling children find homes.”

“Speaking of homes, I’ll walk you back to yours. It’s nearing dusk and I wouldn’t feel right about leaving you to walk alone.”

A hot flush started creeping across her cheeks and Cecilia was grateful for that dusk he spoke of, hoping it covered a bit of the pink tinge. After all the time she had spent trying to learn how to keep control over her emotions when it came to men, all it took to reduce her to a flushed mess was an offer to walk her home. Drawing her spine straighter, she pushed her chin in the air. “Thank you, but I can find my own way. I’ll meet you outside the hotel tomorrow morning for our trip to Mr. Hartley’s farm. Good night.”

Without giving him the chance to insist and wear down her already weak defenses, Cecilia turned on her heel and walked away from the school and the distractingly handsome placing agent.

* * *

Simon stared after Cecilia until he realized he was standing in the middle of the street with his mouth open. Her refusal of his genuine offer stung more than he would have expected. Was it his company that made her walk away or had his thoughtfulness in some way offended her?

Making his way back to the hotel, Simon’s mind retraced the events of the day. Had he done anything during those hours together that might have upset her? He gave up long before he arrived at the Thomas House. He hadn’t had the best attitude that day. Or the night before. Any of his words in their short acquaintance could have hurt her feelings.

A stab of guilt hit his stomach at the realization. Cecilia had been kind and helpful. He could tell that she cared about the orphans. And he had treated her the same way he tended to treat most people when she deserved better. Deep down, Simon guessed his gruffness was a reaction to the judgment he usually faced when people found out about his childhood. But Cecilia hadn’t responded with the contempt or suspicion he was used to. She had to think he was being mean on purpose. And, oddly enough, that bothered him. He hardly knew her, but he found that he cared about what she thought of him.

Forcing the guilt into a corner of his mind, Simon tried to go on with his evening. He started to write down some of his impressions of the placing out for his reports. But worry about how the children were getting along with their new families plagued him all night, which didn’t improve his mood for the next day.

He ate breakfast in a hurry so he had a few minutes to sit and pray while he waited for Cecilia outside the hotel. But his time alone was cut short. Her brother-in-law, Jake, approached Simon’s bench before he got far into his list of prayers for each child.

The man stuck out a hand with a wide smile. “I saw you yesterday, but we weren’t introduced. Jake Hadley, Spring Hill’s physician. I saw you sitting here and couldn’t resist the chance to welcome you to Spring Hill.”

There was no choice but to respond to the greeting in kind, no matter how much Simon wished for quiet. Simon shook the doctor’s hand while examining his fine suit and expensive-looking leather case. “Simon McKay. Nice to meet you, Doctor.”

“Oh, Jake is fine.” Without waiting for an invitation, Jake dropped next to Simon on the bench.

So much for some quiet reflection to put himself in a better mood.

Wondering when the doctor would get to his purpose, Simon let his gaze roam over the landscape visible beyond the close-set buildings. The rolling hills covered in yellowing grass were peaceful in a way. Simon had been surprised by how comfortable he felt out here after spending his life in New York City.

After a few long moments of awkward silence, he decided that if the doctor wasn’t going to move on and leave him alone, he might as well ask after Charles. “How was the first night with a new child under your roof?”

Jake snorted, catching Simon off guard. “Charles is a wily one, isn’t he? I think he’s a bit afraid to let us get close to him and I can understand that. We hope that once he realizes nothing he does will make us get rid of him, he’ll settle down and open up.”

Simon sagged back against the bench as the words brought a burst of admiration and relief. Jake seemed to have a good handle on what Charles was feeling and what he needed. Much more than Simon would have expected. Maybe Cecilia was right about this family being a good fit for the boy. “I’m pleased to hear you say that. And I...well, thank you. For taking Charles.” Simon didn’t know whether to go on or not as emotion thickened his throat.

But the doctor saved him the trouble. “You know, it took me a long time to come to terms with adopting our twins. When their parents died in a cholera outbreak, Coralee and I worked for months to find a family that would take them. We weren’t married yet and I couldn’t imagine how it would ever be possible for me to keep those children. But God arranged it all so everything fell right into place. The four of us are happier now than we could have dreamed.”

Pushing up from the bench, Jake slapped Simon on the shoulder as he continued. “I believe God arranged for Charles to come to us, too, so I’m confident it will work out in the end. And I’m sure there’s a reason you’re here, too. Now, I’m glad I got a chance to talk to you, but I need to get to the clinic. I’ll see you later.”

Simon said goodbye and watched the doctor head down the street. What was it about Jake’s confident faith that was so striking? Simon believed in God and he prayed for the children he worked with often. But Jake was so certain that God was in control of everything. Simon wasn’t sure he had that much faith. He had seen too many cases where God could have stepped in and fixed a horrible situation, but He hadn’t.

Cecilia’s voice next to him startled Simon out of his deep thoughts. “Was that Jake I saw leaving?”

Turning to her, he was struck by her flawless skin and the way her eyes glowed in the bright morning light. With great effort, he forced the awareness of her away. He couldn’t let himself get attached to a woman in some frontier town when he would head back to New York in a matter of weeks. In spite of his determination to be nicer to her, the conflicting feelings made his words come out sharper than he intended. “Yes, it was. He said things went well with Charles last night.”

Her smile faded, sending another rush of guilt through him.

“That’s wonderful to hear. I know you have doubts, but I’m sure the other placements will turn out well, too. The people of Spring Hill are good and caring, on the whole.”

Praying she was right, Simon offered her his arm and led her to the street. “I guess we better be going. Here’s the buggy I rented for our ride out to Mr. Hartley’s farm. You know how to get there, right?”

Settling on the buggy seat, she nodded. “Yes, I do. I’ve never been to his farm, but one of my students lives nearby.”

Simon went to the other side of the vehicle and climbed in. As they started out of town, he focused his eyes on the rutted path in front of them. “Did I mention I taught school back home for a time?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so. How long did you teach?”

“Two years. I enjoyed aspects of it, but I got restless too much of the time. I do much better when I can get out in the open now and then.”

Cecilia’s expression turned shuttered and her voice got quiet. “I can understand that. I’m not sure teaching is what I would have imagined doing when I was a girl. I love children, but being in the classroom all day, going over the same material every term, I feel...well, restless is a good word for it.”

Simon let his eyes rest on his lovely companion for a long moment. It was strange to think that a dislike for their teaching careers was what might connect them, but at that moment he felt a bond forming with her. Pulling his gaze away, Simon reminded himself that a feeling of connection was one thing. But letting his heart get involved in any way beyond that was not acceptable.

Clearing his throat, he pointed across the prairie. “Have you been any further west than Spring Hill? I’ve been watching with interest to see where the railroads expand. It would be exciting for the orphan trains to reach all the way to California one day.”

Simon almost missed the way her face tightened. Had he somehow offended her again? Her reply was curt. “No, I haven’t been anywhere since my family came here when I was very young.”

Before he could stop it, the question that popped into his mind slipped out of his lips. “Would you like to travel, if you had the chance?”

His heart chilled when she turned away. That question had been a mistake. He had no right to pry into her hopes and dreams. If she hadn’t wanted him to walk her home, she certainly wouldn’t want him nosing around in her personal business. She spoke right before the moment turned awkward.

“I suppose not. I wouldn’t have much reason to go far from home. Not to mention, as a single woman, traveling alone wouldn’t be advisable.”

Hoping to ease the tension that had risen with his thoughtless question, he tried to answer in a light tone. “Well, I can tell you, after all the time I’ve spent traveling on trains and stagecoaches with the children, the sights are hardly worth the difficulty of getting there.”

Her lips pulled tight, drawing his attention to the pretty pink shade of them. What was the matter with him these days? He never had so much trouble keeping focused on his tasks. Maybe he had been away from home and familiar surroundings for too long. It would feel good to finish up in Spring Hill and head back to the east in a few weeks.

Silence settled over them as the horsed pulled the buggy up a small hill. At the top, Cecilia pointed to the left. “That’s Mr. Hartley’s farm. Looks like his house isn’t too far from the road.”

“House” was putting it nicely. Even from a distance, Simon could see that the dwelling was more of a haphazard shack than a house. His heart echoed with a prayer for Patrick, an innocent child who had been dragged into what seemed like a mess. If anything bad happened to the boy, it would be Simon’s fault for letting him go with Mr. Hartley. And he knew from experience how that guilt would feel.

Before that fear got the better of him, Simon turned the buggy toward the shack and in a few minutes they pulled to a stop in the dirt nearby. There was no movement in the yard or around the dwelling. The place almost looked deserted and uneasiness settled like a rock in Simon’s chest, making it hard to breathe. Something was wrong.

But by the time Cecilia’s feet hit the dirt as he helped her down from the buggy, the door had creaked open on uneven hinges and Mr. Hartley stood in the entrance, scowling at them. “What do you want?”

His barking voice didn’t do anything to calm Simon’s fears. “I’m Simon McKay, the orphan train placing agent. I’m making visits to the children’s new homes on the authority of the Children’s Aid Society of New York City. I only need to speak to you and Patrick for a few minutes.”

The annoyed scowl turned into a full-blown angry glare. “Now, I don’t care who gave you authority, you’ve got no reason to go poking around in my business. I think it’s about time you got off my property.”

Before Simon could formulate a response that wouldn’t make things worse, he heard a young voice shout from behind the shack. “Mr. McKay!” Patrick ran around the building at full-tilt, throwing himself into Simon’s arms and nearly knocking them both off balance.

“Patrick, I’m glad to see you. But you don’t have to hold on quite so tight.” He loosened the boy’s skinny arms from his waist, but rested one hand on his shoulder, feeling a need to keep the orphan close by his side while he was there. “How are you and Mr. Hartley getting along?”

Simon thought it was possible that his heart would explode with emotion when he saw tears welling in the boy’s eyes. “Fine, sir.” The words were mumbled and Simon wasn’t sure if he could believe the statement or not. He had to talk to Patrick away from Hartley’s earshot.

“Mr. Hartley, we can get off your property faster if you’ll show Miss Holbrook around your farm a bit while Patrick shows me the house. That’s all we need to do today.” Simon tried to sound as harmless as possible while praying desperately that the man would agree and not run them off his land.

Chapter Three

Cecilia didn’t mind that Simon volunteered her to tour the property with Mr. Hartley. After all, she had agreed to help in whatever way she was needed and she got the impression that Simon wanted a few minutes alone with Patrick. But she wasn’t at all happy that she had to handle the old farmer all by herself. The way that man looked at her made her skin crawl.

As soon as Mr. Hartley had offered a curt nod of agreement, Simon whisked Patrick into the ramshackle dwelling before she could blink. The old farmer cleared his throat before acknowledging her for the first time, his eyes raking her up and down. “Well, there’s not so much to see, but come this way.”

She followed him, stepping around muddy puddles that remained from the rain showers several days ago. She was watching her steps with such care that she didn’t see Mr. Hartley stop and ran straight into his back. A smirk twisted his face. “You better watch where you’re goin’. Hate to see you fall and ruin that nice dress.”

The way his gaze lingered on her dress turned her stomach. Wrapping one arm around herself, she tried to take a discreet step back while forcing a tight smile. “Yes, thank you, Mr. Hartley.”

The farmer motioned for her to go into the shed first. Cecilia’s mind screamed that it was a bad idea. She didn’t need to see inside the outbuildings. But she wasn’t sure how else to occupy the man until Simon had a chance to talk with Patrick. There wasn’t that much to see on the run-down property.

Stepping into the damp, dark interior of the shed, Cecilia stifled a shiver, almost tripping on the uneven dirt floor. She paused to let her eyes adjust to the dimness when she felt Mr. Hartley standing far too close behind her. Close enough that his dirty shirt brushed her back and the unwashed smell of him wafted around her. She wanted to retch.

Before she could step away, he grabbed her arm and pulled her around to face him. Again, he was too close, making her want to cough when his breath hit her face. “Seems we’ve got ourselves a minute alone, my dear. Why don’t we have a little chat?”

Trying not to panic, Cecilia tugged her arm but couldn’t pull away from him. “Actually, I’d like to get some fresh air. Please let me go.”

He raised his free hand to run dirt-stained fingers down her cheek, making her flinch. A rumbling chuckle erupted from his throat. “Going to play hard to get, eh? Well, let me tell you what I have in mind. Now that I’ve got that boy around, I need someone to care for the place for us. Why not the pretty little schoolteacher? You’re getting past your prime. Can’t be many other fellas lining up to claim you.”

This time she couldn’t stop the shudder that racked her body. The farmer laughed again and leaned closer still. Her eyes burned with tears that she refused to let fall. “Come on, what do you say? You get a roof over your head and the boy for company. And I get a clean house and warm meals. If you’re smart, you’ll take me up on the offer—”

With a sudden whoosh of air, Mr. Hartley was gone, leaving her arm aching but free from his grip. Cecilia wrapped her arms around herself in an effort to stop her hands from trembling. When she stepped outside, Simon had Mr. Hartley by the front of his shirt, lifting the farmer until he was on tiptoes. “What’s the meaning of this? Are you threatening Miss Holbrook?”

The older man raised both hands, trying to shake his head. “We were having a little talk, that’s all, McKay. Get your hands off me.”

Simon shoved him up a fraction of an inch higher against the shed. “Next time you should think twice about putting your hands on a lady during a conversation.”

Abruptly letting go, Simon stepped back while Mr. Hartley dropped to his knees and took a few deep breaths. “We’ve seen enough for today. Patrick has assured me that he’s happy to be here. But, Hartley, I’ll have my eye on you. One misstep and I’ll take Patrick back. We don’t tolerate any sort of abuse.”

Without another word to the farmer, Simon turned and wrapped one arm around Cecilia’s shoulders, supporting her as they walked away. At the buggy, he helped her in then briefly spoke to Patrick, who stood by the house taking in every move with wide eyes. Their voices were too low for her to hear what they said, but it was only a moment before Simon jumped up into the buggy and they were finally leaving.

Her mind felt numb in the silence that hung between them until they drove over the first hill and out of sight of the Hartley farm. Simon stopped the buggy and turned to her, taking one of her hands in his. “Cecilia, please tell me you’re all right. He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

She shook her head. “He held my arm rather tight, but I’m fine. Just shaken up.”

His jaw clenched and his eyes swung away from her. “I’m so sorry I left you with him. I never thought he would try to harm you.”

Hoping her voice wasn’t as shaky as the rest of her, Cecilia tried to act dismissive, like Cat would have. “It’s fine, Simon. Really. He was awful, but I’m fine. Were you able to talk to Patrick?”

Releasing her hand, he rubbed the back of his neck hard enough that the skin turned bright pink. “A little, but I didn’t get much out of him. He insisted Hartley treated him fine. But it’s only been one night. Something about the man gives me a bad feeling.”

Swallowing hard, she fought to keep her stomach from heaving. Poor Patrick, stuck out there with that terrible man. “Then there’s nothing we can do?”

Simon shook his head. “Only if he actually hurts Patrick. My instructions are to let families get to know each other unless there’s proof that the child is being neglected or abused. Sometimes it takes time for them to get settled into the arrangement. So for now, we’ll have to watch and wait.”

Cecilia dropped back against the buggy seat as Simon urged the horse into motion and they rumbled over the rough dirt path again. It was hard to accept that they had to wait and do nothing when Patrick was in the middle of such a mess. But Mr. Hartley hadn’t hurt Patrick yet and Cecilia prayed that he wouldn’t in the days ahead.

The return trip dragged on, giving her far too much time to relive Mr. Hartley’s revolting proposal. What on earth made him think that manhandling her would convince her to marry him? If that was the kind of male attention she was going to attract as the years went by, maybe she was better off committing to remain unmarried, after all.

Thinking about living the rest of her years alone was painful, but Cecilia had come to realize that it must be God’s purpose for her life. Yes, she got restless teaching. But God had placed her there and the opportunity to support herself independent of a husband was too important to throw away. After all, every man she’d been even a bit interested in had found Cat to be irresistible. Cecilia never got a second glance, unless it was from men old enough to be her father, like Mr. Hartley.

Simon’s voice broke into her thoughts. “You look tense. Are you sure he didn’t hurt you?”

Compassion flickered in the depths of his eyes. Flustered by his concern, Cecilia rubbed one temple with her fingertips, hoping the mild pain wouldn’t turn into a full-blown headache. “Yes, I’m fine. I was just thinking.” She tried to find something to say that would distract him from the episode with Mr. Hartley. She didn’t want to think about it anymore. “I’d love to hear more about New York City.”

To her surprise, Simon’s face hardened at her mention of his home. “There’s not much to say. It’s a big city. Lots of buildings, lots of people.”

Drawing back at his cold tone, she wondered why he didn’t want to talk about his hometown. “There must be something you love about it. Or something that’s vastly different from the frontier.”

“Nothing worth mentioning. Life in a big city isn’t as romantic as the papers make it seem.”

Cecilia’s head started pounding. Trying to draw him into conversation wasn’t worth enduring that gruff tone. But a second later his softened voice reached her ears. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

“You’ve mentioned how anxious you are to return to New York, so I thought you’d enjoy talking about it. But you don’t have to if it makes you uncomfortable.”

She glanced over in time to see his jaw clench. “It doesn’t make me uncomfortable, exactly. The city can be a rough place. And working with orphans, I often see more of the hardness than others might.”

Sobering, Cecilia’s heart constricted. “Is it terrible for the children, being on the streets there?”

His eyes fixed on a point in the distance. “It can be. Some of them come from wealthier families, left on the steps of a church or orphanage because the mother isn’t married and doesn’t want to shame her family. But many of them lose their parents in tragic ways and are left to fend for themselves. Sometimes there’s still a parent around, but they aren’t able to take care of the child, or they refuse to. No situation is good and there’s sadness in all of them.”

The pain in his expression made her throat tighten. Had he really seen that much horror in his time working with the orphans, or was there more to his story than he’d told her? “Don’t organizations like the Children’s Aid Society provide some help for them? It must make you feel good to know you can at least do something.”

He shook his head. “Maybe for a bit, but it’s never enough. As long as there are children wandering the streets, stealing and fighting for food or shelter, unloved and uncared for, it won’t be enough.”

She couldn’t resist trying to offer a small amount of comfort by resting her hand on his arm. “But people like you are champions for them, giving of yourselves to help. It may not seem like it, but I’m certain that makes a world of difference to the children.”

* * *

Simon didn’t know how to respond. He wanted to believe her words, to feel her certainty that he was somehow helping the children. But knowing that he was bringing some of them all this way only to leave them in unhappy situations made him feel helpless and surly. He wanted to do more. He needed to do more.

When he didn’t respond to her, Cecilia moved her hand from his arm, leaving behind a cold feeling. But he felt her eyes still on him and she sounded curious. “What drives you to push so hard? You’re one man, doing all you can for the sake of street children many people would walk past without a glance. Why isn’t that enough?”

The questions hammered at him like hail. As much as he hated talking about his past, maybe if she knew how much this meant to him, she would stop pushing to understand and accept that he knew what was best for the children. “It’s not enough because I was one of them. I felt the hopelessness, the pain of knowing you aren’t good enough for most people. And I won’t sit by and watch innocent children go through that if there’s even one tiny thing I can do to help them.”

He refused to look over at her and see the pity in her eyes. It was always either revulsion, suspicion or pity when he talked about his childhood as an orphan. But her quiet words etched in his heart. “Simon, I’m sorry. I hate that you had to go through that. But I hope you see that those experiences have given you empathy far beyond what most people feel. They formed you into a caring, dedicated man who is making a difference.”

He didn’t answer. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t. Her response was so different from any he’d experienced that he didn’t know how to handle it.

They reached the outskirts of Spring Hill without speaking again. As they approached the bustling streets, he finally mustered the courage to glance at Cecilia. “Can I drive you home?”

He could see the hesitation in her face. What was it about him that made her want to keep him at arm’s length? She’d agreed to spend the morning with him visiting Patrick, but she’d refused to let him take her home. Was she more put off by his past than she sounded? If he’d looked at her after divulging his past, he might have seen revulsion instead of understanding, after all.

Trying to find a hint of her feelings in her expression, he forced his tone to stay light. “I hate to leave a lady to walk home by herself. It’s not polite.”

But instead of disarming her, his words seemed to have the opposite effect. She drew herself up taller, jaw tight and chin in the air. “Really, it’s fine. I’m quite capable of getting myself home without an escort. Please stop here and I’ll walk.”

Simon shook his head. This woman was either excessively independent or very uncomfortable spending one more minute with him. He reminded himself that it was none of his business either way. He needed her help for a few weeks and then he would be gone. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll stop assuming you’d welcome chivalrous behavior.”

He pulled the buggy to an abrupt stop. For a moment it looked as if she wanted to say something. But then she clamped those rosy-pink lips tight and climbed out of the buggy before he could offer his assistance. Not that he thought she’d take it if he did.

“Thank you, Simon. The hotel staff can help you send word for me when you’re ready to make more home visits. I hope your time in Spring Hill will be pleasant.” And with that, she turned on her heel and started to walk away.

It was all Simon could do to keep his mouth from hanging open at her rude dismissal. Several minutes of deep breaths finally calmed the flash of heat that filled his chest. He couldn’t decide if he should go after her and give her a piece of his mind or let her continue her haughty walk home. She disappeared around the corner at the end of the street and he decided it was best to let her go. He wouldn’t force his presence on her any more than necessary since that’s what she seemed to want. As he raised the reins to steer the horse back to the stable, a voice called his name. “Mr. McKay?”

An older woman approached the buggy with quick, efficient steps. Her dark hair was graying, but she had piercing eyes that looked like they wouldn’t miss a thing. He climbed down and tipped his hat to her. “Yes, ma’am. I’m Simon McKay.”

The woman stuck out a hand and gave him a firm shake that would rival any man’s. “I’m Lily Holbrook, Cecilia’s aunt. It’s sure nice to meet you.”

Ah, the sisters’ illustrious aunt. Simon couldn’t help smiling. “It’s my pleasure, ma’am.”

She waved his formal greeting off with one hand. “It’s Lily to everyone around here, son. No need for fancy niceties with an old woman like me. Now, I wanted to talk to you.”

That caught his attention. He’d never even met this woman. Giving her his full attention, Simon watched her expressive face as she spoke. “It’s about my other niece, Catrina. Have you met her?”

“Cat? Yes, I’ve spoken with her several times.”

Lily continued with a brisk nod. “Then I’m sure you’ve noticed the way she has of flitting around from thing to thing. She doesn’t seem to have much interest in settling down and getting married, which is fine for now. But I’m afraid if she doesn’t fill her time with something beneficial, she’ll get herself into trouble out of sheer boredom.”

Simon tilted his head, trying to understand why Lily had stopped him to discuss Cat’s flighty personality. “And what does that have to do with me?”

He immediately flinched at the way his words sounded. Why did he always have to act tough and cold? Thankfully, his tone didn’t slow Lily down one bit.

“I hoped you’d consider finding a way to include her in some of your work. If she had a cause, something to care about, she might lose a little of that restlessness that could get her into a mess.”

Running one hand over his chin, Simon thought for a minute. He could understand a restless spirit. He knew what it was like to wander with no purpose. And he could see how Cat’s self-assured air could be covering up a disquiet hidden deep inside. But he was already in over his head spending so much time with Cecilia. Could he stand working with another woman for the next few weeks?

Lily stood with her hands on her hips, waiting for his answer. “Let me think about that, Lily. I’m sure there’s a way to involve her in working with the children.”

“Thank you, Simon, my boy. Now, you have a nice day and make sure you stop by my place sometime for a meal. Lily’s Café, over on First Street. It’ll be on me.”

With a wink, Lily turned and walked away, a spring in her step that belied her age. Simon started to smile until he remembered that promising to find a way for Cat to help meant letting another woman into his space. Cat was the sort of woman who drew most men’s attention, but Simon couldn’t let himself get distracted by a pretty face. Yet the face that flashed in his mind wasn’t Cat’s. It was Cecilia’s wide eyes and flushed cheeks that filled his thoughts.

With a shake of his head, he forced thoughts of women away. He had things to do. There were reports to write and send back to the Children’s Aid Society. And he had to organize the paperwork the approval committee had completed when the children were placed out. Then he would take a few days to call on prominent residents of Spring Hill and enlist their assistance in helping the children acclimate to their new homes, as he did at every stop. It was one small way he tried to ease the transition for the orphans and the town.

With all he had to do, the week went by quickly. It was Monday before Simon was able to figure out how he could include Cat in his work. He sent the boy who ran errands for the hotel to deliver a message to Cat, asking her to meet him at the café for supper that evening, so he could explain his idea.

Simon had been able to spend some time exploring the town of Spring Hill and had found the café on one of his walks. Tonight, he took his time, ambling down the boardwalk to enjoy the crisp evening air. The town had captured his interest over the last few days. It was both wild and quaint, frontier and civilization rolled into one. He had seen many towns, large and small, on his travels with the orphan train, but none had grabbed his attention like Spring Hill.

This place had somehow gotten him thinking about what it would be like to settle down. To stop traveling the country, indulging his restlessness. He could almost see himself marrying, building a house, having children of his own. But every time the blissful vision played in his mind, it was interrupted by the memory of his best friend’s youthful face covered in bruises.

He could feel the fear again when he remembered Michael telling him about the horrors of life with the cruel couple who’d taken him from the children’s home they’d been in together. He couldn’t help shuddering when the cold emptiness crept back in like it had the day Michael had died trying to escape them. And, every time, the overwhelming guilt renewed Simon’s determination to help every orphan he could, even if it took the rest of his life. He refused to fail another person like he had Michael.

In spite of the pull he felt to remain in Spring Hill, he prayed his growing attachment didn’t have more to do with a certain teacher than the town itself. Of their own volition, he’d found his eyes scanning the streets as he’d walked, watching for her familiar figure. At church the day before, he’d hardly heard a word of the sermon. His mind kept drifting to how pretty she looked sitting in the pew wearing a green dress with a delicate lace shawl wrapped around her shoulders.

But no matter how his heart betrayed him, Simon couldn’t even consider staying on the frontier. He could visit the town now and then if his travels brought him to the area. But marriage was out of the question. He couldn’t keep helping the orphans and settle down to married life at the same time. He’d never known a woman who would choose to travel the country helping abandoned and neglected children rather than having her own and he didn’t expect to find one out here.

When Simon reached Lily’s Café, he was surprised by how busy it was. But he managed to find a seat at a small table, the right size for two people. He had barely settled into his seat when the sound of footsteps close by grabbed his attention. Expecting Cat, he looked up and lost himself in lovely, intelligent eyes instead of flirtatious ones. Cecilia.

Her smile was a bit shy and Simon wondered if she felt as awkward as he did after the way they’d left things the week before. “Hello, Simon. It’s nice to see you here at Lily’s.”

Simon stood to greet her. “Well, she introduced herself last week and invited me, so I thought I’d take her up on the offer.”

Cecilia tucked her bottom lip under straight teeth. “Could I join you for a minute? There’s something I’d like to say.”

He gestured at the open chair with a shrug. Cecilia seemed to avoid his gaze as she seated herself while Simon did the same. An awkward silence fell between them. Simon glanced around the room, taking in the other patrons and trying to think of something to say that wouldn’t make the moment more uncomfortable. But Cecilia broke the silence with a rush of words. “I think I owe you an apology. I know I was a bit rude last week when we parted and I’m sorry for that.”

Her face was so earnest that Simon couldn’t have held a grudge against her even if he’d wanted to. “Don’t worry about it. I’m sure I pushed too hard. I’ve been told I can be overbearing.”

Amusement crossed her face and he wondered if she would have made a joke about his words if he hadn’t made her so uncomfortable before. The look passed and she shook her head. “No, I don’t want any distractions or tension when we’re out visiting the children, so I need to explain. It isn’t that I didn’t trust you to take me home or that I have anything to hide. I simply value my independence. Men so often treat single women like we’re unable to handle ourselves, but I’ve been doing fine for several years on my own. I don’t want you to think you need to take special care with me. I’m not weak and fragile.”

* * *

The statement wasn’t untrue. Cecilia didn’t want to be coddled because she was an unmarried female. There was just so much more to it. But she couldn’t tell him about the years she’d spent pining over men who were never interested in her. Or about how, after Mama died when the girls were small, Papa used to treat Cecilia like she was a china doll, so delicate he was afraid to touch her. He’d never treated her sisters like that. Coralee’s strength always commanded respect rather than overprotection. And Cat’s carefree confidence tended to keep people at arm’s length. All too often, people treated Cecilia like she wasn’t able to handle life on the frontier on her own.

Simon’s tilted head and furrowed brow confirmed that keeping her deepest reasons to herself was the right choice. It was clear he didn’t see why being treated as if she couldn’t manage alone was a bad thing. And how could he? A man who had spent most of his life with no one to answer to would never understand why she had to work so hard to do things independently.

She was quite glad when he nodded and the confusion on his face cleared as if he’d considered all the angles and decided to accept her simplified explanation. She felt a little of the tight knot in her stomach relax. Spending hours side-by-side with him when they visited the children would have been unbearable if that awkwardness had persisted.

Looking across the small table at Simon, she was struck by the urge to stay and learn more about him. She’d seen him at the church service the day before, but she had wondered all week what he was doing and if she’d run into him around town. “Were you able to fill the rest of your week with any interesting activities?”

Before Simon could even open his mouth to answer her question, the room stilled and Cecilia turned to see Cat. After making her usual dramatic entrance, she sashayed to their table in a cloud of delicately flowered skirts. Every dark hair was in a perfect, flattering arrangement that looked like it had taken her hours. And had she pinched her cheeks before coming in? How else could she have such a charming pink flush on her skin all the time?

Cat’s dusky voice grated on Cecilia’s nerves as she flashed her favorite flirty smile at Simon. “Hello, Simon. Cecilia.”

Cecilia raised an eyebrow at her sister. “I’m surprised to see you here today. You usually do anything you can to get out of helping at the café. There was no excuse Aunt Lily would accept this time?”

Cat’s eyes flashed with humor. “Oh, I’m not here to work today. But can you believe she didn’t think I really agreed to help rescue a child from a well outside town yesterday? There’s no reason that couldn’t be true.”

A sudden cough brought both women’s attention to Simon, who had his mouth covered with one hand. In spite of her irritation with Cat, Cecilia bit back her own laugh. He was trying so hard to be polite. Cat caught his concealed humor, as well, responding with an audacious wink. “Well, I suppose it could be a little far-fetched.”

Cat and Simon burst out in laughter, but Cecilia couldn’t help the sudden burn of jealousy that hit her heart. Every male eye in the room turned and locked on her sister as her tinkling giggle echoed. Cecilia was certain that nothing she did had ever garnered that kind of attention.

Simon’s deep chuckle drew her gaze back to him and Cecilia was surprised to find that he was looking right at her, rather than watching Cat. She turned away, hoping the sudden flush in her cheeks wasn’t showing as much as she felt it. Unlike Cat, she looked splotchy when she blushed. But she was soon distracted when Cat pulled an empty chair from the next table and joined them without even bothering to ask if she was welcome.

Cecilia plastered a smile on her face. “Don’t you have any business that brought you to the café, Cat?”

Her sister nodded, oblivious to Cecilia’s irritation, then turned to smile at Simon. “Yes, of course. Simon, won’t you explain why you invited me for supper? I’ve been dying to find out what’s going on since you sent that messenger.”

Cecilia’s gaze shot to Simon to see him blinking rapidly, his face blank. “Uh, well. Yes, supper.” He was usually so self-assured. Had Cat’s presence affected him more than he let on? Cecilia’s heart sank. She would have loved to think that Simon was different, impervious to her sister’s stunning beauty rather than enthralled by it. But he was as distracted by Cat as every other man.

Shoving her chair back with more force than she’d intended, Cecilia felt eyes around the room shift to her. Sure, they looked at her now, when her face must be redder than the flowers embroidered on Cat’s dress. Fighting to maintain some dignity, she thrust her chin in the air and spoke so only Simon and Cat could hear. “Well, allow me to get out of your way so you can get to that important business.”

She turned to walk away, but it didn’t seem that a graceful retreat was possible for her. Her foot caught on the leg of a chair that was pushed out too far and she stumbled. And found herself falling straight toward Simon.

His hands shot out and grabbed her upper arms, holding her steady against him even as he stood to help her gain her footing. She had a horrible suspicion that he could actually feel the heat coming off her cheeks. She tried to shake off his hands, but he held her for a moment longer, leaning close to speak in a low voice. “Cecilia, you aren’t in the way. There’s nothing private about what I need to discuss with Cat.”

Unable to pull her gaze from the intensity in his eyes, she instead managed to pull her arms from his grasp and force false cheer into her voice. “Oh, I know. It’s all right. The school term starts next week and I have so much to get done before then. I can’t afford to waste a minute.”

Cecilia hurried out of the café before she made another foolish mistake. Honestly, she’d almost fallen straight into Simon’s lap. That was the sort of thing that made men think she wasn’t able to handle herself and turn their attention right back to Cat, the graceful, confident one.

As she hurried around the corner of the building to the house she shared with Aunt Lily and Cat, Cecilia’s steps slowed. What were they doing now? Had Cat started to giggle at Cecilia’s abrupt and clumsy exit? Had Simon sat across from her and rolled his eyes at Cecilia’s blunder? Or had he become transfixed by Cat’s dancing eyes and perfect complexion and forgotten all about Cecilia?

Leaning against the side of the house, Cecilia let the ache wash over her for a brief second. Part of her quest for independence meant putting aside her previous habit of convincing herself that men shared her romantic notions when they didn’t at all. Time after time, she’d put herself in a position to have her heart broken because she couldn’t keep her feelings realistic. Changing that impulse was far from easy. It hurt every time she confronted the fact that she would never be sought after the way Cat was.

But that was her reality. Turning her face toward air laced with the hint of fall chill, she let her head fall back against the rough wood boards. Keeping her heart steady and unattached was harder than she imagined. But the scene with Simon and Cat was exactly what she’d needed to remind herself how important it was to her future. Her solitary future.

Rushing footsteps echoed from the boardwalk in front of the café. Cecilia looked up to see Cat hurry around the corner. A bright grin broke out on Cat’s face when she caught sight of Cecilia. “I don’t know why you had to rush off, but you’ll never guess what Simon wanted.”

It took all Cecilia’s willpower to keep from snorting. She certainly could guess what Simon wanted. But, with supreme effort, she remained silent while her sister prattled on. “He asked me to come up with a way to help the orphans adjust to our community. I have several ideas, but I need to think about them a bit. Perhaps a sports tournament. Foot races? Or baseball? What sorts of things do the children like to do in school?”

The last thing Cecilia wanted to do at that moment was to help Cat. She was mortified to realize that Simon asking her to help with his visits had made her feel connected to him. As if he had asked her because he wanted to spend time with her. But now he was asking for Cat’s help, too. He didn’t have any special feelings for Cecilia. He only needed anyone who would step in and help the children.

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