Her Holiday Family

“Excellent.” Reverend Harper beamed approval at his flock, then turned back to Eileen. “Mrs. Pierce, your generosity does you great credit.”

His words made her feel like a fraud, so she held her tongue.

But the reverend seemed not to expect a response. Instead he clapped Mr. Tucker on the back. “I told you these people would rise to the occasion.”

“Thank you folks.” Mr. Tucker executed a short bow in her direction. “And you especially, Mrs. Pierce.” He left the preacher’s side and approached her with a broad smile on his face.

Ivy stepped out of their shared pew to allow him to step in.

“You have no idea what a wonderful thing you’ve done for the children,” he said, stepping past Ivy.

Goodness, was the man planning to join her in the pew? She should have followed Ivy into the aisle.

Keeping her features carefully schooled, Eileen nodded. The whole congregation was watching them and the pew suddenly seemed crowded. The impact of his warm smile and deep blue eyes was even more arresting up close. And he was a good half foot taller than her.

It didn’t help her equanimity that her feelings of being a fraud had deepened. “There is no need for thank-yous,” she said stiffly. “One does what one can to help those in need.”

There was a flicker of something she couldn’t quite read in his eyes, then his smile returned. “Nevertheless, you have my gratitude. I don’t have much money to offer you, but I’m a handyman and cabinetmaker by trade. I’d certainly be willing to repay you by taking care of any repairs or other work around your place that needs attending to.”

There were certainly a number of things that could use a handyman’s touch around her place. Eileen allowed a small smile to escape her lips. “Thank you, Mr. Tucker. We shall see.” Then she took a mental step back again. “I will, of course, need time to get everything prepared for your stay.”

He spread his hands. “Understood. Will a couple of hours be sufficient?”

She’d like to have more time, but she supposed she couldn’t ask him to keep ten children standing around indefinitely. And besides, more time would not make her sold-off furnishings magically reappear. “I shall see that it is.”

His smile grew warmer. “Again, thank you. And please don’t go to a lot of trouble. All we really need is a place for everyone to sleep.”

If he only knew—she was going to have trouble providing very much more than the bare necessities.

“I don’t want you to feel like you’re in this alone.” Ivy’s words brought her back to the here and now. “Tell us what you think you’ll need, besides help with the meals.”

Eileen considered that a moment. She supposed she shouldn’t let the children suffer for her pride. “Some extra bedding would be helpful.”

“Of course. I’ll work with the Ladies Auxiliary to round some up for you.”

Eve Dawson approached them with a smile for Mr. Tucker. “After the children finish their meals at the restaurant, bring them down to the sweet shop and I’ll treat them to some candy.”

Mr. Tucker turned his smile her way, and Eileen felt an unaccountable stab of jealousy that it wasn’t still directed at her.

“That’s going to really perk up their spirits,” he said. “Thank you.”

Eileen took herself in hand. That little prickle of jealousy was a clear indication she’d let her guard down much too far. That wouldn’t do at all.

The meeting broke up, and folks were chatting in clusters or slowly filing out. He had his back to her now, releasing her from the strain of keeping her expression neutral under his gaze. Instead she had a view of the back of his head. His hair was worn shorter than what was usual for the men around here. But she decided it suited him.

Then she straightened. What in the world was she doing thinking of such things, especially about a stranger? Just because the man had looked kindly at her was no reason to get moon-eyed over him.

Mr. Tucker’s hand was being shaken and encouraging words said to him, giving Eileen time to gather her wits. A quick glance toward the front of the church revealed several members of the Ladies Auxiliary were already gathering.

She mentally winced. At one time she’d been head of the Ladies Auxiliary and now, despite the face-saving efforts of Ivy, guests in her home had become the object of their charitable efforts, and by extension, she had, as well. What a long way she’d fallen since her husband’s ignominious death two years ago. If her mother were still alive today she would be mortified, but probably not surprised, by her daughter’s loss of status in the community.

Time to get some air. “If you will excuse me, I should return home and prepare the house to receive guests.”

Mr. Tucker stepped out into the aisle to let her pass. “Please allow me to escort you home.”

She again felt that tingle at his friendly, dare she say approving, smile. And again she strove to ignore it. “Thank you, but it’s only a few blocks away and I’m sure you want to get back to the children.”

But Mr. Tucker didn’t take her hint. He raised a brow with a teasing look. “I insist. The kids are in good hands for the moment. Besides, not only will this allow me the pleasure of your company, but accompanying you will let me know where your place is so I can escort the children there when it’s time.”

Before she could protest again, he turned serious. “And there are probably a few things we should talk about before I bring the children around.”

There was no polite way to refuse such a request. “In that case, I accept.” Again she’d acted against her better judgment.

She would definitely have to watch her step with this one.

* * *

Simon allowed his soon-to-be-hostess to precede him from the church building. She had returned to the cool, aloof individual she’d been when she first stood up in the meeting. Usually he had no use for pretentiousness and haughty airs. He’d seen too much of that in the home of his Uncle Corbitt, the man who’d taken him in when his folks died.

But for a few minutes he’d seen behind the mask she wore to a warmer, more vibrant woman. And that intrigued him, made him think that perhaps she was a person worth getting to know better. And she had, after all, opened her home to him and the kids. He could forgive her a lot for that.

But which one was the real Mrs. Pierce—the ice queen or the vulnerable, warmhearted lady? It would be interesting to find out.

He’d sensed some uneasy undercurrents between this woman and the rest of the townsfolk, and that, too, intrigued him. Not that the situation was any of his business. Besides, he preferred to form his own opinions about folks rather than pay attention to hearsay and gossip.

And the fact that she wasn’t exactly enthusiastic about having them as guests—that just made it doubly generous of her to have done so as far as he was concerned.

As for that standoffishness she wore like armor—he was just going to have to go into this arrangement knowing he couldn’t count on the kids to get any warm motherly attention from her. But perhaps there was a housekeeper or someone else in her household who could supply that. And if not, then at least they would all be together.

Still, there was something about Mrs. Pierce that made him want to look deeper, to find out what was at the heart of this woman.

Then Simon took himself to task. What really mattered right now was how much help she’d be with the kids.

“You said we had something to discuss?”

Her dry words and tone brought him back to the present. Truth to tell, he hadn’t had anything specific in mind when he said that—it had just been a way of getting around her protests. But there were a few things he was curious about. “Do you live alone?”

“I have one boarder, Miss Dovie Jacobs.”

Boarder—not family. Interesting. “Is Miss Jacobs likely to be bothered when we all descend on your home this afternoon?”

“I don’t believe so. Miss Jacobs is a very motherly sort of woman. In fact, she is much like your Miss Fredrick, though on a smaller scale. She once took in and raised an orphaned child. If I’m wrong, however, she can always retreat to her own room.”

“That’s a relief—that our presence won’t bother her, I mean.” At least there’d be one person in the house who knew how to deal with children. Assuming she was willing to lend a hand.

If this Miss Jacobs was the only other person in her household, however, that would mean...“Forgive the personal question, but you were addressed as Mrs. Pierce. Is there no Mr. Pierce?”

“My husband has been deceased a little over two years now.”

There was no change in her expression and she didn’t expand. “My condolences.”

“Thank you.”

Again there was no emotion. Mrs. Pierce was obviously a very private person. Which made him all the more curious to learn more about her. And was it wrong that he was just the tiniest bit pleased that she was single?

Before he could ask about household staff, she halted next to a small wrought iron gate and waved a hand toward the place the gate guarded. “This is my home,” she said simply.

He studied the three-story house with interest. He could see why Reverend Harper had thought this would be the answer to his need. Not only was the structure impressively grand, it was also set on a large piece of property with plenty of room for rambunctious kids to run around. It was also one of the few brick buildings he’d seen in this town. From the front porch that was supported by imposing columns, to the rounded, turretlike section that jutted from the right side of the structure, to the dormered roofline edged in stately woodwork, this place spoke of wealth and elegance, much as the woman herself did.

It seemed a waste that Mrs. Pierce and her boarder were the only residents—the place practically cried out for a large family to inhabit it.

A closer look at the structure, however, showed that it wasn’t quite as well maintained as it seemed at first glance. Some of the woodwork was in need of painting and at least a few of the shingles on the roof were loose. The yard needed raking and trimming. And that was just what he could see from here. One thing was certain; he’d definitely be able to make himself useful while he was here.

A profusion of well-manicured plants fronted the structure—the garden hadn’t suffered from the same neglect as the house. A woman with a pair of garden shears in her gloved hands knelt among the plants lining the front walk.

A gardener perhaps? It stood to reason that a woman such as Mrs. Pierce, with an impressive house like this one, would have servants.

The woman stood as soon as she saw them, and Simon was surprised by how tiny she was. She couldn’t be any taller than four foot six or seven. And she looked old enough to be his companion’s mother.

“Well, hello.” The woman tugged off her gardening gloves, her eyes alight with friendly curiosity.

Mrs. Pierce gestured toward the smiling gardener. “Miss Jacobs, this is Mr. Simon Tucker. Mr. Tucker, this is Miss Dovie Jacobs, the boarder I mentioned.”

He touched the brim of his hat. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am.”

She acknowledged his greeting with a friendly nod. “Did you two just come from the town meeting?” She absently brushed the leaves and dirt from her skirt. “I’ll admit I’ve been nigh on bursting with curiosity.”

Simon wondered why she hadn’t gone to the meeting herself. But it wouldn’t be polite to ask. “We did,” he said as he opened the gate. “And it so happens I was the subject. I find myself stranded here in town with ten children and their guardian who has taken seriously ill.” He nodded deferentially to his companion. “Mrs. Pierce has generously agreed to open her home to us while we await the outcome of our friend’s illness.” He gave her what he hoped was a winning smile. “I hope that won’t inconvenience you any.”

“Not at all. And I’m sure enough sorry about your friend. I’ll pray she recovers quickly.”

Then she turned to Mrs. Pierce and gave her an approving smile. “Good for you. I’ve thought this place was crying out for a big family ever since I moved in. And ten children, bless my soul—that will certainly keep us on our toes.”

From Miss Jacobs’s tone, the two women’s relationship seemed more friendly than the businesslike face Mrs. Pierce had put on it. Good to know that the tension he’d sensed at the meeting didn’t extend to her household.

Miss Jacobs turned back to him. “You can count on me to help with the little ones in any way that I can.”

He was glad to hear it. He could already sense she would be one who balanced doting and discipline the way Miss Fredrick had seemed to. “Thank you, ma’am. From what I’ve seen of them on this trip, these are a mostly well-behaved lot, but they are children.”

“Don’t you worry none, young man, between me and Eileen here we’ll manage nicely.”

Mrs. Pierce didn’t respond to that. Instead she gave him a puzzled look. “So you don’t know these children well?”

He shook his head. “Up until a short time ago, I knew Miss Fredrick and her charges mainly through my sister’s letters. I popped in and out over the years to visit Sally and her children, of course, but that was all.” He straightened. “Make no mistake, though, these children are my responsibility until I get them to where they’re going.”

“Of course.” One delicate brow rose a fraction of an inch. “Was there anything else we needed to discuss right now?”

“No ma’am, unless you have questions for me.”

She gave him a “you’re dismissed” look. “I thank you for walking me home, but if you will excuse me, there are many preparations to be made.”

Simon touched the brim of his hat again. “Then I’ll be on my way. Thank you again for your hospitality, and I’ll bring the kids over in a couple of hours.”

Then he paused. “Can you direct me to the restaurant?”

With a nod, she turned to face the way they’d come. “Go back as far as Second Street, then turn right. The restaurant will be a block and a half on your left.” She faced him again and the movement brought them unexpectedly closer together.

Her eyes widened and for a moment her aloof exterior cracked the tiniest bit. Her breathing seemed to hitch for just a heartbeat and her fingertips fluttered to her throat as if seeking a pulse there. Oh, yes, beneath that ice-queen exterior, an ember glowed. An ember he’d like to see burn brighter.

She recovered quickly, though, dropping her hand and schooling her expression. “The sign in front of the building reads Daisy’s Restaurant,” she said coolly. “You can’t miss it.”

With a thank-you for Mrs. Pierce and a tip of his hat for Miss Jacobs, Simon took his leave.

Meeting Miss Jacobs had relieved at least one of his concerns. The woman seemed willing and able to provide whatever mothering the children would need these next few days.

But his wayward mind was more interested in Mrs. Pierce than her boarder. That little close encounter they’d just had had obviously rattled her. And he wouldn’t deny he’d felt something, as well. It was nothing more than mere curiosity, though—he couldn’t let it be anything more. He had no time in his life right now for anything but meeting the kids’ needs. Still, there was nothing to say he couldn’t enjoy getting to know his hostess better while he was stuck here.

Would she be able to maintain that ice-queen demeanor once the children invaded her home? Or would that other, less confident but much more interesting Mrs. Pierce show through?

Well, if anything could strip the standoffish tendencies from a person, it was dealing with a houseful of kids. And he was rather pleased he’d be around to watch it happen.

Chapter Three

Eileen watched Mr. Tucker walk away, studying the casual confidence of his demeanor, still confused by her own reaction to him. There was nothing sophisticated or polished about the man. He’d called himself a handyman and cabinetmaker, which to her translated into a common laborer with some carpentry skills. His hands had been callused and even had a couple of rough-looking scars.

Not at all the kind of man she should be attracted to.

So what was it about him that drew her? There was the confidence in his bearing and his earnestness. And then there was his warm smile that reached all the way to his cornflower eyes that just drew a person in.

“That Mr. Tucker seems like a nice young man.”

Eileen started, as if she’d been caught mooning over some imaginary beau. She turned and stepped through the gate, ignoring Dovie’s knowing smile. “I suppose.”

She returned to a businesslike manner, dismissing her wayward and totally inappropriate thoughts. Better to focus on the trouble that was about to descend on her. Ten children—what had she been thinking? She had no idea how to deal with children of any age, much less a horde of them.

But she could handle this. After all, she had been trained to be ready to rise to any sort of social emergency with grace and confidence. How much worse could this be than handling household servants or an unruly party guest or even a last-minute menu disaster? As for the matter of her financial straits being discovered, she’d have to put a good face on that as best she could. Surely it was only a matter of remaining unruffled and not allowing her guests to get overly familiar.

She turned to Dovie with returning confidence. “As the person in town with the biggest home, I felt it was my duty to offer shelter to these poor stranded children.” Not entirely true—she hadn’t volunteered so much as been cornered, but in the end she had agreed to help.

Dovie eyed her approvingly. “Opening your home to them was a generous, Christian gesture, especially being as you’re such a private kind of person. And don’t you worry, like I told that young man, I’ll pitch in and help where I can.”

Thank goodness Dovie liked to keep busy. This new situation would certainly afford her boarder plenty of opportunities for that. “I appreciate your offer.” She unbent slightly. “I’ll admit, I don’t have experience dealing with children.” No, that was one lady-of-the-manor skill she had never been taught.

“Don’t you worry about that none. The only thing you have to know is that what children need most is love, patience and discipline. And of course a grounding in the Good Book. Give them that and the rest will work itself out.”

Eileen didn’t have a response for that, so she moved on to something else. “The members of the Ladies Auxiliary have agreed to help with the meals.”

Dovie fell into step with her as they moved to the house. “It’s always good when a whole community comes together to help those in need.” She gave Eileen a sideways look. “So when are the children supposed to get here?”

“In about two hours.”

“Then we’d best get to work.”

Eileen took a deep breath. Since her husband’s death, she’d found herself overwhelmed by the debt he’d left behind. She’d been reduced to selling many of her prized furnishings, as furtively as possible, of course, and had had to do some creative rearranging of the remaining pieces to try to cover it up.

The result was that many of the unused rooms were stripped to the bare essentials and had been closed off from view, even from her boarder. Not that she had many visitors these days.

But now she was going to be forced to open those rooms up for her guests’ use and there would be no hiding anything. It would be best to prepare Dovie for the reality she would soon see. “You should know that the furnishings are rather sparse in most of the extra rooms.”

Dovie seemed to see nothing wrong with that. “As long as your guests have a bed to rest in, I don’t imagine they’ll be doing any complaining.”

“There are six girls and four boys to accommodate besides Mr. Tucker.” It was just hitting her that the man who’d thrown her so off balance today would be residing here, as well. She would really have to keep her guard up for the next few days. But, strangely, she was more energized than irritated by the challenge.

Not that Mr. Tucker was of any more import than the children. “There are five extra bedchambers on the second floor and four on the third.” She frowned. “But I don’t think it necessary to give each child his or her own room.”

“Oh, my, no. In fact, they’ll probably be happier if they have someone to share with. Why don’t we put the girls in three of the second-floor rooms and Mr. Tucker and the boys in three of the rooms on the third?”

Eileen nodded, relieved that Dovie agreed. That would mean fewer rooms to prepare and fewer bed linens to deal with. “That sounds like an acceptable approach.”

The two women had barely started when the doorbell sounded. Eileen left Dovie to finish opening the windows and stripping the beds while she went to see who was at the door. Surely Mr. Tucker hadn’t returned already?

When she opened the door, however, it was Ivy Parker, and right behind her was her husband, Mitch, and a couple of young boys. All four of them were loaded down with armfuls of linens.

“Hello,” Ivy said cheerily. “Where would you like us to set these?”

Eileen stepped aside. “Please come in.” She waved to the open doorway on the left. “You can set it all on the table in the dining room.”

As they trooped into her home, Ivy chattered away. “The members of the Ladies Auxiliary all contributed something. You’ll find sheets and coverlets enough for eight beds. If you need more, let us know. We also figured you’d need some extra towels so we brought a stack of those, as well.”

Extra towels—of course. She should have thought of that. What else hadn’t she taken into consideration? And the thought of ten children needing baths was enough to send a shiver up her spine.

But it would never do to show a lack of confidence—she was the lady of the house. It was her duty to make all of her guests feel at home. “Thank you. I’m sure we will be able to put all of this to good use.”

Once everything was safely deposited on the table, Ivy shooed her husband and the youths away, then turned to Eileen. “Now, what can I do to help you get ready for the invasion?”

“That’s really not necessary. Dovie is assisting and between the two of us—”

Ivy interrupted with a wave of her hand. “Fiddlesticks. I don’t mind a bit, and it’ll give me a chance to visit with Nana Dovie.”

Ivy had been orphaned as an infant and Dovie had been the one to raise her. They were very much like mother and daughter even though there was no blood tie between them. Eileen supposed, more than anyone else in town, these two women could truly relate to these children and their situation.

Without waiting for a response, Ivy headed for the stairs. “By the way, Reggie volunteered to take care of the evening meal for you all today so there’s no need to worry about that.”

Regina Barr was Eileen’s nearest neighbor and the current head of the Ladies Auxiliary.

Ivy looked back over her shoulder without slowing. “And there’s a list forming of volunteers to handle the meals for the next several days.”

At least that was one worry off her shoulders. The food she’d put up from her garden this past summer and what she had left to harvest from her fall planting was supposed to take her through the winter. She could ill afford to feed an army of children solely from her own stores for more than a few days without adversely affecting her future menus.

With a start she realized Ivy was already headed up the stairs. Since Ivy had boarded here for a while before she married the schoolteacher, she knew where everything was.

Managing to catch up to her without breaking into a hoydenish rush, Eileen decided it would do no good to argue—she’d learned Ivy usually went her own way.

Ivy rolled up her sleeves and set to work as soon as she reached the second floor. As far as Eileen could tell, her former boarder seemed to see nothing amiss with the stark furnishings and lack of fancy drapes and coverlets in the spare bedchambers. She supposed, if anyone in town had to see her true state of affairs, then Ivy and Dovie would be the most sympathetic to her situation. Neither had known her before her fall from grace or had witnessed the lavish way she’d conducted her life back then. For that matter, nor did any of the visitors who would be here for the next few days. So there were no unflattering comparisons for them to make, no unpleasant history for them to remember.