I did. I think we would do well to establish some ground rules.”
“Rules?” Somehow she managed to convey a snort even though she kept her tone neutral.
“Maybe not rules. What I mean is I would like to understand a few things.”
She jammed her hands to her hips, seemed to realize how belligerent it made her appear and dropped them to her sides. Did she realize her fists curled? “What’s to understand? I’m here in response to your ad. I’ll take care of Evan and your house. By the end of four weeks you’ll see you couldn’t do better.”
“But you could do better.” That’s what had him so confused. “Better than a man eight years your senior with a four-year-old boy who might never get over the way he’s been treated.”
Her eyebrows arched as if surprised by his statement.
He hurried on. “You’re young. You’re beautiful.”
She blinked rapidly and gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head. Did she not believe him on the latter observation?
“I’d like to know why you are so set on such an arrangement.” He meant the marriage she so stubbornly sought. And why was he resisting her offer so vehemently? Because of the very things he’d told her. She deserved better than an older man, with a troubled child.
The words that haunted him blared through his mind. Not good enough. Not good enough to please his mother even though he’d tried so hard. Not good enough to please his wife, Bernice, even though he’d again tried hard. Now all he wanted was to be enough for his son and for that he needed a helpmate. One who wouldn’t regret her choice and perhaps run off with someone younger and more suitable as soon she discovered she could do better and he had no doubt Annie would soon discover that.
She looked at the window. Night had turned the glass into a mirror that reflected back the room.
He waited. In his experience those with a secret usually responded best to patience. There was not a doubt in his mind that she had a secret that drove her to seek this position. He needed to know what it was and if it constituted a threat to him or his child. Moreover, he knew Evan needed security. Not housekeepers who came and went, but a woman committed to staying.
She brought her gaze back to him, her blue eyes full of midnight shadows. “Let’s just say that I have a concern for a little boy who doesn’t know where he belongs.”
Was she telling Hugh that was how she felt? How could that be? She came from a large, supportive family.
“I’m guessing he’s had lots of losses. If you allow it, I’ll show him that he can believe in permanency.”
They studied each other like wary opponents. He considered her words, trying to find the hidden meaning in them. He appreciated that her concern was for Evan. He respected her for that. But the why of her choice refused to be dismissed.
He reviewed what he knew of her. Her mother had passed away several years ago. Annie couldn’t have been much more than a child but she’d taken over the care of her family. Recently her three brothers had married. Did that explain her rash decision?
“Are you feeling your family has moved on and left you behind?”
Her eyes narrowed. “Nothing stays the same. Life goes on.”
He measured her words, seeking the hidden truth in them. “So you’ve decided to move on too. But why to this?”
Her eyes were innocent yet he got the feeling she hid a world of meaning.
“I don’t care for secrets,” he said. If patience didn’t work then the direct approach was the best.
“I suppose we both have our share of them.”
“Perhaps.” He was beginning to think getting information out of her was like trying to pull an unwilling mule out of a bog. God, please make hidden things plain, dark things light.
She spoke firmly. “I suggest we agree to honor each other’s right to have our secrets.”
It sounded reasonable enough. “On one condition—”
Her eyebrows arched letting him know she’d be reluctant to give a promise. A parallel truth blared through his mind. Maybe she was also reluctant to believe a promise. Had some young fellow hurt her with a broken promise? He hadn’t heard about a failed romance and now couldn’t ask without seeming to be too interested. However, it would explain why she was willing to settle for the sort of arrangement he offered. Trouble was, she would get over that hurt as soon as someone more appealing came along. He couldn’t put Evan through that. No, he needed someone who accepted a businesslike union as her best choice.
She tapped a toe, reminding him he hadn’t finished his statement.
“The condition I would like your agreement on is that no secret can be allowed that hurts Evan.”
Her countenance underwent a transformation. A smile wreathed sparkling eyes. “I can promise you I would not do anything by omission or commission to hurt that little boy.” She held up a hand before he could reply. “That is not to say I won’t make mistakes. I ask if you see me making one that you speak to me about it.” She chuckled low in her throat. “I might not thank you at first but once I’m past my annoyance I will.” She ducked her head. “I might not tell you though.”
Something about her rapid shift of moods, her honest admission of pride—if that’s what he chose to call it—made him want to share a laugh with her. Made him wonder what it would be like to witness both the pride and the humor in action. Seemed he’d get that chance in the next few weeks unless some other woman showed up on his doorstep in answer to his ad because, at this point, he really had no other option.
He shepherded his thoughts back to the moment. He could have wished for more information from her but understood he had to settle for this compromise. He pushed off the corner of the desk.
“Very well. As long as we’re both in agreement about doing what’s best for Evan.”
She tipped her head in acknowledgment. “You can trust me to do what I think is best for him. Speaking of which—” She indicated the open door. “Perhaps I could get to work.”
“Of course.” He followed her from the office.
In the kitchen he paused, uncertain what his role was. “Do you want me to show you around?”
She turned full circle. “I know my way around a kitchen. But could you show me where the vegetables are?”
He opened the small door by the pantry. “My cold room. You’ll find frozen meat in the cupboard in the woodshed. Milk is delivered every morning. I have an account at your uncle’s store for anything else you need. Feel free to purchase whatever is required.”
Both their gazes circled back to Evan, crouched in the corner, watching them warily.
“I don’t know what to do about him.” Hugh spoke softly but he couldn’t keep the despair he felt from his voice.
Annie smiled and it somehow lifted a portion of his worry. “Give him time. We’re
