give those to any child?” David countered, gaze darkening. “Because we want them to grow up to become contributing members of society.”
Parker turned his scowl toward the young rancher.
Brandon held up his hand. “What if I told you I could give you everything David originally asked for, at less than half the cost you imagined?”
Sawyer and Dooley perked up. Magnuson leaned forward. Parker’s scowl eased just the tiniest.
CJ spoke up. “I’d say I’d like to hear more, Pastor.”
Brandon drew in a breath. They were ready to listen. He went on to explain about the Crenshaw house and his hopes for an easy renovation. He added that the Arundels and Mercy Green had agreed to help provide food for the home. By the time he had finished, they were all nodding.
“It just might work,” Sawyer said. “Several families in the area are having trouble caring for kin left orphaned. This could really help them.”
Bo winked at Brandon.
Lula May beamed at them all. “It seems we have an accord, gentlemen. We already agreed that David and Pastor would oversee the project. All in favor of funding Pastor Stillwater’s proposal?”
“Aye,” everyone but Parker chorused.
“Opposed?” She speared Parker with her blue gaze.
Parker clamped his mouth shut.
“Motion carries,” she declared. “Now, if there’s nothing else...”
Brandon held up his hand again. “One other concern, if I may.”
Parker groaned, but his friends silenced him. Lula May nodded for Brandon to continue.
“The league is currently funding Elizabeth Dumont to care for the triplets,” he told them. “When they move into the children’s home, she will need another position.”
“Don’t expect us to pay for that,” Sawyer ordered.
“There must be someone who needs a cook or nanny,” Dooley put in, glancing around as if he hoped to find one among them.
“Most folks hereabouts prefer family to help raise children,” Lula May replied thoughtfully.
“And most cooks have to travel with the herd,” Bo added.
Brandon had known it would be hard to find Elizabeth other work, but hearing their reluctance just steeled his resolve. She’d lost her place in society, her position as a governess and her potential husband to another woman. She deserved something of her own.
“You’re all worried for nothing,” Magnuson grumbled. “She’s a fine-looking woman who loves children. Someone’s going to marry her. You wait and see.”
Though Lula May looked unconvinced, most of the men were nodding again, even David, Bo, Edmund and CJ. Brandon knew he should protest. Elizabeth shouldn’t have to sell herself in marriage to support herself. Then again, what if she met a man she could love and who loved her in return? Wouldn’t that make life better for her again? His responsibility toward her would diminish to that of a pastor for his flock. Magnuson’s suggestion was logical.
He simply could not understand why the thought of Elizabeth marrying made him feel as if he’d failed.
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