certainly will.”
“Proof? I would say it’s obvious that they’re guilty.”
“Unfortunately, suspicion and talk don’t constitute proof.” He placed his hat back on his head. “Now if you ladies will excuse me, it’s time for me to make my rounds.” And with a tip of his hat, Ward made his way unhurriedly through the door.
That was one of the many things Hazel admired about Ward: his ability to remain calm even when provoked.
Eunice’s lips pursed in a sour line for a moment, then she caught sight of Meg, playing on the floor with Pugs. Her expression quickly changed to one of speculation. “So that’s the little girl the sheriff’s taken in.”
Hazel nodded, feeling suddenly protective of both Meg and Ward. “Her name is Meg.” Then she gave the same explanation she’d heard Ward give when pressed. “Her family placed her in Sheriff Gleason’s care temporarily. I’m merely helping out during the day while he’s at work.” All of which was true.
Eunice, however, wasn’t ready to let the subject drop. “I would think anyone who knew the sheriff well enough to leave their child in his care would know about the loss of his sister. This hardly seems an appropriate time for him to be taking on such a responsibility.”
Hazel’s protective instincts shifted to include Ward. “On the contrary, it seems the perfect time. Sheriff Gleason needs such a distraction right now to keep him from dwelling on his loss.”
Eunice sniffed disdainfully. “Distraction? Hah! I would think finding this hooligan who’s been running amok through our town would be enough to keep him busy.”
“I’m sure he’s working hard to discover who the culprit is.”
“Well, I don’t know why it’s taking so long. Everyone in town knows one of the Lytle boys is to blame. The only thing Sheriff Gleason needs to do is find some proof as to which one and then arrest them.”
Hazel pressed her lips tightly closed to keep from saying something she’d regret. She crossed her arms. “Are you interested in ordering a new frock today?”
Eunice made a quick excuse about not being quite ready to decide, then made her exit.
Which was just as well. Much as she needed the business, she wasn’t sure she could deal with Eunice’s sanctimonious airs right now.
Once Eunice left, Hazel had an idea. “Meg, how would you like for me to make you a new dress?” The little girl’s wardrobe had been pitiably lacking. And remedying that was a good way to keep her and Meg occupied while they spent the day together.
The child’s eyes rounded. “Brand new? Just for me?”
Had Meg never owned a new dress before? “Of course. And you can help me pick out the fabric.”
Meg held out her doll. “What about Chessie? She only has this one dress and it’s getting raggedy.”
Hazel smiled approvingly. “What a wonderful idea. Why didn’t I think of that? We can even make it to match yours if you like?”
Meg returned Chessie to the crook of her arm and clapped in delight. “Oh yes! Me and Chessie would really like that.”
They spent the next hour or so picking out the proper fabric and trims, pausing occasionally as customers showed up.
In fact, more ladies found their way into her shop that morning than she’d seen in the past few weeks. But none of them ordered anything. The visits seemed to all be thinly veiled excuses to get a better look at Meg and to try to find out more about the child. Thankfully, the little girl seemed oblivious to the stir she was creating.
When pressed, Hazel used the same explanation she’d given Eunice. And for the most part, folks left it at that.
As Hazel and Meg studied fabrics, she had to gently steer the little girl away from the more inappropriate fabric choices, but at last they found something both of them liked. It was a bright yellow cotton fabric with tiny white and orange flowers scattered throughout.
Hazel was getting excited about the project. She’d never made children’s clothing before so this would be something new for her. It would be easier than a lady’s garment, but she could already envision ways to make it special for Meg. She would make a fairly simple jumper first, just so she could produce something quickly. But then she’d make a couple of additional garments and do something extra special—maybe some pin tucks or even smocking.
“And I think we’ll make a white ruffled pinafore that you can wear over it.”
“And one for Chessie too?”
“Of course.” The little girl certainly loved her doll.
Meg tilted her head, studying Hazel thoughtfully. “Can you make clothes for a man too?”
The little girl’s question brought up an image of Ward’s broad shoulders and lean, athletic build. She could make him a shirt in a crisp fabric, perhaps a smoky blue color to match his eyes.
Before she could answer Meg’s question, the shop bell jangled, signaling the arrival of yet another visitor. Hazel turned toward the door and braced herself for more prying questions. This time it was Hortense Lawrence standing there. Surprising, since Tensy had never set foot in the emporium before.
Had it taken the promise of gossip to get her into the shop?
The young woman stood at the threshold of the dress shop as if not quite certain whether or not to come the rest of the way inside and Hazel’s heart softened. Tensy had always been somewhat shy and awkward.
“Why, hello. Please come in. Is there something I can do for you?”
“Yes, that is, I was just wondering...” Tensy’s stammering response tapered off as she glanced Meg’s way. But rather than being interested in Meg’s presence, Tensy seemed disconcerted by it, as if she hadn’t expected Meg to be there.
Hazel chided herself for jumping to conclusions. It didn’t appear Tensy was here to pry about the little girl after all.
Hazel smiled down at Meg. “Sweetheart, you see that display of ribbons over there? Why don’t you go pick out one for you and one for Chessie while Miss Lawrence and I talk?”
After Meg skipped off to examine the ribbons, Hazel gave her visitor a bracing smile. “Now then, was there something you wanted to discuss with me?”
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t certain what the child’s relationship was to you and I didn’t want to say anything to upset her.”
“Oh?” What did she have to say that would upset Meg?
Tensy hesitated, as if uncertain how to proceed. But then she squared her shoulders and gave Hazel a self-deprecating smile. “Forgive me for prying, but I heard a rumor that you’re moving away and I wanted to find out if it was true.”
So it was a different sort of gossip Tensy was trying to dig into. Though she wasn’t sure why Tensy should care about her leaving town—the two of them weren’t particularly close. Hazel was glad she’d sent Meg out of earshot. No point in giving the little girl something
