for something.
From far too close, a gun roared.
Rina gasped and ducked away from the sound, pulse racing.
“It’s all right,” James assured her, reaching out a hand. But the gun barked again.
“Are we under attack?” she cried.
“Not at the moment,” James promised with a gentle smile as he reined in near the school. “That’s just how we call folks to dinner.”
Rina managed to catch her breath and nod. She had to remember she was far from the world into which she’d been born. But she’d hardly imagined she’d be fired on the moment she reached Wallin Landing!
“James!” The call came from the house, where Rina noticed a young woman with straight blond hair. She hung a gun on a hook near the door on the rear porch, lifted her pink gingham skirts and came running to meet the wagon. Her smile broadened her heart-shaped face as she gazed up at Rina.
“You’re here! Thank you so much for coming! I can’t wait to see what you’ll teach us. I’ve read all of Pa’s books and any John could get, but I know there’s so much out there to learn. I love history, but I’m not terribly good at math. John says I just need more practice.”
“This is Beth,” James said when the young woman paused for breath. “She’ll be one of your students. She’s enthusiastic. About everything.”
Beth’s full cheeks turned red, and Rina felt for her.
“Any student who enjoys learning will be a blessing to teach,” she told the girl.
Beth beamed. “Thank you. I promise not to talk so much in class. Or at least I’ll try. Dinner’s nearly ready. Will you eat with us?”
Rina glanced at James for guidance. He’d said the teacher was to have her own place, but perhaps she should eat with the family nearest the school until they were all sure the position was hers.
James eyed his sister. “Who cooked tonight?”
She raised her head and stuck out her chin. “Levi, but I helped.”
James nodded. “It’s safe, then, Miss Fosgrave. Levi does a decent job, but I’d beware of John’s cooking.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice, eyebrows wiggling. “Far too creative with the sauce, and don’t get me started on his use of cinnamon.”
Beth giggled, but Rina felt herself slipping into those deep blue eyes. She forced herself to look away. “I’d be honored to join you for dinner, Miss Wallin. Give me a moment to change out of my travel dirt.”
Beth’s eyes widened as if Rina’s propriety awed her, but James straightened.
“No need,” he said. “We’re all nice and dirty in our family.”
With another giggle, Beth excused herself to hurry back to the house. Rina frowned at James. Why would he refuse her? The Fosgraves had changed clothes at least four times a day. She only wanted to look her best for the people who would hire her.
“I do not believe my choice of attire is any concern of yours, Mr. Wallin,” she informed him.
“Oh, yes it is,” he declared, hopping down. He came around the wagon to her side. “Until one of my brothers shows up, I’m the one who’d have to ferry that trunk of yours to the school so you could change.” He bent and pressed a hand to his lower back with a groan. “’Bout near crippled me the first time.”
Rina shook her head, fighting a smile. “You do not strike me as particularly feeble, sir.”
He straightened. “Not in the least, but I’ll admit to being lazy as the day is long. I’ll let Drew carry your trunk. I’ll take the more delightful task.” He held up his arms. “Fair warning, ma’am, as I promised. I mean to take you in my arms. Only to help you down, of course.”
The ground was a long ways below. She knew she needed his help to get off the bench, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to feel those hands on her waist. She must have hesitated a moment too long, for his smile faded.
“I’m sorry, Miss Fosgrave,” he said, lowering his arms. “I seem to keep offending you. It isn’t intentional. I’m just used to teasing people I like.”
He liked her? Why would he like her? She’d given him no reason, hadn’t been particularly encouraging. She was no longer someone whose favor he needed to curry. Of course, as friendly as he seemed to be, he probably liked everyone and they liked him in return. Yet she couldn’t help feeling as if he’d given her something precious.
“Forgive me, Mr. Wallin,” she said, offering her hands. “Of course you may assist me.”
He slipped his arms up under hers and lifted her down as carefully as if she were made of fine crystal.
“Certainly not feeble,” she told him with a smile as he released her.
“Thank you kindly, ma’am,” he said, removing his hat and waving toward the house. “After you.”
Rina lifted her skirts and crossed the ground, where close-cropped grass grew in tufts. The scent from the Sound was softer here, tempered by something—perhaps fresh water and new growth? The heels of her shoes clacked against the boardwalk that surrounded the house as he darted ahead to open the door for her.
Rina stepped inside and glanced around, not sure what to expect. She’d only visited a few houses in Seattle, and those had been Spartan, especially compared to the homes the Fosgraves had preferred to rent.
The Wallin cabin seemed designed for comfort. The plain wood walls of the spacious room were made warmer by the colorful rag rug in the center of the plank floor, the pieced quilt draped over the bentwood rocker by the stone hearth. Stairs set into the far wall must have led up to the sleeping area. The openings on either side of the hearth gave access to another room that seemed to be used as a kitchen if the tangy smells coming from that direction were any indication.
An older woman, curly reddish hair turning gray, was standing by the fire, hands clutching her dark green gown. Beth waited beside a long table flanked by benches, with a hardwood chair at either end. Nearer to hand, a woman with pale blond hair neatly confined behind her head gazed at Rina and James, light blue eyes assessing. Even in the blue-flowered cotton gown and with an apron tied around her waist, Catherine Wallin looked elegant to Rina.
Her old traveling companion came forward with a smile. “Miss Fosgrave, isn’t it?”
Rina returned her smile. “Yes, thank you. How kind of you to remember me, Mrs. Wallin. I can only hope we find that we suit each other.”
Catherine frowned as if she wasn’t sure of Rina’s meaning. She glanced around Rina for the door, where James stood. He crossed to Rina’s side.
“You know how I am, Catherine,” he said. “I have on occasion exaggerated to make a point. Can you blame Miss Fosgrave if she wanted to make sure I was telling the truth before committing to being our teacher? She
