my home to the entire group.”
Before Reverend Harper or the stranger could speak up, Eunice Ortolon, the town’s most notorious busybody, stood. “Excuse me, Reverend, but while Mrs. Pierce’s home is large enough, surely that shouldn’t be the only consideration.” The woman drew her shoulders back. “While I understand Mr. Tucker not wanting to separate the children, perhaps it would be best to house them in two or three homes with families that are more—” she cut a quick look Eileen’s way “—let us say, accustomed to dealing with children.”
Eileen stiffened. Eunice might as well have used the word suitable—it was so obviously there in her tone.
Ivy Parker, the only other person sharing Eileen’s pew, and the closest thing she had to a friend here, stood up immediately. “As a former boarder of Eileen’s, I can attest to the fact that her home would be the perfect place to house these children—her home is both roomy and welcoming.” She gave Eileen an encouraging smile. “That is, if she feels so led to make the offer.”
Eileen appreciated that Ivy had come to her defense, but now was not the time for everyone to suddenly approve of her. Unfortunately she could see several folks giving her tentative smiles of encouragement.
The urge to give in to her frustration was strong, and Eileen maintained her impassive expression by sheer force of will. She wanted so much to be accepted by the community again, but this was not the way.
Of course there were still those, like Mrs. Ortolon, who looked either hesitant or disapproving.
How in the world could she extricate herself without sounding selfish and uncaring?
And why was she so oddly reluctant to disappoint Mr. Tucker?
Eileen decided to buy herself some time with a question. “How long do you suppose you and the children would need a place to stay, Mr. Tucker?”
He didn’t seem to take offense at her question. “I wish I could tell you, ma’am, but to be honest, I can’t really say. We’re completely dependent on when Miss Fredrick recovers enough to travel again. And Dr. Pratt couldn’t give me any indication of when that might be.”
It was the answer she’d expected. “You have my sympathies, sir. But you must understand, boarding so many individuals for an extended length of time is quite a challenge, regardless of the size of one’s home. Especially on such short notice.”
“As I said,” Mrs. Ortolon declared in a self-righteous tone, “the children will be better off if we send them to smaller but more suitable homes.”
The words and the tone they were delivered in got Eileen’s back up again, though she refused to show it. It was the stab of disappointment and frustration that she saw in Mr. Tucker’s eyes, however, that prodded her next words. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t invite them in, Eunice, merely that it would be a challenge.”
“You do have the space to house us all, though?” Mr. Tucker pressed.
At her nod, he continued. “I wouldn’t ask this if it wasn’t important, ma’am. The children need the comfort of each other’s company right now. I’d be mighty grateful to you if you could see your way to providing that for them. If you’d find it in your heart to provide them with a place to stay, I promise to do my best to keep them out of your way. I assure you they are well behaved.” Then he flashed her a disarmingly self-deprecating smile. “Or as well behaved as kids their age can be expected to be.”
She nodded again, entranced by the friendly warmth of his manner. “Of course.”
“Does that mean you’ll do it?” His expression held a guarded hopefulness that she couldn’t bear to disappoint.
“I suppose I will.”
No sooner had she uttered the words than she came to her senses. Why had she said that? This was a disaster. There was no way she could keep her state of affairs hidden in the face of such an invasion.
But before she could find a way to take it back, she found herself being thanked and applauded by various members of the congregation.
Ivy stood. “Since you’re providing the housing, I believe I speak for all the members of the Ladies Auxiliary in saying we will do our part to help in other ways.” She looked around the church, where she received a number of nods, then back at Eileen. “We can provide meals and anything else you might need to help accommodate your new guests.”
Eileen wasn’t particularly pleased by the offer. After all, she was not a charity case to be accepting handouts. If she was going to do this, then she would do it in a manner befitting her position. “I appreciate the offer but there is no need.” She kept her tone polite. It would stretch the limits of her pantry if the group stayed with her more than three or four days, but she would manage somehow. Better to go hungry later than have folks think she was unable to provide for her guests.
Ivy gave her an uncomfortably perceptive look, then spoke again. “It’s very commendable of you to do this, Eileen,” she said in a gentle tone, “but you’re already opening your home to our visitors. Surely you won’t rob the rest of us of the joy that comes with sharing our blessings.”
Bless Ivy for coming up with the perfect way to help her save face. “Of course not.” Eileen waved a hand in gracious surrender. “Since you feel so strongly about this, I will defer to the Ladies Auxiliary to provide the meals.”
“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
