Orphan Train Sweetheart. Mollie Campbell

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СКАЧАТЬ formed a quick prayer that the rain would hold. Next to her, Cat craned her neck as the male placing agent jumped down from the seat and went around the wagon to help the female agent climb out. His face remained obstructed by the brim of his hat, but the woman turned to look right at them. And her pinched expression didn’t look pleasant at all.

      Once the woman was steady on the ground, the male agent turned to greet them. Cecilia started to step forward when a gust of wind whipped around them and caught the brim of the man’s hat, sending it hurtling toward her. She jumped in shock as the solid material hit her square in the face. Heat flooded her cheeks as she fumbled to grab the hat. Just as she’d feared, this was not an auspicious start.

      Holding the hat out for the man to take, Cecilia found herself looking almost straight into the palest of blue eyes. They would have been beautiful if his expression had been less icy. He reached out one hand and yanked the hat from her grip. “Are you hurt?”

      She almost missed his words while trying to determine if his dark hair was brown or black. “What? Oh, no, I’m fine. It was only a hat.”

      His face hardened and she couldn’t believe she’d already managed to get on his bad side. Standing in front of her with a serious expression as he settled the hat back on his head, he didn’t look like a man who smiled often, but she thought he might look even more handsome if he did.

      Turning to the female placing agent, Cecilia offered a smile that went unreturned. The woman was older than Cecilia had expected, for someone who spent her time trekking across the prairie with groups of children. Her cold eyes swept the main street of Spring Hill with obvious disapproval. Her graying hair was pulled back into a bun so tight it made Cecilia’s head ache just looking at it. Those poor orphans must have had a joyless trip with these two in charge.

      Stepping forward, Cecilia extended her hand to the man. “I’m Cecilia Holbrook, Spring Hill’s schoolteacher. It’s a pleasure to have you here.”

      He took her hand in his large, rough one. “Simon McKay. Nice to meet you, Miss Holbrook.”

      “Please, call me Cecilia. Some things tend to be rather informal out here on the frontier.”

      Turning to the woman and trying to smile again, Cecilia wasn’t at all surprised by the look of disdain on the agent’s face as they shook hands. “And I’m Effie Wright. Miss Wright, if you please.”

      All too aware of Cat’s muttered grumbles behind her about Miss Wright’s aloofness, Cecilia pulled her sister forward. “This is my sister, Cat. We’re very glad you made it before the rain started.”

      Simon greeted Cat in much the same way he had her, but Cecilia couldn’t miss the way his eyes lingered on her sister. She had come to expect that response. Cat was stunning and vivacious. Men were always drawn straight to her, as Cecilia had learned the hard way. Fighting to unclench her jaw, Cecilia gestured toward the door. “Let’s get you all inside before we get soaked.”

      Miss Wright sniffed in displeasure, as if Cecilia was somehow responsible for the weather, then started herding children out of the wagon.

      The four adults made quick work of getting them all inside the building. The Thomas House was a quiet, clean establishment and Cecilia had made certain to get their special guests the best rooms available. Just as the ladies of the town had instructed.

      Inside the lobby, Cecilia retrieved keys from the young man at the desk. She handed two to Simon, who then took the four boys in the group and led them to their reserved rooms. Cecilia took the other two keys and led Miss Wright and the six girls to their rooms.

      It only took a few minutes before Miss Wright dismissed Cecilia with a haughty sniff. Heading back to the first floor, Cecilia paused halfway down when Simon called her name. He loped down the stairs to join her, his position one step above her putting him quite close. “Thank you for helping us get settled. Is everything ready for placing out the children tomorrow?”

      Cecilia gripped the handrail. The pleasant, masculine scent that surrounded him caught her off guard. “Yes, I believe we’ll have a fine turnout. The timing couldn’t be better. This area took a hard hit with the financial crisis a few years ago. My own sister and brother-in-law adopted twins last year when no one else could take them. But we’re recovering now and people are ready to reach out to the less fortunate. The town has responded with a great deal of excitement.”

      Simon held her gaze with those pale eyes. “That’s good to hear. Part of the duties of a placing agent is to ensure that the children go to good homes where they will be well cared for. Were you informed that Miss Wright and I will be staying in town for several weeks to visit the families after their placements?”

      Shaking her head, Cecilia bit her lower lip. “No, I wasn’t aware of that. I’m sure your rooms can be reserved for that amount of time. And the Ladies’ Aid Society will take care of any other needs you may have.” Which meant more work for her. But it was for the children. It would be worthwhile.

      “Thank you for that. We very much appreciate it. And...” He hesitated, a slight grimace coming over his face. “I’m sorry for Miss Wright’s curt behavior. She’s a little difficult to get to know, but she has boundless energy. That’s vital with so many children to look after.”

      Cecilia felt some of the tension drain out of her shoulders. He could have apologized for his own demeanor, as well. But maybe his admission meant at least one of the placing agents would be easy to work with. Looking up from her spot one step below Simon, she thought she caught him sneaking an appraising glance at her. She mustered a teasing tone, hoping a little banter would lighten his mood even more. “We all have our burdens to bear, I suppose. I happen to have a sister I always have to apologize for. But please let me know if you need anything else.”

      Her heart fell when his lips turned down in another frown. She had offended him again. He started to turn away even as he spoke. “Yes, of course. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

      She watched his retreating back for a moment before she rushed down the stairs, chest burning. As always, she had made a fool of herself in front of a handsome man. She chided herself for letting her imagination run away with her. What had made her think she could be lighthearted and playful with him? And she was a fool for imagining there could have been a spark of interest in his eyes. Simon was only in Spring Hill to do his job. And he didn’t seem very happy about it.

      * * *

      Simon rose early the next day, feeling like he hadn’t rested at all. He always slept poorly the night before placing out children. He couldn’t help worrying about the orphans, about the people who would come to look them over and about his own feelings getting in the way. He wanted nothing more than for each child to find a happy, loving home, but that didn’t always happen. And those instances haunted him.

      Stepping into the hotel lobby, he was startled to see Miss Wright standing next to her travel bag, bonnet in hand. She met his gaze with a stubborn expression. “Mr. McKay, I’m sorry to inform you that I’m leaving. This trip is more than I can handle. I’ve made arrangements to leave on the stagecoach this morning.”

      It took several seconds before Simon could respond. “What do you mean you’re leaving? We’re placing out the children today. I need your help.”

      The woman’s eyes shifted away. At least maybe she felt a hint of remorse for threatening to leave him shorthanded. “I simply can’t stay. These frontier towns—with the dust and the rough people—are getting to be too much. I’m going back to Chicago to stay with my daughter.”

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