Page 49 of A Whiskey River Princess

“Bright and early!” Kyle headed off toward the barn for his horse.

When Dirk walked into the house, Gabriella and Mrs. Jenkins were in the kitchen, laughing like old friends.

“Perfect timing!” Mrs. Jenkins happily announced when Dirk walked in. “We were just setting dinner on the table.”

“Go wash up and it’ll be ready when you come out,” Gabriella asserted.

“Yes, ma’am.” Dirk smiled, enjoying Gabriella begin to take charge in his house. Over the few weeks that she had been there, she had made his house into a home. As he walked into the bedroom, he couldn’t imagine what it would be like without her once she left for home. He quickly pushed the thought aside, for she was there now, and he wanted to enjoy every moment.

After cleaning up in the wash basin, he changed into a clean white shirt and blue jeans, then walked out into the kitchen. Mrs. Jenkins was slipping into her coat.

“Leaving so soon, Mrs. Jenkins?” Dirk’s eyebrows pulled together in concern. “Aren’t you staying for dinner? It’s still light out.”

Mrs. Jenkins shook her head. “No, I really must get home. The girls are expecting me.” She owned the local boardinghousefor the local young women who came into town and thought of them as “her girls.” She was a mother hen with them, in fact.

“Surely they can survive without you for one evening,” Gabriella coaxed.

True to his word, Daxton had told Mrs. Jenkins about Gabriella and the older woman had happily made it her mission to teach Gabriella what she knew while she was there. To Dirk’s enjoyment, she and Gabriella got along famously. And under Mrs. Jenkin’s guidance, Gabriella seemed much happier and much more confident in her abilities. Now, she got up early before Dirk and had coffee brewing every morning.

Mrs. Jenkins smiled as she shook her head. “Thank you, but no.”

“Would you like me to take you home?” Dirk asked. “It won’t take a moment to hitch up the sleigh—”

“As much as I’d like a ride in your sleigh, Mr. Price, I believe I just heard my man George pull up out front.” Right on cue, a horse whinnied outside, as if calling to Mrs. Jenkins.

Dirk smiled. “Some other time, then.”

“Yes, indeed!” Mrs. Jenkins replied. “Believe me. I won’t let you forget!”

Dirk laughed. “I know you won’t.”

Gabriella took the older woman’s hand into hers. “Thank you so much for everything, Mrs. Jenkins. Will you come by tomorrow?”

She shook her head. “No, I’m going to see Mrs. Hill tomorrow.” A crease formed between her eyes. “She’s not doing well with this pregnancy.”

Gabriella frowned. “I’m so sorry to hear that. Please give her my best.”

Mrs. Jenkins gave Gabriella’s hand a gentle pat. “I will, dear.” She glanced over at Dirk and frowned. “Gabriella, I have a room available if you’d like to come stay.”

To Dirk’s relief, Gabriella shook her head. “No, thank you. I assure you, Mr. Price has been a gentleman. I feel quite safe here.”

Mrs. Jenkins smiled. “Well, if you change your mind, you’ll always be welcome at my boardinghouse.” She looked over at Dirk. “Take good care of her.”

Dirk smiled, pleased that Mrs. Jenkins already thought so highly of Gabriella. “I will, indeed.”

“Well, I’m off!” Mrs. Jenkins happily announced.

“I’ll see you out.” Dirk stepped onto the porch behind her and waved at George, who was climbing down from atop Mrs. Jenkins’s carriage, pulled by two horses. Dirk helped Mrs. Jenkins down the steps. George opened the carriage door and helped her in. “Take good care of her, George,” Dirk instructed, his voice low so Mrs. Jenkins wouldn’t hear.

“Always.” George smiled as he climbed back on top of the carriage.

Dirk placed his hands on the carriage window and looked inside. “Thank you for everything, Mrs. Jenkins. If there is anything we can ever do for you, just let us know.”

She smiled as she gave his hand a gentle pat. “I will.” Then, she nodded toward Gabriella, standing on the porch without a coat and her arms folded. “Just take care of her.”

Dirk smiled as he pulled back. “I will.”

He and Gabriella both watched as George drove Mrs. Jenkins toward the boardinghouse.

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