Page 53 of Hearts Aweigh
Abby stood. “I’ll check on Maddie.”
Her gauzy green dress billowed around her figure as she carefully climbed the stairs. The color somehow made her red hair even more vibrant. The curls bounced around her soft cheeks. Her childlike air projected an innocence completely opposite of the cunning crowd he associated with. It was a shame he couldn’t fire the seasick Ms. Blanchet and take this enchanting woman home to be Madeleine’s nanny instead.
Enchanting?
Why did he keep applying such unprofessional terms to Ms. O’Brien? Spencer shoved back his chair and stood. After stalking to the kitchen island, he grabbed a bottle of water, twisted off the cap, and drank.
Was it all vacations or specifically cruise ships that caused a person to act so out of character? If he could set aside an hour tomorrow to convince his mother to return to New Orleans, he’d devote the remainder of the voyage to one-on-one time with his daughter.
The sound of Madeleine’s giggle floated from upstairs. Spencer paused with the water bottle halfway to his lips. He hoped she still laughed when Abigail O’Brien was no longer around.
CHAPTER 27
CLAMOR FILLED THE MAIN LOBBYfrom one end to the other. Suitcase wheels rattled against the marble floor. Passengers hollered and laughed and complained on their way to the Galveston pier gangplank and a return to normal life.
Abby sat on a couch with her young charge beside her. Maddie gaped with wide-eyed interest at the swirl of passing people. The little girl seemed unaware that these were their last moments together.
Where had the final three days gone? A sharp, unpleasant sensation hit Abby. Almost distress. But she pushed it away. Saying goodbye was part of her job. She may have grown more attached to Maddie because of the extra hours they’d spent together, but she’d get over it soon. There’d be more children on the next voyage to take her place.
“Pink!” Maddie grabbed Abby’s arm and pointed at a woman exiting the elevator with a large sun hat.
Abby faked a disgruntled expression. “Another one? Why are there so many more pink hats than green ones? I picked the wrong color.”
“I’m beating you.”
Maddie’s merry giggle caused an agitated pulse in Abby’s brain. No matter how special the new group of kids, theycouldn’t take this girl’s place. Abby had babysat enough young passengers and taught in enough classrooms to admit the truth. This was different. Certain children claimed a room in a person’s heart and lived there. Regardless of how much time passed, Abby knew she’d never forget Madeleine Masterson.
Or her handsome father.
Abby glanced at the nearby table where Mr. Masterson talked with his mother. Both sat with rigid spines, hardly a picture of familial harmony. The two stood and made their way over.
Daisy bent to her granddaughter and smoothed the girl’s hair. “I was so happy to see you, Madeleine. Please visit me again soon.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Maddie nodded.
Daisy straightened, brushed both hands down the front of her black dress, and faced her son. “Spencer, it was good of you to visit. Please take care of yourself.” With eyes averted and chin raised, she left them.
Spencer motioned to someone at the side, and the fully recovered governess joined them in her starched white shirt and wrinkle-free gray skirt. Not a hint of weakness remained.
“Ms. Blanchet,” he said. “Can you please take Madeleine to the dock? I’ll join you shortly.”
“It’ll be a pleasure to set foot on dry land again, sir.” She helped Maddie off the couch.
“Wait!” Abby knelt on the ground. Tears clouded her last look at the precious girl. She swallowed the ridiculous overreaction and forced a bright smile. “I loved meeting you, Princess Maddie. I hope we can play together again sometime.”
Maddie’s lips turned down, and she blinked. “You’re not coming with us?”
“I’m sorry. I have to stay here on the ship. But I’ll miss you.” Abby wrapped her in a hug and squeezed tight. The child’s arms looped around her neck.
Ms. Blanchet checked her phone. “Let’s go. The chauffeur is waiting.” She prodded Madeleine away.
Cold air rushed to fill the empty void in Abby’s arms. She drew a wavery breath and got to her feet. The somber governess led her charge to the exit. Maddie glanced over her shoulder with watery eyes before she disappeared. Mr. Masterson waited with something in his hand.
“Ms. O’Brien”—Spencer offered a white envelope—“your help was invaluable during the voyage. I’ve made sure to reflect my appreciation in your tip.”
Abby’s nostrils flared.
Her tip? He was treating her like …
