Page 3 of Papa's Little Bride
For a reason I can’t fathom, I want her to feel safe with me, and I want to chase away every last worryand fear she harbors in her gentle heart. When I first glimpsed her rushing down the street, I was drawn to her, and I’m not about to allow her to run away while she’s bruised and bleeding.
Not if I can make it better.
She holds my gaze, unblinking.
There’s a storm in her bottomless blue depths that guts me. Though she’s told me nothing about herself, besides her name, I surmiseshe’s led a difficult life. I also suspect she’s in some sort of trouble at the moment that may or may not be related to Mr. Ashlor.
I guide her to the white stone walkway that leads to my house.
“What are you doing, sir? I-I re-really must be on my way.” Her steps slow and she tries to pull her hand from mine, but I tighten my grasp and shoot her a concerned look.
“You’rehurt and you’re freezing, Faith. I’d like to help you. This is my house,” I say, gesturing at the three-story stone house that has been in my family for three generations. “Please come inside and let me tend to you. I promise you have nothing to fear, sweetness. I won’t visit any harm upon you.”
Indecision flickers in her gaze. She peers at the front door and the storm in her eyes deepens,raging with an intensity that only strengthens my desire to help her.
Lost. She looks utterly lost.
I wonder if she’s homeless. Her dress and cloak are faded and threadbare, and one of her slippers has a hole in the toe. I imagine outfitting her in the finest dresses and the warmest cloaks, custom made just for her. Shoes, too. As many as she wants. I imagine spoiling her and showeringher with all the comforts and luxuries she’s never known.
Odd, these thoughts I’m having.
I’m a stranger to her, and, judging by the indecision in her eyes, she likely worries I am planning to hurt her.
“Faith, I give you my word that I mean you no harm. My name is Kingston Freemont.” I offer her a brief gentlemanly bow, before drawing up to my full height.
Recognitionlights on her face. “Oh. I know you. Of course. I thought you looked familiar. You deliver medicine to the girls’ orphanage every year. I remember watching you unload the boxes from the wagon a few times. It’s not often anyone brings supplies, especially medicine, to the orphanage, and I try to remember every face who has shown us kindness.”
“Ah, you just solved the mystery. I was alsothinking that you looked familiar, but I was having trouble placing you.”
Her sudden bright smile warms my heart, and for the first time in years, the crushing loneliness that weighs me down lifts from my chest. For a long moment, I forget all my sorrows and the world seems more vibrant with color. I stare at her in awe, swept away by the power this pretty little creature holds over me.
“How old are you, Faith?” I ask, not caring if the question is inappropriate. I guess her to be eighteen or nineteen, but I must know for certain.
“I…” Her voice trails off and an alarmed look consumes her. “I am a grown woman.” She lifts her chin.
“You’re over eighteen?”
She nods. “Yes, sir. I am too old to remain at the orphanage any longer, which is why I’m on thisside of town today, looking for a maid position in a household. Unfortunately, the only job posting I could find was for the Ashlor Estate, and the lady of the house did not like me very much.”
“Gerrardsville is going through a depression at the moment, and it’s affected many of the wealthy residents too. Many of my neighbors on this street have recently had to let some of their staff go.I’m afraid you will probably have difficulty finding employment.”
She swallows hard and presses her lips together. Tears glimmer in her eyes, but she’s quick to blink the moisture away. My resolve to aid her deepens.
“Please don’t fret. I will help you. Come inside with me, Faith.”
