Page 49 of The Gentleman's Confession
“Lisette can be next,” Miles added. “She has brought some stockings she knitted, which the Johnson family will greatly appreciate.”
“Go ahead, dear,” Mrs. Manning encouraged.
Miles could see Jemma’s mind spinning a false tale. Lisette hadmadean offering to give. She would make the perfect vicar’s wife. Miles hadn’t planned the outing for this purpose, but that morning, the idea had come strong and clear. He needed to show Jemma that her gifts had a purpose in the vicarage too—and they need not be the kind one could put in a basket. Sometimes the greatest gift came from the heart, and Jemma had more heart than anyone he knew.
The ladies gathered into Mr. Reed’s drawing room—a modest but well cared for space—while his daughters were summoned from the nursery. Miles ended up seated between Jemma and Lisette, and Mrs. Manning took the open chair next to Mr. Reed, using the opportunity to invite him to dinner. She had finally convinced him when the nursemaid brought in two dark-haired children around five or six years of age, their faces much too solemn for their size. One was just an inch or so taller than the other, but otherwise, they could be mistaken for twins.
Miles lightly tapped Jemma on the arm. “Are you ready?”
She studied the children, unmoving. “Do you think I looked this sad when my parents died?”
Miles froze. Had he unintentionally opened an old wound? Why had he not realized the possibility sooner? He would give the dolls to the children and hurry Jemma away—
Jemma sprang forward, basket in hand, before he could intervene. She went straight to the children and knelt in front ofthem. “Good morning. My name is Miss Fielding. Do you know I have searched all morning for two raven-haired girls to give a present to?”
Her voice was so intent, he held his breath.
The sisters shook their heads, the youngest putting her two middle fingers in her mouth.
Jemma continued. “There is only one way to find out if you two are the right ones I am searching for. Have you been very good lately?”
The older one shook her head no.
“It cannot be,” Jemma said. “You see, my nose itches when someone is good, and it is itching mightily right now.” She wiggled her nose and scratched it.
The youngest Reed girl giggled, and Miles found himself grinning too.
“And because you two have been very good, you may have a present.” She extended the cloth-covered basket.
Neither girl moved to accept it.
Jemma set the basket in front of them and shifted away, giving them room to explore it themselves.
The youngest made the first move, tugging at the bread cloth and pulling it away to expose the dolls.
The older girl gasped and snatched one of the dolls from inside, quickly followed by her sister. Soon, they were on the floor playing, with Jemma narrating a pretend tea party.
Miles gave a wry smile. She was a natural at this. After all his experience, he knew he never could have won the girls over as quickly and effectively as Jemma.
They left the Reed house with two happy daughters and a relieved and grateful father. A sense of humble satisfaction permeated the air on their walk to the carriage. While the ladies settled in the conveyance, Miles gave Sean strict instructions to drive slower on their return. Then he climbed inside himself andsank into the seat beside Mrs. Manning again and across from Jemma.
Jemma smiled at him. “Is it always this rewarding?”
“Not always in the moment,” Miles answered. “Some deliveries are outright rejected, while others are simply unappreciated. It’s never convenient or easy, but giving is the only service compensated from the heart. It is a payment far more valuable than any other I have received.” The carriage hit a rock and jolted them. He grimaced, suddenly wishing for a little less heart and a little more money. How he would like to invest in a proper driver.
After the last of the charity baskets were delivered, including the stockings and jars of broth to a sick widow, the foursome stopped by four families’ homes, asking for donations to aid the Greek in their time of need. They were far more fruitful in their errands than they’d expected. News of the terrible slaughter by the Turks was spreading quickly and gaining much sympathy.
They were all exhausted when they reached Manning House, Jemma and Lisette leaning on each other, arms linked.
Miles walked them all to the door and expressed his gratitude for their assistance. “I hope I didn’t wear anyone out. It was a longer day than I expected.”
Mrs. Manning patted his cheek as though she were his own mother. “You are the best vicar Brookeside has ever had—along with your father, of course.” She smiled warmly, letting herself inside first. He had a feeling Mrs. Manning would give the same compliment to any vicar, but he appreciated it all the same.
Lisette released Jemma’s arm and stopped in front of him. Jemma glanced between them, bit her lip, and gave him a small smile in parting. She disappeared inside, leaving him alone with Lisette.
He didn’t wait for her to speak first, worried that if they tarried too long, it would cement further ideas in Jemma’s mind.“Thank you for gifting the stockings, Lisette. I know they were greatly appreciated.”
“You’re welcome.” Her smile drooped. “Miles, I have a question for you, and it has nothing to do with today.”
