Love Inspired Historical November 2014 by Rhonda Gibson, Winnie Griggs, Regina Scott, Danica Favorite Page B

Well, she was prepared now; she would not be caught unawares a second time.
    Placing her sewing in her lap, Eileen nodded permission.
    He smiled diffidently as he moved farther into the room. “I wanted to apologize on Fern’s behalf. I’m sorry if she seemed rude—she was just worried about Molly.”
    Some of her tension eased at his obvious sincerity. But it seemed to her that Fern should do her own apologizing. “I was not harming the child.” Had she managed to keep the hurt from her voice?
    â€œOf course not. In fact, I appreciate the attention you were giving her. Molly seemed quite comfortable there with you.”
    And she had been surprisingly comfortable holding the child. It was the first time she’d been in that position, and it had left her aching more than ever from the knowledge that she would never have a child of her own. “Molly was insistent that she be rocked before she could sleep— humoring her was a simple enough thing. As for Fern, she should know better than to take such a tone with an adult. It appears your Miss Fredrick was not big on teaching the children manners.”
    â€œIt’s been a rough day for them, and they’re only children.” He’d frowned at her words, but his tone remained calm. “One can’t expect them to react with the control of an adult.”
    â€œI disagree.” Her teachers had gone to great lengths to school her on the correct behavior for a young lady of breeding. It was only when she had proven that she could conduct herself with proper decorum that she had been allowed to dine with adults or join them in the parlor, and then only on special occasions.
    â€œStill and all,” he said, interrupting her thoughts, “it was very good of you to comfort Molly.”
    Eileen deliberately pushed away thoughts of the little girl’s snuggling presence in her lap. She might not have the makings of a good mother, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have maternal longings. “One does what is needed.”
    To her relief, the doorbell sounded, putting an end to their current discussion. She rose from her seat, setting the sewing aside. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to see who is at the door. And I’m sure you have matters of your own to see to, as well.”
    He stepped back as she exited the parlor, but rather than following her pointed hint, he trailed along behind her. Was he just curious? Or was he expecting someone?
    When she opened the door, Regina Barr and her housekeeper, Mrs. Peavy, stood there holding cloth-covered baskets. It seemed the Ladies Auxiliary had put their promises into action.
    She greeted them, then stepped aside. “Please come in.”
    â€œThe Ladies Auxiliary worked out a schedule for meals and I made sure we were first up,” Regina said with a smile. “I wanted to get this food to you early so it would be ready whenever the children got hungry.”
    â€œThank you, that was most considerate.” What time did the children normally eat? She supposed it would be up to her to set the schedule now.
    Mr. Tucker stepped forward. “Good afternoon, ladies.” He reached for the baskets. “Let me help you with those.”
    â€œOh, hello. I’m Reggie Barr, one of Eileen’s neighbors.” Regina waved to her companion. “And this is my friend, Mrs. Peavy.”
    Mr. Tucker gave a short bow, then reached for her basket, but she resisted with a smile. “These aren’t heavy.” She waved a hand toward the open door. “But if you’ll help my son Jack with the rest, I’d be most obliged.”
    Eileen glanced outside to see Jack standing at the foot of the porch with a small wagon containing two large hampers.
    As Mr. Tucker stepped outside, Eileen turned to the women. “You can set your baskets down on the dining room table.”
    But Regina shook her head. “Nonsense, we can carry these to the