Where Love Dwells Read Free Page A

town.”
    â€œAlone? In this weather? Why on earth would she do that?”
    â€œSince we arrived a little earlier than you all expected us, Mother Garrett said she needed some supplies from the General Store,” the young woman explained. “But she didn’t go alone, if that’s what is putting you into a bit of a stew. She went with a man. Mr. . . . Oh, I forget his name. Anyway, he was here visiting with her, so he drove her into town. I’m sure you know who heis. Since he seems to be smitten with her, he’s probably been here a lot. You do know who I mean, don’t you?”
    Emma noticed her jaw was clenched again and prayed this new habit would not be an integral part of her relationship with this young woman. Obviously, Widower Anson Kirk had stopped by to see her mother-in-law. He had moved into Hill House for several months this past winter after his family’s home had been one of those destroyed when the match factory exploded, and he eventually set his sights on Mother Garrett.
    Although her mother-in-law was decidedly outspoken about her refusal to ever marry again, she did seem to enjoy being courted, albeit unofficially, by the widower Mr. Kirk, who seemed impervious to her repeated rejections.
    Staring at Wryn, who seemingly had no sense of what was proper for a young woman to discuss with her elders, Emma tried to remain calm. After raising three sons, she had always felt confident dealing with young men. Handling young women was quite another matter, as her initial difficulties supervising Liesel and Ditty had proven in the past. Unfortunately, this young lady offered a challenge far beyond Emma’s experience and well beyond her interests at the moment.
    Zachary cleared his throat, which broke the tension of the standoff between the two women. “I’m certain you’d like to freshen up before reuniting with your son and his family. Since you’re safe and sound inside now, I think I should get the horses back to the livery,” he suggested.
    Emma looked up at him, noted the hint of amusement in his gaze, and frowned. “Are you sure you wouldn’t want to wash up a bit here first?”
    â€œI think I’ll wait. I still have to cross that mud slick to get to the horses again, remember?”
    â€œThen be careful. And thank you for today. For everything,” she murmured.
    He smiled. “I’ll see you at church in the morning. If the weather improves, we might try finishing our outing in the afternoon, although you’re probably more inclined to stay home with your son and his family.”
    â€œYes, I am. Perhaps we might go later in the week on Wednesday. Would the same time suit you?”
    â€œI don’t have to leave on business until Thursday. I’ll bring the horses at one o’clock on Wednesday,” he agreed and took his leave.
    Emma closed the door to the dining room again, ready to pose a host of questions to Wryn, but the young woman took the initiative.
    â€œIs he really your lawyer? Or is he a lawyer you know who also happens to be interested in you, which was very apparent by the way he—”
    â€œHe’s just my lawyer,” Emma replied, more annoyed at herself for answering Wryn’s question than she was at Wryn for having the audacity to ask it. Without offering any further explanation, she tiptoed past Wryn to get to the sink, where she pumped water into a pot that had been resting on the counter.
    â€œEven I can see he’s more than just your lawyer, although he isn’t a very good one,” Wryn stated before wiping her sugared hands on her skirts.
    â€œAnd after living all of what—fourteen years?—you can tell how good a lawyer he is?” Emma snapped, unable to juggle both her patience and the heavy pot of water she was now carrying to the cookstove.
    â€œFifteen years. I’m fifteen,” Wryn said, completely unaffected by Emma’s curtness.