“Thank you. And Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, sir.” Her eyes flicked to Phoebe. “It will look lovely on the young lady.”
“I know.”
Braxton joined Phoebe at the dresses. “See anything you like?”
A tiny laugh escaped her. “It doesn’t matter.”
“And if it did?”
She looked at him and sighed. “But it doesn’t.” Phoebe stepped back to examine a display of shoes.
Braxton smiled. He’d make use of the saleswoman when he returned. She’d know what colors and styles would bring out Phoebe’s eyes and complexion.
His heart swelled. He’d see that Phoebe was taken care of. Unfortunately, there were no guarantees she’d let him do it on a permanent basis. What he had to offer might be too much for her to bear.
He gathered up his packages, and they left the shop. “I should take these to my boarding house. It’s that way. Would you accompany me? Then I’ll walk you home.”
“What about returning to the office?”
He shook his head. “We’ll stop in on the way to your place and let the sisters know we’re done for the day.”
“But…”
He stopped and turned to face her. “Phoebe, you need a break.”
She stared up at him. “Well…”
“We both do. The worst is over, and we’ve done everything we can for Augusta, Margaret, and Josie. But they need to learn to manage without us.”
She looked away and nodded slowly.
Braxton watched her a moment, sensing there was more she wanted to say, but he didn’t push. He set off again, keeping his pace slow so she could walk comfortably beside him.
When they reached the office, George bounded across the room the moment they opened the door.
“Oh, what have the two of you been up to?” Margaret asked, beaming. “Shopping?”
“For Braxton’s mother,” Phoebe said. “Christmas presents.”
“How wonderful,” Josie said. “Did you have a nice lunch?”
“Yes,” they answered at once.
Braxton laughed. “Thank you for asking. Now, I need to take my packages home, and Phoebe…”
“Has a meeting with us,” Augusta said, grinning. “The matter we discussed?” She gave Phoebe a pointed look.
“Oh, yes.” Phoebe’s gaze flicked between Augusta and Braxton. “I’ll just be a minute.”
Braxton shrugged. “Very well. George, walk?”
George barked enthusiastically.
Braxton laughed and went to fetch the leash. He’d take care of the dog while Phoebe spoke with Augusta. Whatever it was couldn’t take long.
As soon asBraxtontook George out, the sisters descended on Phoebe.
