“I have opinions, but you know I keep them to myself when it is a life decision.”
“A what?”
“A life decision, like Where will I live? Should I marry him? Should I have a baby? Should I buy a house or rent one? Questions like that.”
“I am sure I have heard you give opinions on things like that,” Belle said.
“I may have, but I do try not to. I will say I tend to have strong opinions”—she ignored Belle’s snort of badly choked-back laughter—“but I try very hard to stick to that rule about not pushing my opinion on any decision other people are making for their lives. I learned what a bad idea that is, and what bad consequences come from it. After all, I told my brother not to marry that wife of his and look what has happened.”
“Oh! Oh, dear. Is that why you say she heartily dislikes you?”
“It is and she does. But you will let me know what you decide, right?”
“Of course I will. Exactly where is Mr. Hobbs? I haven’t seen him around since we all ate together.”
“I told you, I gave him the papers and he is studying them. I can only hope he finds what he needs to plan a strategy. What is that look for?”
“What look?”
“A surprised look. You don’t think the man can come up with a strategy?”
“He may be perfect for it, but I just can’t think of legal business and strategy together.”
“Truth is, neither can I, but Harold assures me all good lawyers have one before they face a judge.” She put aside the pants she had been patching for Abel and stood up. “I am going to bake some biscuits and sweets.”
As her aunt walked off, Belle hoped she had enough of the ingredients her aunt needed, because the woman used up a lot when she got the baking urge. She then went to look for Geordie.
Chapter Seventeen
Belle held Abel’s and Morgan’s hands as Geordie went to buy them tickets. She watched as James took their horses to the stock car. Her stomach was tied into knots as she failed to push aside the nerves twisting her up inside. She looked at Robbie, who sat so calmly on a bench she wanted to slap him. He had nothing to worry about as he was going home to show his family how much he had improved. She was going to meet Geordie’s family, and then take him away from them when she left.
She felt a small, soft hand pat hers and looked down at Morgan. “Am I holding your hand too tight?”
“No,” Morgan answered. “I was just trying to calm you down.”
“I am fine. But I haven’t traveled on a train before.”
Belle wondered if she should pretend she did not notice the way Morgan looked at her. Since Morgan did not actually roll her eyes at her, she decided she could pretend that look was not equal to her doing so. The child was very good at sensing people’s moods. She was also very skilled at letting one know how she felt about things. Not always a welcome gift in a child.
“Here comes James,” said Abel. “Where’s Geordie?” he asked as James stopped in front of them.
“Trying to strike a bargain on the tickets.”
“Why? They have a list that tells you what everything costs.”
“They do indeed, Abel, but the man is a Scot and I think they always feel compelled to try to deal.” James grinned at her. “Something you might wish to become accustomed to.”
“I am accustomed. My aunt does it too. She claims it is the Yankee in her.”
James frowned in thought. “We had a few hard-nosed ones in our troop and they did the same. I can’t be bothered. I either think the price is reasonable and pay it, or it isn’t and I walk away. And here is our bargainer.”
“And here is Robbie,” said Geordie as his brother joined them. “Where have you been?”
“Getting us something to eat on the train.”
Before Geordie could try to see what he got, the call came to board the train. They hurried onto the train to find enough seats so they could sit together. Geordie and Belle sat with the two children while Robbie and James sat across the aisle from them. Robbie gave each of the children a sweet and Belle read to them. Before long Morgan was sprawled against Geordie, sound asleep, and Belle had Abel sprawled on her legs. She looked at Morgan, then at her peacefully sleeping little brother, before she finally looked right at Geordie.
“I think this is going to be a long journey,” she said, and he laughed as he put his arm around her shoulders.
