Patrick got to his feet and shook his head. “This is a matter for the two of ye. I’ll be goin’ now. I need to get back to the warehouse and make sure everyone’s tucked in for the night.”
Caleb chuckled. “Give ’em all hot milk and cookies while you’re at it.”
“Oh, for sure now, I will.” Patrick headed for the door. “Judith, I’ll be prayin’ for ye.”
“Thank you.” Her gaze followed him until he’d passed from the room.
Caleb watched her for a moment. “Come here, Judith.”
She looked hesitant, but he motioned her to join him. He could see the doubt in her eyes. Victoria had made her question the situation, and he intended to set her straight.
“I didn’t mean to disturb you, Caleb,” she said, coming to stand beside him.
Without giving her a chance to protest, Caleb pulled her onto his lap and smiled at her stunned expression. “Don’t give it a second thought.” He kissed her hand. “And don’t give your cousin’s antics a second thought either.”
She blushed. “I know she hates me.”
“And she’ll do whatever she can to come between us. Don’t let her. I know full well what Victoria’s doing and why. She’s even using my desire to share God with her. She wants to convince you that she has somehow wormed her way into my heart, or at very least my interest. However, it isn’t true, nor could it ever be. I am completely devoted to you, and no other woman will ever have my heart.” He gently stroked her cheek and felt her fears slip away. “I do believe that the sooner we figure out what to do with her, the better off we’ll all be.”
“What do you suggest?” Judith put her arm around his neck and toyed with the hair just above his collar.
“I can’t suggest much of anything with you here like this. I think it would probably be prudent for us to say good night and start again fresh in the morning.” He stood, lifting her in his arms as he did. Judith’s expression was surprised, which only made him laugh. “You’re as light as a feather.” He kissed her gently on the lips, then put her down.
She smiled and turned crimson all at the same time.
“Your innocence and sweetness is such a blessing to me,” Caleb said, shaking his head. “Victoria is lucky to have you as her guardian. Another woman in your position might not be so forgiving.”
“Another woman would have just sent her back to Switzerland.”
He kissed her forehead. “Perhaps you will do just that. Now go. I need to check on some papers, and tomorrow is church.”
“Thank you, Caleb.”
He shook his head. “For what?”
“For being you. For caring about us all, but especially for your patience with me. I can’t lie and say I don’t feel out of place at times. Everyone here has had such a different life from mine. But you always make me feel as if I belong.”
“That’s because you do, Judith. You belong here with me.”
CHAPTER
17
After a subdued Fourth of July, Caleb boarded a train to Kansas City. Kenzie was grateful for his help, and yet she was concerned that with him gone, Arthur might get it in his head to impose himself at the house. Without a man in residence, they would be more vulnerable. After all, Caleb would be gone for at least ten days, possibly two weeks or more.
“Why is Caleb going to Kansas City?” Victoria demanded.
Camri looked up from the ledger she’d been going over. “He has business. Why is it of any concern to you?”
“He’s supposed to be helping me locate my friends.”
“I’m sure he’s doing that too.” Kenzie looked up from the quilt square she’d been stitching. “He probably hasn’t discussed it with you so that you wouldn’t get your hopes up.”
“Or because he didn’t feel a nineteen-year-old girl needs to stick her nose in his business,” Camri replied matter-of-factly. “By the way, Victoria, how much education have you had?”
The girl rolled her eyes with an exaggerated sigh. “Don’t start your crusades with me. I have no interest nor need for education. I have money, and money trumps schooling.”
Camri stared at her. “You really believe that, don’t you? You think so long as you have a fortune, you can sit and simper and pout, and everything will just drop into your lap.”
