He took her hand and shook it.
She narrowed her eyes. “What is that wry grin for, Mr.—er, I mean Carter?”
“I told you, one day you just might like me.”
The most unladylike groan he’d ever heard accompanied her swat to his arm. “You, sir, are incorrigible.”
“I will take that as a compliment.”
“You would.” But she laughed and he laughed with her.
For the first time, he glimpsed behind the facade and great walls that had surrounded Miss Eleanor Briggs. He’d thought she was a snobby little thing, albeit attractive and feisty. But now? There was a different side to her. Something deeper.
They walked several paces before he dared to dive in. “You said it had been a trying afternoon. I’ve been told I’m a good listener, and we’ve got a good walk in front of us...” He let the invitation hang in the air, hopeful she’d respond without snapping at him.
She clasped her hands in front of her and took in a loud, long breath. “I’m examining my life.”
He kept his features neutral. But who said things like that? He blinked several times and tried to figure out how to respond.
“I see I’ve perplexed you.” A smile tipped up the edges of her lips. “Do you not ever sit and ponder your very existence?”
He stopped walking for a moment and stared into her eyes. Her candor was refreshing, though a bit surprising. On the other hand, hehadasked. And she deserved an equally honest response. “I do. Every time I watch the sunrise or the sunset. When the winter wheat first sprouts up out of the ground, all green and lush, then snow covers it. It goes for months in dormancy and then it continues on again in the spring. Or when I sit in awe of the mountains, Flathead Lake, or see a baby for the first time. I thank God for these miracles and can’t fathom His love for little ol’ me.”
The longer he talked, the farther her face dipped into a frown.
What had he said to displease her?
“You really believe that, don’t you?” Her face was so hard, like flint.
“I do.” What on earth had caused the hurt that swelled in her eyes?
“Good for you.” She yanked the bicycle from his grasp. “Thank you for your help, Mr. Brunswick. I’ll take it from here.” With rapid steps, she marched away, the weight of the world seeming to lay on her shoulders.
Carter’s jaw dropped.
He’d seen the full gamut of emotions in Ellie in the short span of half an hour. His heart ached for the pain he’d seen in her eyes. There was so much more to her than he’d ever imagined. Now, more than ever, he wanted to spend time with her. Get to know her.
But his gut held him in check.
Eleanor Briggs was clearly wrestling with God. Carter wasn’t about to get in the middle ofthatbattle.
Still, the one thing hecoulddo was get down on his knees and pray.
Marvella took her time ascending the stairs before she headed to Eleanor’s room. After watching the girl storm out of the parlor earlier, then race out not half an hour later to ride her bike,thenreturn covered in foliage with a tear-streaked face and looking madder than a hornet, Marvella knew it was time she took matters in hand.
She rapped on the door.
“I don’t need anything, thank you.” The forced cheer was clear even through the door.
Marvella knocked again.
“I don’t wish to be disturbed. Thank you.” The tone was a bit more clipped this time.
Third time was always the charm. She persisted once more and leaned her ear against the door. While the thick wood kept her from deciphering anything, she did hear what sounded like huffs and a good deal of grumbling.
Perfect.
The door whipped open, and Eleanor stood there, mouth wide, about to speak her mind. But as soon as she spotted Marvella, her lips clamped shut. Her shoulders relaxed a bit. “My apologies, Mrs. Ashbury. I thought you were one of the staff.”
