“A little eager?” he murmured to Will.
Will grinned, but his focus was on Laura. She was holding a large basket and smiled when she caught sight of him.
“I didn’t know you’d be here,” she said, holding up the basket as Mrs. Knudson headed out the front door. “I brought a dozen diapers that I finished hemming for Marybeth. There’s also a couple of flannel gowns.”
“Marybeth is resting, and Carrie is over at the neighbor’s playing,” Edward told her. “But you’re welcome to stay. I’ll let Marybeth know you’re here.”
“No, that’s all right. Just let her rest. I’ll leave these things and get the basket tomorrow.”
“Have you plans for supper?” Will asked. “I thought if not, you might be willing to go with me.”
“I have no plans, and Father is out for the evening. Mrs. Murphy has already fixed a meal, so why don’t you come on over to the house? The staff will be there so there won’t be any improprieties.”
“Sounds good to me. It’s hard to turn down supper with a beautiful lady.” He turned to Edward. “Beauty trumps Swedish meatballs.” They laughed.
As they walked back to her house, Laura asked Will about his day. She knew her father had instructed him to come to the store first thing.
“Did you have a good day with Father?”
“It was interesting to say the least. I spent some time with him and then some time with Snyder. He is as dark and brooding as you described.”
“I don’t care for him at all. Ever since Mrs. Duffy said hesnuck into the house to see Father, I’ve taken to locking my bedroom door when I’m at the house alone.”
“I would too.” Will frowned. “I don’t know why your father would allow that now that you’re in residence.”
“As far as he knows, I’ve no knowledge of it, and he’s told the staff to completely ignore Mr. Snyder. It terrifies poor Etta. She said she’s never seen him on the second floor, but there could always be a first time.”
“How did you get Etta to come back to work for your father?”
“It wasn’t easy, but I told her that we had to keep things as normal as possible so Father wouldn’t be suspicious. I also told her that I needed her and would do everything in my power to keep her safe. She spends a lot of time with me now. When she’s working, I try to be near her, and when she doesn’t have much to do, we just sew and visit. Sometimes, I accompany her when she does the shopping, and if I can’t be there, I make sure Mrs. Murphy and Rosey are around.”
“I was just seeing Edward to tell him about one of your father’s workers. We’re hoping to find a man who would be willing to turn against your father and testify to his illegal dealings.”
“I’m praying it works,” Laura said, shaking her head. “But I worry that you could be found out. If Father is as ruthless as we think, then he won’t hesitate to kill you if you get in his way.” She felt a band tighten around her chest. It would be so unbearable if Will were to die.
She glanced up at him, and Will met her gaze. “I care for you, Will.”
“And I care for you, but I think you already know that.”
She looked away as her cheeks warmed. She wanted to ask him about what her father had said of Will asking forher hand. She wanted very much to know if it was just a pretense—part of the game. But she held back for fear that it was nothing more than that. If only for the moment, she’d like to believe it was more. It was then that she realized they were holding hands. She drew their hands upward and smiled back at him. “Looks like a good fit, eh?”
“A very good fit.”
23
Laura was still at the table when her father came home that evening. It was the earliest she’d seen him home in weeks. He had apparently been drinking, since he staggered and swayed with each step.
“Misssssussss Duffy,” he said, falling back against the archway. “Get me ... get me a whisss ... key.” The housekeeper nodded and hurried away.
Father stumbled into one of the dining room chairs and pointed his right index finger at Laura. “You’re the talk of the town, you know.” He waggled his finger and smirked. “I think folks ... folks are surprised that I have a daughter. Even more ... sus ... shurprised that she’s ... so ... so beautiful. I’ve had all sorts of offers for you ... your hand.”
“Goodness, I hope you didn’t take them up on it. I’m not of a mind to marry anytime soon.”
“You’re gettin’ married!” He pounded his fist on the table, making the dishes dance. “I told you.”
“Father, you’re drunk. I think it’s best we discuss this another time.”
For some reason, that seemed to sober him a bit. “You’re already going to marry Wilson Porter.”
