Milla frowned. “James? Why doesn’t your sister speak?”
He shrugged, and then took another bite of his roll. “She talked a little before you and Papa got married, but I don’t know why she stopped.”
“Is she still frightened of me?”
“Don’t think so.”
Camilla stroked Lizzy’s cheek with her knuckles. The girl didn’t flinch, which was a good sign. “Lizzy?” The little girl’s eyes met hers. “Will you say something for me?” Lizzy shook her head and concentrated on eating her roll, but Camilla continued. “Can you say Papa?”
Without looking up, Lizzy nodded as she licked her fingers, but she remained quiet.
“Lizzy?” The girl looked up. “You don’t have to say a word now, but will you talk to me one day? I would really like to play dolls with you.” The girl’s eyes widened, and light danced inside the huge orbs. In excitement, Camilla’s heart picked up a faster rhythm. “Would you like that?”
Lizzy nodded faster.
“I would, too, but I cannot play with you unless you talk to me.”
Lizzy lowered her eyes as she gobbled down the remainder of her roll.
Once again, Camilla’s heart ached. With a deep sigh, she admitted defeat for now. She wouldn’t give up on the poor girl, just like she hadn’t given up on Malcolm.
She opened her reticule and pulled out an embroidered handkerchief. She dabbed the end to her tongue to moisten the cloth, then wiped Lizzy’s messy face and hands, then gave the same treatment to the boy. Before putting the cloth away, she wiped her own hands and face.
“I think we should head back home now.” She stood and helped the children up, but just as she turned, the ferocious barkof a dog made her jump. The beast bounded toward them from across the street.
James and Lizzy screamed and ducked behind Camilla, hiding in the folds of her skirt. This must be the dog that had attacked them before.
Camilla scanned the area, looking for an object to use as a weapon. She spied a rock, grabbed it, and aimed for the oncoming animal. He bared his teeth and growled.
“Shoo,” she shouted, but the animal didn’t stop.
When he reached them, he slowed. His growl moved deep in his chest as he padded around them, his intent gaze never leaving their faces. His hackles rose.
Lizzy and James cried, burying their faces further into her dress. The dog continued to taunt them. Then the animal lunged. Camilla threw the rock, hitting the beast between the eyes. The dog gave a sharp yelp before tucking its tail and running away.
Camilla released a gust of pent-up air. She turned, gathered the two frightened children in her arms, and held them tight. “It is all right now. Don’t fret. The dog is gone.”
James wiped his runny nose on the sleeve of his jacket and looked up at her with wet eyes. “You made the doggie go away and you wasn’t afraid.”
“I was afraid, but I was more afraid of him hurting you or Lizzy, and I wouldn’t let that happen.” She gave him a reassuring smile.
Cupping Lizzy’s chin in her hands, she lifted the little girl’s face and met her teary eyes. “Are you all right?”
Lizzy nodded, then swallowed. She cleared her throat and opened her mouth to speak, but snapped it closed.
Excitement pounded in Camilla’s heart. Lizzy again struggled for words, and Camilla waited.
With the back of her hand, Lizzy wiped her wet eyes then looked back at Camilla. “Tank you,” she mumbled in a barely audible voice.
A small cry escaped Camilla’s throat, and she hugged the child against her bosom. “No, thank you, my darling Lizzy.”
From behind, a woman called out. Camilla turned just as the woman stopped before them.
“Excuse me, madame,” the woman said breathlessly.
Camilla eyed the well-dressed woman, perhaps in her late forties. The older lady looked to be very wealthy. Camilla wouldn’t doubt she was prominent in town as well.
The woman placed her hand over her heart and sighed. “Oh, good heavens, child. Are you all right?”
