“The Johnsons?”Maggie asked.
“They are the proprietors of the store here in town.”
“I see.They sound like good people.Belle has told me a great deal about Mrs.Johnson, but she uses her first name.”
“Yes, they’ve become quite close since Belle arrived,” Everett said.“I’m sure Belle will introduce you around and get you acclimated to our little town.We have Sunday service at the Johnsons.There’s no church, so we study a chapter per week.”
“I’ll look forward to it,” Maggie said, excited about a time for worship and socializing.
After Maggie had eaten two bowls of the duck and dumplings, she pushed her bowl away.“This was delicious, Belle.I had no idea you were such a good cook.”
Belle smiled.“I have always enjoyed cooking.”
“And you were allowed to help Chef Andre in the kitchen often.I’m sure you learned a great deal from him.”
“In some ways,” Belle said.“He liked to make every meal fancy.The idea of him cooking something like duck and dumplings is simply ridiculous.”
“You’re right.I was always glad simpler meals were provided to the staff.”
“I was as well.It was a difficult place to work at times, but we were fed and housed.I don’t think we could have asked for more.”
Maggie shook her head.“I would have asked to not have my bottom pinched.”
“What?”Belle asked, obviously shocked.
Maggie told the story of the incident and her subsequent dismissal.“I don’t know that I would have had the courage to go see Elizabeth if that hadn’t happened.”
“Well, I’m glad you did see her.Mr.Templeton should be ashamed that he dismissed you instead of standing behind you.”Belle shook her head.“I’m thrilled I’m not working there any longer.My new boss is very kind.”
Everett laughed at that.“I’m not sure who you think your boss is, but I hope you don’t mean me.I don’t want to take on the responsibility of employing a woman who does what she pleases when she pleases.”
Maggie could see clearly that it was all Belle could do not to giggle.“I do a lot of things, but I don’t tend to run amok.”
“No, but I never know if I’m going to arrive home to fifty jars of jam or a deer hanging from a tree.”
“I don’t want you to get bored with me, darling...”
Maggie loved the relationship between the two, and she was just about to say so when James stood.“We need to be going.I’m exhausted.”
Maggie was disappointed, but she knew she would be able to see Belle the following day.“I should help with the dishes before we leave.”
Belle shook her head.“No, that journey was no picnic.Go home and get a good night’s sleep.I’ll be here tomorrow, and we’ll make our plans to take over the world.”
Maggie grinned.Belle was never boring.
