When Robert died the little one would have the nuns and her distant Italian relatives. Nora would have no one at all. All that would remain in Dorset would be an angry old man and a cold vicarage. Tears flooded Nora’s eyes. She thought she detected sympathy in her interpreter’s face.Foolish notion.
The major turned and whispered something to the little one. Isabella’s giggle caught Nora off guard.
“I asked if there was a fairy in the rose garden,” he explained. “She tells me fairies are not real and that I’m silly. I told her we should check.”
Soon the major and tiny girl peered into the fountain and peeked under rose bushes, conversing companionably. His face folded into a comical mask of disappointment every time they failed to find fairies.
Nora allowed her bleeding heart to rest in the privacy he provided. The little girl appeared to be well fed, clean, and cared for. She had the laughter of childhood and the glow of health.Perhaps Robert chose wisely when he sent her here.Does she even need an awkward English aunt?
The little girl let out a gasp of outrage and shook a finger at the major in a charade of adult behavior. Nora had no idea what made them convulse in laughter.
She felt certain loneliness lurked in the precious little face also.No child should grow up lonely,she thought. A fierce desire to provide something better gripped Nora and would not let go.
Lost in emotion and captivated by the game the major invented, Nora missed the sound of footsteps in the cloister.
Isabella had better hearing. The little one looked up with joy and threw herself at a tiny nun standing just behind Nora. The woman scooped Isabella up in an encompassing hug, her billowing black sleeves wrapped around the tiny body like a comforter.
“The sister asks if she is enjoying her aunt,” the major’s voice whispered in Nora’s ear. “Isabella says you are not an aunt. You are her father’s sister.”
Nora watched the smiling face of the woman holding the child, watched easy warmth and affection radiate between them. Iron bands of jealousy constricted her chest. Nora clamped her teeth and told herself to be sensible.
“She is explaining the meaning of the relationship,” the whisper continued.
A few words of Italian and a second sister appeared from the shadows to take Isabella by the hand. The little girl looked disappointed but didn’t shrink back. Both nuns turned to Nora expectantly.
“She is being taken back to the classroom. They seek your permission to end the visit.”
“No!” Nora exclaimed. “That is, yes. I think it is best for this first time.”
Sudden fear seized her as she watched the little one disappear into the locked and protected walls of a foreign convent. Every lurid story she had ever heard about convents, no matter how foolish, flooded her memory. She frowned at the tiny nun who had remained behind and spoke defiantly to Jamie.
“Tomorrow. Tell her I will visit tomorrow.” Nora’s voice rose. “And every day after that. Tell her now.”
Chapter Five
Jamie brushed a hand across the back of his neck.The little bird has talons. But attack now? Damned poor choice of tactics.
He stared down at the woman swathed in yards of black silk. Sharp black eyes looked steadily back.
“I am Reverend Mother Margarita,” the woman said.
Silent laughter racked him. The tiny woman who had just lavished warmth and affection on Isabella commanded this army.Like any good commander, this one is a master of surprise!
“Reverend Mother, is it? My employer, Mrs. Nora Haley,” he said, gesturing toward the wren. The daft woman glared back.Keep that up, Nora Haley, and you’ll ruin your chances before they start.
Mother Margarita smiled warmly, but Jamie wasn’t fooled. Intelligent eyes danced over Nora, taking in her grim expression.This one misses nothing.
He wished for a stiff drink. He needed a diversion before his employer could shoot herself in the foot—or before the shrewd little woman in front of him saw right through him.
“We are aware that Mrs. Haley has come from England to care for her brother,” the nun said, prodding him to go on.
“He receives excellent care from your sisters at the hospital,” Jamie replied, pulling attention away from the wren. He ignored his employer’s attempts to draw his attention back.
“But there is no substitute for family, is there?” he went on, attempting a charming grin.
“Did you tell her what I said?” Nora Haley hissed. He didn’t look at her.
“Mrs. Haley is grateful for your care for both her brother and the little one,” Jamie gushed on in Italian as if those were the words she had spoken.
