The Spinster (Emerson Pass Historicals 2)

“This is a small town,” Lord Barnes said. “Not surprising. Tell us, Phillip, what can we do to help your transition into our little town? What kind of work are you interested in finding?”

“I trained as a cabinetmaker before the war. Other than that, I don’t have many skills.”

“Would you want to set up a shop?” Lord Barnes asked.

“Eventually, yes. But I’d need capital for that. Until then, I’ll take anything. If you have anything around here that needs fixing, I could help.”

“But you’re our guest,” Josephine said. “We can’t put you to work right away.”

“No, I’d prefer to work,” I said, hastily. “I like to earn my keep. It would help me feel less of a burden. Your offer to stay here at the house is the kindest thing anyone’s ever done for me.” A tickle of guilt bothered me.

“Good man,” Lord Barnes said. “Everyone in this family works one way or the other. There’s a place for everyone in Emerson Pass. When you get settled, perhaps we can talk further about your shop.”

“Thank you, sir.” I could have teared up right then and there. Would this be the place I finally found a sense of belonging?

The rest of the hour passed pleasantly. At five, Josephine asked if I’d like to get bundled up and take a walk out to the barn. “I could show you the animals.”

“Can I come?” Delphia asked from the corner. She’d put her doll facing the wall, as if she’d been naughty. I had a feeling Delphia herself had faced the corner quite a few times.

“No, sweetheart,” Lord Barnes said as he patted his knee. “You and I are going to read a book so that Jo can show Philip around.”

“All right, Papa.” Delphia climbed into his lap and snuggled close.

Josephine stood. “Phillip, would you care for a tour or would you rather rest?”

I jumped up, both excited and terrified at the prospect of spending time alone with the lovely Josephine. “No, I’d love a tour. Show me the way.”

“We’ll see you at dinner,” Mrs. Barnes said.

I thanked them for tea and followed Josephine to the foyer. The idea of Josephine alone had me reeling. Part of me wanted to run and hide. However, the bold part of me that lay dormant most of the time urged me forward. I’d come this far. No turning back now.

“Do you have a coat?” she asked.

“No, just my suit jacket.”

She tugged open the closet door and pulled out a green-and-black-checkered hunter’s jacket. “There’s an old one of Theo’s or Flynn’s in here. Would you like it? The snow stopped, but it’ll be cold.”

“Yes, please.” My first instinct had been to say no, but that would have been foolish. The weather was frigid here. I would have been completely chilled on the way from the train station had Harley not had wool blankets in the sleigh.

I helped her into her coat first. She put a fur-lined cap over her head while I put on the jacket. “A good fit,” I said.

“Yes, you’re almost exactly the height of my brothers. Check the pocket. There’s probably a hat and gloves in there.”

I reached into both pockets. Sure enough, there was a knit hat and a pair of gloves inside. After I’d donned both, I asked if she was ready.

“Yes, we should go before it gets completely dark.”

We walked out to the covered entrance. If she didn’t think this was dark, how dark did it get here? She pointed toward the lit barn, then turned a switch on near the door. The lanterns that lined the drive came on, dazzling me with their bright lights. “So pretty,” I said under my breath.

“Aren’t they? Papa had them put in just last year. They’re especially festive this time of year.”

We headed out to a shoveled walkway that led to the barn. I let her take the lead.

“Our family loves animals,” Josephine said. “Don’t be surprised if they ask at dinner about what you thought of our horses.”

“What should I say?” I concentrated on not slipping on the icy path.

“Something about how they’re the most beautiful horses you’ve ever seen. That’s what they think, anyway.”