Phillip’s brow wrinkled. “Speaking of which, do you think there’s a place in town I could rent? A room somewhere?”
“There’s the boardinghouse,” Papa said. “But there’s no reason you shouldn’t stay here. We have more than enough rooms.”
“We’d really like it if you’d stay here,” Mama said. “I promise not to ask too many questions at dinner.”
“I don’t mind,” Phillip said. “I’m only too happy to answer anything. The nuns used to tease me that I was incapable of lying, even when I’d done something wrong and fibbing would’ve saved a knuckle rapping.”
“What’s that?” Fiona asked.
“It’s when they took a ruler and smacked our knuckles,” Phillip said. “No one liked it, I can assure you.”
“Were you often in trouble?” I asked.
“Not often,” Phillip said. “I wanted nothing more than to please the kind women who gave their life to take care of children no one wanted. The only times I got in trouble were because of Walter. He was forever coming up with ideas about how to escape or steal food.”
“Walter? Really?” I couldn’t imagine him to be an unruly boy. During our time together, he’d been the perfect gentleman. Well-mannered and polite, deferring to my wishes. “In my experience, he was a rule-follower.”
“Was he?” Phillip asked me. “Perhaps you brought that out in him.”
“Boys can be rascals and grow up to be fine young men,” Mama said. “Flynn was always in scrapes when he was little.”
I glanced at Papa. His gaze was fixed on Phillip with obvious interest. I knew that expression. He was attempting to suss out what Phillip had meant when he said Walter had led him into trouble. A twinge of irritation pushed its way in. As much as I adored my father, his attitude toward Walter annoyed me. He hadn’t known him. Who was he to judge? He and Mama had fallen in love quickly. How was my experience different?
“How long were you and Walter together at the orphanage?” Papa asked.
“Only a few years,” Phillip said. “When we were twelve, one of his attempts to run away was successful. The next time I saw him was in the army.”
“Why did he want to run away?” Mama asked.
“I don’t know,” Phillip said. “The nuns were good to us. It wasn’t as if we had anywhere to go.”
“Isn’t it strange how you ended up together in the army?” Mama asked.
“Yes ma’am, it is. I could hardly believe my eyes.” Phillip set aside his spoon as our maid, Lila, brought up the main course—roast beef with carrots and potatoes. She took the platter to Mama first and then to me. The aroma of rosemary and onion wafted up from the platter as she scooped a small portion onto my plate.
“Thank you, Lila, this smells delicious,” Mama said.
Phillip’s face lit up when it was his turn to be served. “I’ve never eaten as good as I have today, and I’ve only been here six hours.” When everyone had their portion, it amused me to see the way Phillip dug into his food. I liked his humility and easy way with my sisters and his politeness to my parents. This was a good man. Coming here would be good for him. Everyone needed community and a sense of belonging.
He needed some good luck after
everything he’d been through. My letters had brought him here. Something good had come from my writing. This brought me a sense of relief. Walter could not come back to me. But at least I’d made a difference in a man’s life that truly needed some luck.
Four days had passed since Phillip’s arrival. I hadn’t seen him as much as expected. He’d spent most of his days with Harley in the barn and shed, learning how he could be of service. I was busy at the library and had only seen him during dinners, but already it felt as if he’d always been with us. He spoke enthusiastically about the animals and all that he’d learned from Harley. On the way upstairs one night, he confessed to being physically exhausted at night and falling fast asleep.
On that fourth afternoon, I returned early from work and instead of going inside the house, I went out to the barn to look for Phillip. We hadn’t had much opportunity to talk, and I wanted to ask him questions about Walter’s death. I found him tossing hay into the horses’ stalls. Oz and Willie were already eating. Pearl and Lucy were patiently waiting.
“Hello,” I said.
He turned quickly and smiled. “Jo, hey.”
I hustled over to him. “How are you holding up? Have they worked you too hard?”
“Not a bit. I love it. I’m even getting used to these beauties.” He patted Oz on the nose.
“Is it all right sleeping with the boys?”
“Sure thing. It’s fun, actually. Reminds me a little of being with the other boys at the orphanage, except we don’t get in trouble for talking past nine.”