Gabrielle Meyer - A Mother In The Making

Petey squirmed in John’s lap, and John put his hand on his son’s knee to steady him. “I still haven’t decided if you should have the party.”

The children looked at Miss Maren.

“It would be an educational opportunity for Lilly,” the governess said. “What better way to teach her social graces? You do want her to learn how to be a hostess someday, don’t you?”

“Of course—”

“Then it’s settled.” Miss Maren sipped her soup once again.

He hadn’t given permission—but one look at Lilly’s face, and he knew his daughter loved the idea. How could he say no? “Fine.”

“Who will you invite?” Lilly asked.

Miss Maren dabbed at her mouth with a napkin. “Anyone I think who would make a good match for...” She paused.

Lilly waited for a moment and then asked, “A good match for what?”

Again, Miss Maren looked unsure if she should say something, and John was growing weary of this conversation. “You and Lilly may discuss your plans away from the dinner table.”

Miss Maren’s green eyes sparkled in triumph—until Laura grabbed her spoon and splattered red soup down the front of Miss Maren’s delicate gown.

Maybe now she would understand why practical clothing was needed in his home.

John waited until Miss Ernst helped clean up the mess, and then he spoke again. “After supper I’m going to the hospital. I probably won’t return until it’s time to bring the children to church in the morning. See that they are put to bed by seven thirty. If you have any trouble, ask Mrs. Gohl or Miss Ernst for assistance.”

Miss Maren took Laura’s hand off her buttered bread, a sigh on her lips. “I’ll do my very best.”

He hoped her very best was good enough.

* * *

Marjorie’s head dropped toward her chest—but she snapped it up and blinked her burning eyes several times to stay awake. She needed to use this time as she listened to the sermon to study the ladies in the congregation. Maybe one or two might be suitable for Dr. Orton.

Her eyes started to droop again, but she fought the exhaustion and lifted her head.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dr. Orton glance at her—but if it was with sympathy or disapproval, she couldn’t tell.

She sat between Lilly and Charlie on the family pew, with Laura asleep in her lap. Dr. Orton sat beside Lilly, with Petey on his lap.

Though Marjorie tried, she could not keep her eyes open. Laura had woken up at least half a dozen times through the long night, demanding Marjorie’s attention. Marjorie’s only consolation had been the knowledge that Dr. Orton was at the hospital and could not hear his daughter fussing. Surely he would have been angry that she didn’t know how to quiet the baby.

Now Laura slept peacefully—and Marjorie wished she could join her.

The pastor droned on and on...

Lilly poked Marjorie in the rib and whispered, “You fell asleep.”

Marjorie’s cheeks flamed with heat. What would Dr. Orton think of her, falling asleep in church when she should be listening to the reverend?

She readjusted her position, trying not to disturb Laura. Her neck and back ached, but she dared not try to rub out the knots.

The sermon finally ended and they rose for the closing song.

Marjorie stole a look around the crowded church. Colorful stained-glass windows allowed a muted light to fall on the congregation, and she was happy to see so many young women in attendance. Surely someone in this room would make a good wife for her employer.

Dr. Orton’s gaze lingered over the congregation, as well. Was he also surveying his prospects? He had an advantage over Marjorie, since he already knew which of these ladies were single.

The final song ended, and the family moved out of the pew. Marjorie turned just in time to see Mrs. Scott marching up the aisle, pushing aside anyone who stood in her way.

Marjorie couldn’t hide her groan.

Mrs. Scott pointed her finger at Marjorie. “What kind of example are you? Falling asleep in church.”

“Laura was awake all night—”

“Excuses, excuses—”

“Laura is teething,” Dr. Orton said in Marjorie’s defense as he stepped out of the pew with Petey in his arms. “And Miss Maren was put to work immediately after her long journey. I imagine she’s exhausted.”

Marjorie blinked up at him in surprise. He wasn’t angry at her lack of propriety during the service?

Mrs. Scott appeared to ignore Dr. Orton as she turned to the young woman walking up the aisle behind her in a black mourning gown. “Dora, what is taking you so long?”

The young lady looked exactly like the picture Marjorie had seen of Anna Orton, although Miss Dora Scott was probably ten years younger than Anna.

“Hello, John,” Dora said with a gentle smile. She put her gloved hand under Lilly’s chin, her cheeks filled with a healthy glow. “Hello, dear.”

Lilly wrapped her arms around her aunt’s waist, and Petey reached for her from Dr. Orton’s arms.

Dora took the little boy and snuggled him close.

“It’s nice to see you, Dora.” Dr. Orton smiled at his sister-in-law.

Dora turned her pretty blue eyes to Marjorie—eyes the exact shade of the children’s. “And you must be the new governess, Miss Maren.”

Marjorie extended her hand and Dora took it. “I’m pleased to meet you,” Marjorie said.

“We’re going to have a tea party.” Lilly clapped her hands. “And Miss Maren has said I will help her plan the whole event.”

“How nice,” Dora said. “You will have such fun. I love tea parties.”

“A tea party?” Mrs. Scott tsked. “How utterly ridiculous. Whoever heard of a governess hosting a tea party? What will people think, John? It would be one thing if you had a wife in the house to act as hostess—but the governess? People will think she’s taking on the role of mistress of your home.”

Marjorie’s chest filled with embarrassment. “I have no such intentions—”

“John, think of your reputation!” Mrs. Scott said. “Even now the ladies in the church are looking at this woman with disdain.” Mrs. Scott looked out the corner of her eye and lifted her nose. “I think it’s disgraceful.”

Marjorie’s eyes grew round and she opened her mouth to protest, but Dora laid her hand on Mrs. Scott’s arm.

“Mother, no one thinks such things.” Dora smiled at Marjorie. “I think it’s wonderful that you are teaching Lilly how to be a hostess. I, for one, would be honored to be a guest at such a fine party.”

Marjorie glanced at Dr. Orton to gauge his reaction to Dora. His demeanor had softened at her arrival. He watched her with a mixture of affection and appreciation.

“Of course Lilly will invite you to her tea party,” Dr. Orton said.

Lilly looked up at her aunt and grinned. “You’ll be my guest of honor.”

“What a wonderful privilege.” Dora squeezed Lilly’s shoulders. “I shall take great care with my appearance that day.”

Dr. Orton took Petey from his sister-in-law’s arms. “You always look beautiful.”

Dora looked up at Dr. Orton, her eyes shining. “Why, thank you, John.”

Marjorie glanced between them. Was he considering Dora for his next wife? It wouldn’t be uncommon for him to marry his wife’s sister—but Marjorie could already tell she was too much like Anna. Gentle, soft-spoken, compliant...

Mrs. Scott glared at Marjorie. Could she discern Marjorie’s thoughts?

“We must be off,” Dr. Orton said. “I was at the hospital all night and I need to sleep before my shift tonight.”

“You’re going back to work so soon?” Marjorie asked.

All eyes turned to her.

“Of course he is,” Mrs. Scott said. “My late husband was at the hospital more than he was at home.”