A few wiry sprigs had fallen loose from the woman's bun and poked in various directions around her face, her large gray eyes wide. “I am.”
Kizzie looked over at the teary-faced Molly, who stood at the end of the stairs, hands clasped in front of her, as if waiting for Mrs. Carter to change her mind. An immediate kinship bloomed in Kizzie for the young, misguided woman who was looking for affection in the wrong place and in the wrong way.
“I'm Kizzie McAdams, sent by Nella Chappell.” Kizzie offered the letter.
“Nella Chappell.” The woman's entire face transformed with her smile. The stern lines around her eyes softened. “Ah, a telegram arrived from her just yesterday saying I should expect you soon.” Mrs. Carter gave Kizzie another look from head to boots. “You're a might bit younger than I figured you'd be, but if Nella trusts you, I got no reason not to.”
“Mrs. Carter, please.”
Molly's cry came again, and the older woman turned toward her, pointing the envelope like a finger. “I ain't interested in supporting your sin, girl. If you ain't got the decency to follow my rules, I can't jump inside that thick skull of yours and help.”
“But I've learned my lesson.” Her green gaze flipped from Mrs. Carter to Kizzie and back, the desperation in them reaching out and snatching at Kizzie's heart. “I promise, Mrs. Carter. Please.”
She knew that look, that need. And the realization that even the very best plans failed to change reality.
“What if I take her under my wing, Mrs. Carter?” The words popped out so fast it surprised Kizzie as much as it seemed to surprise both of the other ladies. Well, might as well dig a little deeper. “I know you don't know me yet, but I'm more than willing to give you a hand in helping any of your girls make better choices. I've had to learn the hard way, and maybe God wants me to help other girls learn too.”
Mrs. Carter's gray eyes narrowed for a full five seconds, her steely look prickling the hairs on Kizzie's arms with its scrutiny. Then, with a glance back at Molly, she said, “One more chance, girl. And that's only ’cause Miss McAdams seems to think there's more to you than kisses for brains. But this is your last chance, because my reputation is tied to this place. Do you understand?”
Molly nodded her head so fast it made Kizzie dizzy. “Yes, ma'am. I promise.”
Mrs. Carter rolled her eyes and then shooed her away. “Now go get some clothes on so you don't catch your death.” Then she turned back to Kizzie, one brow sitting high. “Now, Miss McAdams, Nella's telegram mentioned you know shopkeeping business.”
Shopkeeping business? Had Nella intended to provide Kizzie a job as well as a new place to start over? “Shopkeeping business?”
“I'm in need of a person with a business mind to help me get untangled from my current mess, and I mean to interview you for the job.”
Kizzie blinked and riffled through her brain. “I did shopkeeping back home. For a general store in the mountains. Helped with stocking, cleaning, ordering, and bookkeeping.”
“Bookkeeping, eh?” Both brows swung high. “Now that's even better.”
“I've always been decent with numbers. Daddy had me help him some when purchasing things.” Kizzie stepped forward. “And I've worked in service for a year, besides growing up in a house full of young'uns, so I know how to clean and tend house.”
“Good, good.” She nodded, raising a wrinkled finger to touch Charlie's cheek. “You sound like just the right person for the job.”
“You mean … you'd really hire me?” Kizzie gestured with her chin toward Charlie. “Even me being the way I am?”
“I can only take you part-time to start, but I can provide you free lodging above the shop. If you're working for me, sleeping someplace other than the boardinghouse would suit better.” She shrugged, her grin wrinkling her whole face. “I know the value of a second chance. Sometimes the very best folks rise out of a second chance because they know what they've been forgiven of. I believe in humility. Keeps people from putting on airs. I reckon that's why God likes it so much.”
Tension rolled off Kizzie's shoulders in a giant wave, and the emotions scratching at her throat began a steady climb into her eyes. “My mama would like you a whole bunch.”
“ ’Zat so?”
“Yes, ma'am. She used to say that humility was knowing God's place and knowing your own place and not getting the two mixed up.”
“I think I'd like your mama too.” Mrs. Carter chuckled and gestured with the letter toward the brick two-story building across a little path in front of them. “Let's get you and that babe inside by the stove, and we can discuss whether you want to work for me or not.” She shot Kizzie a wink and then showcased the rifle in her hand. “After this introduction, you may just reconsider.”
Chapter 16
GUNFIRE?
Noah had only gotten the horses into a trot when the sound echoed through the thin woods to the right of the path only two streets back from Main Street, a path untouched by wagons just yet. He drew the horses to a stop and turned to look in the direction he'd come. Who would be firing gunshots in town?
Another shot shook the air, carrying over the snow like the sound of thunder.
Had he left Kizzie in a dangerous situation?
His eyes shot wide. Or was Kizzie protecting herself? She hadn't mentioned owning a gun, but she seemed the sort to have one.
