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“I agree.”
“If you were going to stay in New Orleans, I’d build you a school.”
She blinked.
Sable asked, “Do you have a teaching position waiting for you back home?”
Still reeling from Drake’s words, she finally responded to Sable. “No. Not yet. I shouldn’t have a problem though.” There were many schools for students of color in the city of New York and areas nearby, but she was stuck on Drake’s words. Would he really build her a school? The offer was as moving as he was. But she wouldn’t be staying. Once Cole arrived, she’d leave vibrant New Orleans behind. The thought was unsettling. She glanced his way and wondered how soon he’d forget her once she was gone. Recognizing the foolishness in that, she returned to her meal.
“Do you mind if I move in with you until Erma returns?” Drake asked his mother. “I can cook for myself at my place, but Little Reba’s cooking is better, and I’ll probably not want to do anything but boil water after working on the house all day.”
“You know I don’t mind. Move in whenever you like. Henri will be returning from Cuba tomorrow, and once he’s rested up, we’ll be going up to Baton Rouge to look at some property he’s interested in purchasing. I’ll feel better knowing Reba and Valinda won’t be at the house alone.”
Valinda wasn’t sure how she felt about being in the house with Drake, even with Little Reba there. “How long will you be away?” she asked.
“Two days. Three at the most. If you get lonely, Sable is close by.”
“In fact,” Sable said easily, “if you don’t have anything pressing tomorrow, I’ll come get you and you can meet the orphans you’ll be teaching.”
“I’d like that.” Even though her time in New Orleans would be ending sooner than she cared to think about, teaching the children would be in line with her goals, and she might even get to know Sable better.
Drake looked confused. “You’re going to teach the orphans, Valinda?”
“Yes.”
Sable explained how the Sisters’ decision to close the school was impacting her orphans.
He looked to Valinda. “That’s very kind of you.”
The sincerity in his gaze snared her and she was at a loss to explain why he affected her in ways no other man had before.
Julianna’s voice broke the spell. “But we need a place we can lease as a classroom. Can you ask the property owners you know if they have a barn or a cottage, or anything she can use?”
“I assume you’d prefer a place close to the orphanage.”
Valinda replied, “I would, but if I can borrow a wagon, I can also pick up the children each morning before school if it’s necessary.”
He nodded. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
The soft tone of his voice slid over her once again, leaving her warm and unbalanced. She knew she shouldn’t be reacting to him, but her responses seemed to be choosing their own path. Parts of her wanted to explore whatever he’d awakened, only to be reminded that he had a mistress while her future lay with Cole.
Once everyone finished their meals, it was time to depart.
Julianna announced, “We’ll be having dinner tomorrow evening at my house to welcome Henri home, so Drake, make sure your brothers know they are to be there.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And tell them that mistresses, gambling halls, or goings-on at gentlemen’s clubs don’t qualify as legitimate excuses. Only hospitals or death.”
He chuckled. “I will.”
She added, “Henri’s been gone almost three months and I’ve missed him dearly. I’d like to celebrate him being home again with the entire family.”
Sable said, “We’ll be there.”
