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“I could loan you the funds to bring them out for a visit.”
Eddy shook her head solemnly. “No. I appreciate the offer but you’ve done more than enough.”
“If you change your mind—”
“I won’t, but thank you.”
“Okay.”
She was glad that he hadn’t pressed her. He’d gone above and beyond in his generosity. She already owed him a debt she’d never be able to repay. The situation with her nieces would be worked out once she got back on her feet. Her situation with him was another matter, however, and in spite of trying to keep her attraction to him at bay, she was as curious about him as he seemed to be about her. Jim returned then carrying a tray filled with covered dishes, and in a way she was grateful for something to concentrate on besides Rhine Fontaine.
Once the food and tableware were distributed they dug in. Her plate held scrambled eggs, a piece of toast, two strips of bacon, and applesauce. Theirs had eggs, too, but they were accompanied by fragrant, steamed potatoes seasoned with peppers and onions, large fluffy biscuits running with butter and honey, and thick slices of ham. Eddy looked between her scant serving and their huge helpings and the men must have seen the question on her face because Fontaine explained, “Sylvie said to feed you lightly.”
And before she could protest, Jim added, “And we are far more afraid of her than of you, little lady, so eat up.”
Pouting and chuckling, she did as told.
Which was a good thing because as they were finishing up a woman knocked on the opened door and walked in. “Good morning everyone. Eddy, I’m Sylvia Stewart. You must be feeling better.” She had caramel skin and was of medium height. Eddy guessed her to be middle-aged, but like most women of color she wore her age well.
“Good morning,” Eddy replied, smiling. “I’m pleased to meet you, and yes, I’m feeling much better. Mr.Fontaine and Dade were nice enough to eat with me and keep me company—even though I know it isn’t proper.”
She waved it off. “You’ll get no lecture from me. Have you been using the aloe?”
“Yes, ma’am. It seems to be helping the pain.”
“Then it’s working.”
Fontaine said, “We may have found you a cook, Sylvie.” He inclined his head Eddy’s way.
“You’re a cook, Eddy?”
“Yes. Learned from my mother and spent most of my working life as one.”
Sylvie clapped happily. “Hallelujah. But let’s get you on your feet first before we discuss that. We can move you in this evening. My boarder left last night, but I want to get the room aired out and cleaned up before turning it over to you. Do you think you’re well enough? My place isn’t far.”
“Yes,” she said firmly, and shot a quick glance over at Fontaine and was snared by his expressionless eyes.
“Rhine, can you drive her over after dark? Apparently word is already out about you and Jim rescuing her. When I went to Lady Ruby’s yesterday to get my eggs, she asked about it. I told her the young woman was at my place in my care.”
Jim cracked, “No secrets in Virginia City.”
Transferring his gaze from Eddy to Sylvia, Rhine replied, “I’m taking Natalie and her parents to dinner this evening, and then to Piper’s, but I’m free to help out when I return.”
“Okay, good. I’m going to finish up my errands, Eddy, I will see you this evening.”
“Thanks for taking me in.”
“You’re very welcome.” With a wave she departed.
Jim stood. “I need to get going, too, and start the day’s food. MissEddy, it’s been a pleasure.”
“Likewise.”
He nodded. “I’ll send up something for lunch later.”
“Thank you.”
He gathered up their used dishes, piled them back on the tray, and left her alone with Fontaine. Eddy wondered who Natalie might be and her relationship to Fontaine. Not that it was any of her business. “Thank you again for taking me in, too, Mr.Fontaine.”
