AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ve never heard of her.”
“Many people haven’t but she’s dedicated her life to serving young people enslaved, free, immigrant, and poor. The sisters at St.Francis gave me an excellent education, so I help out at the orphanage in their honor.”
As Eddy and Sylvia climbed the mansion’s steps, Eddy was surprised at the size of the place.
“It used to belong to one of the mining kings,” Sylvie explained.
The door chime was answered by a young girl Sylvie introduced to Eddy as Susannah Bird.
“Pleased to meet you, Susannah.”
“Pleased to meet you as well, MissCunningham. I’ll get MissMary.”
When Mary arrived, she ushered them into her office. The reason for the visit was to discuss the orphanage’s ongoing need for funds. Although there were only four children currently in residence, they had to be fed and clothed and the mansion had to be maintained. The women discussed selling dinners and having a charity baseball game.
After listening quietly for a few moments, Eddy asked, “Have you ever considered having a services auction?”
Mary and Sylvia turned, their faces curious. “Explain that, please,” Mary asked.
“Let’s say MissVera asks for bids on having a gown made. Zeke Reynolds might offer carpentry work. Maybe Mr.Granger could put up a mess of fish, or I could offer to make a fancy meal.”
Sylvia’s face brightened. “What great idea. Edgar could offer haircuts. I could have people bid on a Sunday dinner—which you would cook of course, Eddy.”
Eddy chuckled, “Of course.”
Mary eyed Eddy appreciatively. “Have you worked on an event like this before?”
“No, but the hotel where I worked in Denver hosted something similar. The sponsoring group was raising money for a hospital.”
Mary asked, “I think people here would enjoy this. Do you have time to be in charge?”
Eddy looked to her employer. After all, this might take time away from her job. Upon receiving an enthusiastic nod, the planning began.
Using a dolly he borrowed from the freight office, Rhine, accompanied by the twins, managed to haul the large crate up the mansion’s steps to the front door. He didn’t know what was inside, but it was extremely heavy and he hoped the contents were worth the effort. Mopping the perspiration from his brow, he waited for the door chime to be answered. Susannah appeared and backed up so he could maneuver the dolly inside. The twins followed.
“My goodness!” Mary exclaimed upon coming out of her office and seeing the huge wooden crate.
Rhine opened his mouth to respond but the words died in his throat when he saw Eddy standing there with Sylvie. Caught off guard yet pleasantly surprised, he fought to keep his tone neutral. “I didn’t know you ladies were here. Good morning.”
“Morning to you, too, Rhine,” Sylvie said.
“Hello, Mr.Fontaine,” Eddy responded.
“MissCarmichael.”
Vowing to be on his best behavior and not make a fool of himself like he had he last time they were together, he reluctantly but smoothly moved his attention from her and over to Mary and Sylvie inspecting the mail stamps on the crate.
Mary said, “I wonder what could be inside?”
Rhine turned to the twins. “Micah, would you and Christian go look through the toolbox Mr.Zeke uses when he’s here and see if there’s a crowbar inside?”
Eager to help, they took off at a run, only to have Rhine, Mary, and Sylvie call out in unison, “Walk!”
They slowed and Rhine savored Eddy’s responding smile. Forcing himself to look away and concentrate on maneuvering the crate off the dolly, he wondered if this was her first visit. Sylvia was a staunch supporter of Mary’s efforts. Had she convinced Eddy to become involved as well? He spent a great deal of time at the orphanage. If she planned to do the same, his efforts to ignore her allure were going to be even more difficult.
“Rhine,” Sylvie said, “Eddy has come up with a fine plan for this year’s fund-raiser.”
“What is it?” he asked after thanking the twins with a nod and taking the crowbar in hand. While Sylvie explained, he began prying the crate open.
