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“My pleasure.”
Even though they hadn’t revisited their conversation, Eddy could feel it hanging between them like something alive. “Do you visit the orphanage often?”
“Usually two or three days a week. I have a soft spot for Mary and the twins.”
“The twins look to be a handful.”
“That they are. Sounds like you may be there quite a bit, too, what with the auction and all.”
“I probably will. I’m looking forward to it though. You should think about what you might want to put up for bid.”
“I’ll do that.”
She opened the door and he made move to come around and help her down, but she shook her head. “I appreciate the gesture but I can get down by myself.”
He sighed and looked off into the distance. When he turned back to her, he said, “My being a gentleman around you isn’t moot, Eddy.”
“I appreciate that and I meant no offense. I’m just not accustomed to being fussed over.”
“Understood.” He paused for a moment and then said, “Thanks for your honesty back there—about us.”
“You’re welcome. It needed to be said, don’t you think?”
“I do.”
Eddy was sure her attraction to him wouldn’t evaporate overnight but hoped their talk would help spur the process along. She ignored the parts of herself that clung to tiny shoots of hope. “If Sylvie gets back in time, we’re supposed to be going to the big baseball game. Are you playing?”
“I am, but I wouldn’t call it playing. What my team does best is called losing.”
She laughed. “Maybe you’ll get lucky this time around.”
“Only if the other side doesn’t show up.”
She stepped down to the walk and closed the carriage door. “I’ll see you there.”
“Good-bye, Eddy.”
“’Bye, Rhine.”
He drove away and a thoughtful Eddy went inside. She had no regrets about anything she’d said and felt better after having shed light on something they really needed to come to terms with.
Sylvie returned by early afternoon and Eddy was glad to see her.
“How’d the birth go? Everything okay?”
“Yes. This was the Pentwater’s fourth child and the baby had already made its debut by the time I arrived. Mother and child are doing fine.”
“Good.”
“Everything turn out okay at the orphanage?”
“Yes, and Mr.Fontaine brought me back here. Do you still want to go to the baseball game?”
“Of course. Would you make us some sandwiches to take along?”
“I’d love to.”
Later that evening, Sylvie and Eddy loaded their provisions in the wagon bed and set out for the game. Eddy was looking forward to the outing, and to seeing Zeke Williams again now that she’d settled things with Rhine. “Where is the game held?”
