Judith Stacy by The Dreammaker

Author:The Dreammaker
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

“Do you mean Charlie doesn’t know?”

“I don’t think so.”

Kaitlin kept an eye on Charlie as he skipped down the boardwalk ahead of Julia and her.

“How could he not know?” Julia asked. “Hasn’t Tripp told him?”

“All I know is what I told you happened at school this afternoon.”

“What did you say to him when he asked?”

“What could I say?” Kaitlin shrugged. “I changed the subject.”

“Maybe Charlie just doesn’t understand. He was a baby when his mother died. Death is hard to explain to a child.”

Kaitlin pulled her shawl closer around her shoulders. “You’re probably right. But I think I should talk to Tripp about it.”

“Well, good luck.”

“Thanks.” Kaitlin knew she’d need it.

At the corner they crossed the street and went inside the Red Rose Café. They found a table along the back wall.

“This is the bestest surprise in the whole world, Miss Kaitlin. Can I really have chocolate cake?” Charlie asked.

She smiled. “Of course you can.”

“Even if I don’t eat all my supper?”

Kaitlin slid her arm around his shoulder and gave him a little hug. “That’s when chocolate cake tastes the best.”

“Can I have two pieces?”

“You can have as much as you want”

“Gosh…”

Julia frowned across the table at her. “If you let Charlie get a tummy ache, you’ll never hear the end of it. Tripp will—”

“Tripp worries too much.”

They ate supper, then sipped coffee while Charlie worked on his cake. Julia’s brows suddenly shot up over the rim of her cup.

“What’s wrong?” Kaitlin asked.

“A man I’ve never seen before.” Her cup hovered at her lips. “I’ll bet he’s that man Mrs. Douglas mentioned. The one from New York.”

“New York?” Kaitlin swung around. “Gracious…”

Tall, with handsome features, the dark-haired man wore a well-cut suit with an elegant waistcoat and cravat. He looked to be no more than forty.

“What was his name?” Julia whispered.

“Dorsey, or something. Wasn’t it?”

A low murmur went through the Red Rose Café as other patrons took notice of the man’s arrival.

Julia leaned across the table. “Mrs. Douglas didn’t mention how handsome he was.”

Kaitlin tucked her napkin under her plate. “I should go talk to him.”

Julia clamped her hand around Kaitlin’s wrist. “You can’t just sashay over and do that.”

“But he’s from New York.”

“I know you intend to go there yourself, Kaitlin, but it’s not proper for you to approach him. What will people say?”

“They’ll say I’m a good neighbor welcoming a visitor to town.”

“No, they won’t.” Julia’s eyes narrowed. “And you know it.”

Her shoulders slumped. She’d evaded the gossip about her living arrangement with Tripp thanks to Mrs. Douglas. She might not be so lucky again.

“Don’t worry.” Julia patted her hand. “In a town as small as Porter, you’ll have your chance to talk to Mr. Dorsey before you know it.”

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