Lucky by Jennifer Greene

Author:Jennifer Greene
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2005-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

“I’m sure you can see that my references are impeccable.”

“I sure can,” Kasey agreed.

“I’ve worked for some of the finest families in Grosse Pointe.”

“I can see that.” In fact, Kasey had dutifully studied Mrs. Elsabeth McLaughlin’s entire five-page resume.

Right in the middle of the holiday madness, Frances had to quit when her mother fell ill. Graham hadn’t pressed to hire a new nanny until the smoke of the New Year passed, but now there was a seven-inch stack of applications on the Queen Anne desk in the front sunroom.

Mrs. McLaughlin was candidate number four. The older woman straightened her collar again, sitting with impeccable posture on the white couch across from Kasey. “I strongly believe that a child should be raised with security and rules. No baby thrives without a set schedule—”

Kasey was listening, but when the telephone rang, she leaped to her feet faster than a jack-in-the-box. Instead of grabbing the receiver in the sunroom, she opted for the privacy of the phone in the hall. As expected, the caller was Graham. “Did Mrs. McLaughlin get there?”

“Oh, yes. I’m doing the interview right now,” Kasey said cheerily.

“We can’t keep going on without help.”

“I know,” Kasey agreed.

“I understand why you didn’t want the first two nannies, sweetheart, but the last set of applicants looked exceptionally good.”

“They sure look that way on paper,” Kasey agreed.

“So…you think you’re going to hire this one?”

“Um…can’t tell quite yet, but I’d better get back to it.” When she clipped back to the sunroom, Mrs. McLaughlin was delicately removing a thread from her navy blue skirt.

“I also believe that every child needs exposure to music and the arts, as well as a quota of fresh air every day. A little snow would never stop me from taking the baby for a daily walk.” Suddenly there was a careful pause. “I must tell you the truth, though, that I’ve never worked with a damaged baby before. However, whatever alterations are needed in the schedule, I would be glad to make adjustments for.”

“How thoughtful of you. And you’re one of the strongest candidates who applied for the nanny position, Mrs. McLaughlin, I really appreciate your coming.”

The lady stood up, recognizing the dismissal but looking flustered. “If there’s anything else I can tell you—”

“No, no, I’ve heard enough. I’ll let you know in a day or two, all right? And thank you for applying.”

Mrs. McLaughlin smiled at Kasey. Kasey smiled back—as she steered the woman toward her coat and then the door. Maybe she hadn’t been especially likeable—but her fate had been sealed tighter than glue the instant she referred to the baby as “damaged.”

As if their hearts were synchronized, Tess let out a wail just as Kasey closed the front door. She pelted upstairs. Faster than lightning, she changed the baby’s diaper and put on a day outfit. “First, we’ll get you some breakfast, but then we’re bumping this pop stand, short stuff, what do you say? Want to play hookey with Mom? And yeah, sooner or later we’re stuck getting another nanny—either that or your dad will have a heart attack.

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