No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

Author:Elizabeth Ludwig [Ludwig, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Christian Books & Bibles, Literature & Fiction, Historical, Mystery & Suspense, Romance, United States, Religion & Spirituality, Fiction, Mystery, Religious & Inspirational Fiction, Christianity, Christian Fiction, Suspense, Historical Romance, New York (N.Y.)—History—19th century—Fiction, FIC042060, Irish Americans—Fiction, FIC042030, Young women—Fiction, FIC042000
ISBN: 9781441260451
Google: EMtxspzOt0IC
Amazon: B008B9HPLY
Barnesnoble: B008B9HPLY
Goodreads: 16603908
Publisher: Baker Books
Published: 2012-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Cara smiled as she watched Rourke carry yet another armload of kindling to the fireplace in the library. He’d been so industrious all morning, he had all of the woodboxes brimming again.

Amelia noticed it, too. She patted Rourke’s shoulder as he stood and repeated her thanks. “You’ve been such a blessing to us, dear. I can’t seem to thank you enough.”

Rourke shook his head. “No thanks necessary. I do not mind the work.”

He smiled, but something about the way he hesitated made Cara think there was a deeper meaning to his words.

“At the very least, you must let me pay you for your trouble,” Amelia insisted, reaching for the small chain purse fastened at her waist. “You’ve lost an entire day’s wages because of us. Certainly I don’t know what we would have done if you hadn’t been here.”

She trailed off and bit her lip as if it suddenly occurred to her that with Giles’s injury, she would be without a handyman. And why not? It had only just occurred to Cara. She looked over at Amelia, who appeared to be mulling over her dilemma.

“I’m only glad I could help.” Rourke replaced the lid on the woodbox with a firm shove, then spread his hands wide. “Is there anything else I can do before I go? Anything at all? I won’t mind helping if I can.”

Still biting her lip, Amelia shook her head. “I don’t think so. Giles keeps most things well tended.”

“But he is going to be laid up a good while,” Rourke said. “At least, according to the doctor.”

He paused, and to Cara’s thinking it was to let his meaning sink in.

Rourke cleared his throat and fiddled with the collar of his shirt. “Amelia, have you given thought to what you will do while Giles recovers?”

“What do you mean?” Cara said before Amelia could ask.

“There be much work to running a boardinghouse,” Rourke said. “Not to mention the repairs the carriage will be needing.”

“Oh! I hadn’t even considered the carriage,” Amelia said, wringing her hands.

Rourke’s head bobbed. “I took a look while I was cleaning out the stable.” He paused, just a split second, but long enough that Cara suspected it was intentional. “I’m quite handy with a hammer. If you’re interested, I’d be willing to take over as your handyman for a while. Just until Giles is back on his feet,” he clarified quickly.

The uneasiness grew in Cara’s stomach. Hadn’t she been glad to see him when he appeared next to her on the street? What changed?

She licked her lips and addressed Amelia. “Are we sure that’s necessary? Giles’s injuries are not extensive.”

Amelia shook her head. “No, Rourke is right. Giles will be very limited in what he will be able to do, even after he’s back on his feet. Besides, I wouldn’t want him overdoing it, as he’ll be wont to do unless we get him some help.” She smiled and stuck out her hand. “You have yourself a deal, Mr. Walsh, and thankful I am to you for suggesting it.

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