The Hired Man by Jan Irving

Author:Jan Irving [Irving, Jan]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Published: 2012-03-26T00:52:30+00:00

The Hired Man | 119

Dandelion’s head fell, but he saw her eyelids move, as if she were mulling over what he’d said. Did she understand him? How had she communicated with the old woman who’d raised her?

Behind him, he sensed Ian’s presence. They locked eyes, and Bryn didn’t feel as alone in his frustration. “Picking up anything?” Ian asked mildly.

“Yes sir, a tea service for my… for my little girl.” OUTSIDE the store, Mrs. Robson pointed to Dandelion, who was dressed up in a ruffled pink frock like an undulating wedding cake.

“I bought her more….” The older woman cleared her throat. “Girl things.”

Having only a vague idea what that meant, Bryn nodded anyway. “I’ll pay for them.”

“Bryn….” the Reverend began. “We enjoyed doing it.”

“No, sir! She’s my daughter, and I’ll pay for her fixings,” Bryn said stubbornly. The Reverend and Mrs. Robson did enough for Dandelion, spoiling her and doing their best to lure her from her isolation and fright. Bryn wouldn’t have them pay for her clothing too. He was her father, and, damn it, he wanted to provide for her!

“She’s been a right distraction to have around the place,” Mrs.

Robson put in, very mildly.

Bryn read her eyes and then Ian’s. There was something there.

Did having his daughter in the house really do them some good?

“You said that I earned the right to choose a horse,” he reminded Ian. “By taking responsibility.” Ian nodded. “You’re right. She’s your daughter, and we don’t have a say.”

No, that wasn’t what he meant, but Ian turned away, and Bryn swallowed, picking up the box of china. Dandelion hadn’t said anything when he bought it for her, but now she put one small hand on the wooden crate.

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