The Nanny Solution by Barbara Phinney

Author:Barbara Phinney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin (UK) Ltd
Published: 2016-07-02T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

As she stepped over the threshold, Victoria’s gaze slammed into Mitchell’s. Her heart stalled at the look of shock on his features.

For a moment she couldn’t speak, though her mind whirred. She’d had no intention to eavesdrop on Mitchell’s plea for privacy. But she had, and in her guilt, she’d hurried out of hiding to escape outside.

Now, captured by Mitchell’s cold stare, she fought the urge to turn tail and run. Though it had been a few minutes since both he and Mr. Livingstone had departed the recorder’s office, she’d assumed Mitchell would be gone from sight.

But there he was, and written boldly across his face was all the proof she needed. He realized she’d heard all of what he’d said to the assistant county recorder. She’d heard the words his pride had not wanted her to hear the other day when she’d asked him about Emily.

The urge to race over to him rushed through her so quickly, she felt her legs tense in preparation. But what could she say? That Emily’s paternity didn’t matter? It had for some reason, or else she wouldn’t have asked. She was no better than Aunt Louise.

Her aunt’s words echoed in her memory. Had Mitchell brought the baby out here only because she owned half of the ranch? Victoria bit her lip, unable to answer and hating that such an answer meant something to her.

Before Victoria could move, Mitchell turned and walked around the corner. The young man with him—Mr. Livingstone, she assumed—nodded and, oh, so thankfully, did not glance toward the door, but rather walked in the opposite direction.

Spurred into action by her need to say something, anything at all, Victoria lifted her skirt and hurried to the building’s corner. Surely if she talked to Mitchell, told him that she hadn’t meant to eavesdrop and that he had nothing to be concerned about, he’d understand.

Victoria hurried around the corner, her expression hopeful, and yet she was half-scared that Mitchell would be waiting for her, arms folded, scowl lining his suntanned features.

But he was gone. She heard hooves pounding the ground, and quickly peered down the intersecting road.

On his horse Mitchell had already retreated down it. She had no idea where the road led, though she assumed to a trail that took him back home. Her heart squeezed.

“What’s wrong?”

She turned to find Clare had approached. “Mitchell saw me leave the office.”

Clare blanched. “Oh, no!”

“Don’t worry. Mr. Livingstone didn’t see anything.”

“That’s not the point.” Her shoulders dropped. “I will have to admit to Mr. Livingstone that I hid you behind the screen.”

“You didn’t. I just sat there for a moment while you locked up. There was no intention to deceive. It was just an accident.”

“No. Although I wasn’t told I couldn’t bring anyone in here, I should have said something. I need to admit my error to Mr. Livingstone.” She took Victoria’s arm and led her away. In her other hand swung a small pail that contained their lunch.

Victoria stole a fast glance at her new friend.

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