Wanted: Bookkeeper (Silverpines Series Book 14) by Sophie Dawson

Author:Sophie Dawson [Dawson, Sophie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sophie Dawson Novels
Published: 2018-09-17T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

“I’m not sure how you talked me into this. I don’t know most of these people.”

Tilde followed her mother down the stairs trying to tune out her mother’s complaint. “You know Millie and the children very well, Mother. You’ve met Mr. Cutler a number of times at the mercantile. His children also. You’ve known Maude since she was a baby. This is a good opportunity to meet her new husband, Jeremiah Henderson.”

“Yes, yes, I know. It’s that U.S. Marshal I’m concerned about. What do they call him, The Preacher? What if he decides to pull out one of those guns and shoot us all?”

Joel, standing at the bottom of the stairs, laughed. “Nathan would never do that. I’ll be surprised if he wears his guns tonight. Unless he has a Calling, he’ll leave those behind at the inn.”

Tonight was going to be the first time since the disaster that Lasek House was having visitors for supper. Joel had asked that they host a gathering for Nathan Ryder who was leaving in a day or two to go back to Redemption, New Mexico where his ranch was. He wanted to get back to his family. With the situation at the silver mine taken care of it was time for him to leave Jeremiah in charge.

All the doors on the main floor were open, allowing the guests to easily mingle and Millie and Clay to keep an eye on their nine children. The dining table was extended fully with all seven leaves in place. A high chair occupied one place for Abe, Millie’s 21-month-old son. Mabel hadn’t been in favor of including the children until she learned that Clay Cutler was a second cousin of Nathan Ryder.

The doorbell jingled signaling the first of their guests arriving. Joel answered, admitting the newlywed Maude and Jeremiah Henderson. He was the mining engineer in charge of reopening Pike Silver Mine. A former resident of Silverpines, he’d returned to work on the mine and marry his childhood sweetheart, Maude Jones.

It wasn’t long before the Cutler’s arrived along with Nathan. Tilde worried that the children would act out, but they were on their best behavior, which she knew would please her ‘stickler on propriety’ mother.

Supper was a feast created by Dara and enjoyed by all. As the evening drew to a close, not very late because of the children, Nathan called everyone together in the parlor. He stood in front of the fireplace.

“I want to extend my thanks to Mrs. Lasek for allowing this gathering in her home. Joel and Tilde, also. Thank you for this delightful send off.” Nathan made eye contact with each of the adults. “Jeremiah, you’ve been reunited with your love. Blessings on you both.” Nathan’s polite expression changed. “All right, with the niceties to the adults out of the way, come on kids, I have something for each of you.”

Nathan knelt down, opening a carpet bag next to him. “Girls, first.” To each one he gave a fabric doll. “These were handmade especially for each of you by my grandmother, Penny Ryder.

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