Page 68 of The School Mistress (Emerson Pass Historicals 1)

“I’ve given them work,” he said. “They’ve earned their own way instead of accepting charity.”

“Charity?” I was hot as the fire poker now. “If they’re ostracized from the community, how are they supposed to get work? The kindness of community is all that will separate them from either freezing to death or going hungry.”

“Why are you angry with me? I can’t give someone work I didn’t know existed. I’m not clairvoyant.”

“They might starve if we don’t do something,” I said. “Do you understand that?”

“I’m quite aware of the winters here,” he said.

We glared at each other for a good five seconds before he broke the tension with a low chuckle. “Listen, tiger, we’re in agreement. If anyone in this community needs help, I’m willing to provide it. However, I need to understand the situation better first.”

“What’s there to know? There are children who need help. And stop laughing at me. None of this is funny.”

“I’m not laughing.”

“You are. Inside. I can see it in your

eyes,” I said, still furious. “I don’t appreciate being dismissed.”

“I’ve done nothing of the kind.” He held up both hands. “Before you lambaste me further, did she give you any other details?”

“No, only that they live in the abandoned shack.”

“I haven’t been down there for a long time,” he said, much too lackadaisically for my liking.

“This isn’t like contemplating whether or not we should have a picnic by the river. What are we going to do? We need a plan. When I think of those hungry children… We can’t wait. We have to go there and see what they need.”

He crossed around the coffee table to where I sat on the couch. “May I sit?”

I nodded, holding my breath to steady my nerves.

He draped one arm over the back of the couch. “I like the word we, Miss Cooper, but I’ll take care of this. You have enough to do. Jasper and I will drive out in the morning and see what they need. Will that satisfy you?”

“I guess so.”

“You don’t have to be mad at me.” He brushed his finger across my cheek. “We’re on the same side.”

A flash of desire shook me to my very core. I couldn’t look away, captivated by the low timbre of his voice and the way his eyes went all soft when they looked at me.

Finally, I shifted my gaze to my lap. The fire crackled as a log shifted. Several sparks flew against the grate.

He lifted my chin with his finger, forcing me to look into his eyes. “Your wish is my bidding. I’d do anything to win your affection.”

“You’d do this for me, even if you didn’t want to?”

“Let me put it to you this way,” he said. “I’m a man smart enough to know when to listen to a woman wiser than I. So, yes, I’d do it for you, even if I didn’t agree, which I do. My ideals are not simply pulled out when convenient.”

I let out a deep breath. How could I remain angry when he spoke to me this way? “I’m glad we’re in agreement.”

He picked up the plate of cookies and held it out to me. “Now, have a biscuit. The nights are long and cold here. It’s best to have a full stomach before retiring.”

“I’ve been here long enough to know how long and cold the nights are.” I gave him a sideways glance. “Furthermore, in America, we call them cookies.”

A hearty laugh came from deep inside his chest. “Have a cookie, Miss Cooper, and forgive my imperfections.”

“I’ll sleep on the last part,” I said as I snatched the largest cookie. “Don’t hold your breath.”

Chapter 20