0764214101 by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online Page A

Lillian worked to ease the discomfort growing in her stomach. What if Mr. Colton had decided not to hire her after all? What if something happened to little Jimmy and her services were no longer needed? What if—
    “Miss?”
    She looked up. “Hm?” There, she did it again. Her imagination had taken off without her. She put the glass on the counter and gave him a smile.
    “You all right? You look awfully pale.” Mr. Clark headed toward her with three young women following him like sheep.
    Lillian breathed deep. “Goodness, I do apologize. I’m fine. Just a little tired from all the travel.” She’d come this far. Certainly she could find accommodations for the night if Mr. Colton didn’t arrive. In the morning, she would be sure to hear something.
    “Where did you come from?” The youngest of the three ladies poked her head through the others’ shoulders.
    “Ginny, let’s not pester the poor woman. It’s none of our business.” The taller girl with dark hair lifted her nose a smidge.
    “It’s quite all right, I don’t mind. Today I came in from Copperopolis. But originally, I came from Indiana.” She watched the smallest of the trio’s eyes go wide.
    “Indiana!” The young girl gasped and bounced on her toes. “That’s got to be thousands of miles from here.”
    “I’m not sure how far it is in miles, but it did take many days to arrive in California.” Lillian worked to stifle a giggle.
    “Girls, girls, I think we should leave Miss Porter alone. I’msure she’s got lots on her mind.” Mr. Clark tried to shoo the girls away, but it didn’t work.
    “I’ve always wanted to go to Chicago or New York.” The dark-haired girl leaned in and sighed.
    “Well, I’m from Indianapolis.” Lillian smiled.
    Ooh s and aah s emanated from the trio.
    She picked up her bag and began to peruse the store. It fascinated her, since she’d never had to buy anything for herself. Grandmother had seen to everything when she was alive, and once she passed on to glory, Grandfather had all the staff attend to any needs, including arranging for dressmakers to visit Lillian at the house. He made it very clear that he thought it inappropriate for Lillian to go shopping and didn’t like her to leave the mansion except on Sundays. She shook her head. What rubbish. She’d have to learn how to do so many things now. How awful to feel so unprepared for the world.
    As she rounded the corner of an aisle, the school items caught her eye. Hmm, maybe a slate and some chalk would be a good idea to help the boy with his lessons. Footsteps followed her down the long row of amenities and she realized she had a following. The bell jangled again. My, but the store was busy.
    “So why are you out here?” the smallest girl chimed in again after greeting the newcomers.
    “I’m going to be a nanny.”
    “A nanny?”
    “A nanny?”
    All the other girls and Mr. Clark responded at once.
    Lillian nodded.
    “Who would need a nanny out here?” The youngest one turned up her nose. “You don’t look like a nanny, either. You look like one of the wealthy tourists.”
    “Ginny, that’s not polite,” the dark-haired, older girl scolded. She turned to Lillian. “I apologize for my sister’s behavior, Miss Porter.”
    Lillian smiled at the girls. “It’s quite all right. I’ve been known to be curious myself.”
    Just then the bell over the door jangled yet again.
    “Girls!” A tall and severe-looking woman entered. “Girls, it’s time to go. Did you get your ribbons?”
    Amidst gasps and murmurs, the girls scurried to gather their things.
    The woman walked up to Lillian. “Good evening. I don’t believe we’ve met.”
    Lillian thrust out her hand. “Good evening. I’m Lillian Porter. I’ve just arrived from Indianapolis.”
    “Nice to make your acquaintance, Miss Porter. I’m Mrs. Sabotini, the mother of these girls. And what brings you to these beautiful parts?” One pristine eyebrow on the woman’s face rose.
    The