Indigo Christmas by Jeanne Dams Read Free Book Online

Little Eileen was sent on one errand after another, many of them unnecessary, to Hilda’s way of thinking. She suspected the cook was greatly enjoying her time of glory.
    Hilda stole away, resigned to her subordinate role, and told Sean all was well. Then she went to the telephone.
    â€œAunt Molly? It is Hilda. Can you come? I must talk to you, and I cannot leave here.”
    Molly wasted no words. “I’ll be there in a wink,” she said, and hung up the phone.

Of all the animals, the boy is the most unmanageable.
    â€”Plato, The Republic
    4th century B.C.
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    6
    S O YOU SEE,” said Hilda, “I do not know what to do. Sean can tell me nothing—except that he did not steal any moneymoney. I believe him. He is too to förvirrad tell a lie.? She leaned forward from her seat on the settee and waved her hands in the air in frustration. “I do not know the word in English! Thinking badly, anxious—”
    â€œâ€˜Befuddled’ is the word you want, perhaps,” said Molly, smiling. “And just what one would expect from a young man about to become a father for the first time, let alone his other troubles. I’m glad you believe him innocent. That’s my own thinking, too. I don’t suppose Patrick has had time to find out anything from the police.”
    â€œHe left just a little time ago. He is going to talk to firemen, too. But I want to know—how did you get Sean out of the jail so quickly?”
    Molly laughed. “’Twasn’t me did it. Patrick phoned us early to say the baby was on the way, so Mr. Malloy phoned the mayor. Got him out of bed, too. He phoned a friendly judge, and Mr. Malloy paid the bail, and there we are. Where is he, by the way?”
    â€œIn the kitchen, I think. They will not allow him upstairs, and he will not sit still. I am glad he is free, but it has not helped very much,” said Hilda with a frown. “They will not let him see Norah, and he will not talk to me.”
    â€œBut Norah knows he’s here, and that does her good. now, what is it you need of me?”
    â€œI do not know what to do next! I promised Norah I would help her, but I have done nothing, and I must stay here in the house because Norah might need me.”
    â€œMy dear child! What Norah needs now is women experienced in childbirth, and she has them. Bridget O’Rourke is an excellent woman, and so is Norah’s mother, even if she is distracted with worry. You could help Norah far more by going out and looking into Sean’s dilemma.”
    Hilda tucked that new word away in her head, resolving to look it up when she had the chance.
    â€œWhat about your plan of talking to the boys?” Molly went on. “The snow has stopped. It’s beginning to melt, in fact. You should be able to get about.” She raised a hand as Hilda opened her mouth. “And if you’re still worried about Norah, I can stay here if you like. She’s in capable hands, but I could look in on her from time to time, and fetch the doctor when he’s needed. And calm Sean down a bit—if I can.”
    Hilda thought about that. “You might have to cook a meal. I think Mrs. O’Rourke will not leave Norah.”
    â€œI’ve cooked many a meal in my time, child. I’ve not forgotten how, nor have I got so grand I can’t turn a hand to help when it’s needed.”
    â€œThen I can—or wait. I have forgotten what day it is. So much has happened.”
    â€œFriday. December second.”
    â€œThen Erik will be in school. But he will be free at dinnertime—what you call lunch-time—and I can talk to him then. He will know which boys might be talking about this. And meanwhile I can go and talk to the boys at the Oliver Hotel. They hear people talk. Thank you, Aunt Molly!”
    Hilda hugged Molly and went to put on some old clothes, a cloak her mother had made for her years ago, and her