Mariel by Jo Ann Ferguson Read Free Book Online Page B

machines.”
    Reluctantly, she nodded. She stepped back to allow him to check all the wires she had never bothered to study. The car always worked, so she had not prepared for the time when it might break down. She explained the sounds it had made just before it coasted to a stop. With a nod, he leaned over it to check the motor and electrical connections.
    She rubbed her sore fingers and watched him. When he stepped to the front and gave the key a sharp turn, she jumped as the motor purred to life. She laughed uneasily as he turned to see her astonishment. “Thank you, Mr.—?”
    â€œWalter Collins, miss. You are welcome. Just a wire needed wiggling. Have your mechanic check it for you right away. I would not guarantee you could start it again tonight. You’d be smart to head straight for home.”
    With a nod, she acknowledged his sound advice. She leaned across the front seat for her reticule. When she straightened, she found his eyes following the narrow lines of her gown. She bit back her normal sharp retort to such impudence. The man had helped her. She must be gracious to him. As always, her conscience spoke to her in Phipps’s voice.
    â€œMay I offer you something for your kindness, Mr. Collins?”
    â€œNothing, miss.” He tipped his broad-brimmed hat. “’Twas my pleasure to help you.”
    â€œBut, Mr. Collins, I must insist.” Inspiration dawned, lightening her expression. “At least come to Foxbridge Cloister and let us offer you a meal and a night’s shelter.”
    His eyes narrowed slightly. “You are very shrewd to see I am in need of a roof over my head tonight, miss. Or I should say ‘my lady’?”
    Waving aside his words, she stated, “I am Mariel Wythe. My name does nothing to change my obligation to you, Mr. Collins. Let me offer you a ride in my automobile that you have gotten started so efficiently.”
    A slow smile spread across his face. He could not hide his boyish delight at having a chance to ride in the horseless vehicle. Although she guessed him to be more than a decade her senior, he leapt like a child into the passenger’s seat.
    On the journey back to the Cloister, Mariel was kept busy answering his questions about how the automobile worked. She showed him the acceleration lever and how the floor pedals regulated the rear wheels. He was properly impressed when she spoke about the automobile’s speed. That she could drive in one hour what it took many a day to walk seemed miraculous.
    Many of his questions she could not answer. She discovered her technical knowledge of her vehicle was sadly deficient. At the same time, she listened intently as he spoke of how much this motor was like other machines he had worked on. As they drove through the open gate of the Cloister and turned onto the road leading to the stables, she dared to voice the question nagging at her thoughts. “Mr. Collins, may I ask you something personal?”
    â€œPersonal?” He looked at her uneasy face shadowed by the coming twilight.
    â€œSomewhat.” She wished her voice would not try to quiver as if she was begging for favors. “Do you have a position somewhere?”
    â€œA job?” With a laugh, he leaned back on the plush seat and put his foot on the running board. “I could say I am between positions right now, my lady, but the truth is that I am broke. I am heading to Liverpool to look for something on the docks.”
    She hesitated as she concentrated on driving the automobile over the lip of the stable floor. When it was garaged, she turned off the motor. In the uncomfortable silence, she said, “You have impressed me with your knowledge of machinery, Mr. Collins. Would you consider accepting employment here at the Cloister?” She smiled gently. “I am afraid it would not be simply taking care of the automobile.”
    â€œStable work?”
    â€œWe need someone.”
    Taking the