9

MR. MONTGOMERY will see you now.” Mrs. Taft, a tall, austere-looking woman, led Adam along the carpeted hallway of St. Rita’s Orphan Asylum.

Adam had been stunned when Rylan had called John’s church and asked to see him. What could his brother-in-law want? Remembering the way Rylan had dragged Maggie out of the barn away from him, it didn’t give him a great deal of hope for this meeting.

Adam fingered his cap and kept pace with Mrs. Taft, taking in the tasteful décor with some surprise. He’d expected an orphanage to be rather stark and uninviting, not as cheery and welcoming as this.

When they reached a door marked Director, Mrs. Taft gave a brief knock, announced Adam’s arrival, and then retreated down the hall.

Adam tugged on the hem of his wool vest and hoped his hair wasn’t too unruly. Memories of the first time he’d met his distant cousin came rushing back. Rylan, who’d been studying to become a priest before he’d met Colleen, had been gracious, affable, and nonjudgmental. Adam breathed a quiet prayer that he would still harbor the lessons of his Christian training and would be able to forgive Adam’s past. So much of his future relationship with Colleen would hinge on Rylan’s attitude.

Adam stepped into a comfortable room lined with bookcases and wooden cabinets. Rylan sat behind a large mahogany desk, sun streaming in from the window behind him.

He looked up with a slight smile. “Adam. Thanks for coming. Please sit down.”

“You wanted to see me?” Adam took a seat on the wooden guest chair.

Rylan folded his hands on the desktop. “Yes. Colleen tells me that your job at Irish Meadows didn’t work out.”

Though said without rancor, Rylan’s words still stung. Adam kept his gaze even. “No surprise really, given my history with my father.”

Rylan nodded. “I won’t begin to judge your relationship with James. That’s between the two of you. However, Colleen has asked if we might have a job for you here.”

Though it galled him to have to beg for work, Adam swallowed his pride. He would do whatever necessary to ensure he never set foot in a prison again. “I’ll take whatever work I can get.”

Rylan studied him, mild curiosity in his gaze. “What about this church where you’re staying? Are you working there?”

Adam clasped his hands together over his knees. “I’m doing repair jobs in return for lodging. Reverend McNabb was a great mentor to me during my time in prison. He’s helping with my transition back into society.”

“I’m glad you have a friend looking out for you.” Rylan’s brown eyes remained sympathetic. The fact that Adam sensed no animosity in Rylan came as a big relief.

Rylan picked up an ink pen and tapped it on the desktop. A frown creased his forehead. “Colleen has put me in a difficult position with her request. I have a responsibility here, not only to the children, but to the nuns, the staff, and the volunteers, as well.”

A sinking sensation settled in Adam’s stomach as his optimism faded. “I understand. No one wants an ex-con around.” He pushed up from the uncomfortable chair, anxious to be out in the open, free from the confines of the room. “Thank you for speaking with me, Rylan. And thank Colleen for me.” He moved around the chair toward the door.

“Wait. You didn’t let me finish.”

Adam paused, then turned to face Rylan, who came out from behind the desk.

“As a Christian, I’m a firm believer in God’s unconditional forgiveness—and in second chances. To that end, I have a compromise in mind, one I hope will suit both our needs.”

Adam swallowed, afraid to allow the bubble of hope to rise. “What sort of compromise?”

“Our caretaker, Mr. Smith, is getting on in years and can’t do a lot of the heavy work, especially the outdoor maintenance. If you’d be willing to do odd jobs as needed, doing your best to stay away from the children and the staff, then I think we could work something out.”

A dizzying wave of relief sped through Adam’s system. With the income from the orphanage, he might be able to get back on his feet much quicker than expected. “That would be more than fair. Thank you for your generosity.”

He held out his hand, hoping Rylan would accept it.

Rylan made no move toward him. “One more thing. I have to ask you to stay away from Maggie. I won’t risk her reputation being ruined. Do I have your word?”

Adam’s chest constricted at the thought of Maggie’s lovely face. Though it pained him to admit it, Rylan was right. Adam had nothing to offer such an amazing woman. He released a slow breath. “Agreed.”

Rylan moved forward then and shook his hand. “Come back tomorrow and I’ll have a list of jobs to be done.”

It was more than Adam had ever dared hope. “Thank you, Rylan. I appreciate it.”

As Adam retraced his steps down the hall of the orphanage, elation warred with disappointment. He lifted a quick prayer for the fortitude to keep his promise to Rylan, yet in order to do so, he would have to stay far away from the tempting Miss Maggie.

Gabe stuffed his hands in the pockets of his trousers as he turned onto Madison Avenue. The sudden attack of nerves told him this might not be the smartest thing he’d ever done. In all likelihood, Chief Witherspoon would object to Gabe’s impromptu visit to the Hastingses’ manor. Yet back home, if one of their neighbors had suffered a fire, the whole community would have come together with enough food to feed the British army and all other sorts of care packages for the victims. Surely it wasn’t out of the ordinary for him to go by and check on the state of the house . . . and its occupants?

The mere thought of seeing Aurora again quickened Gabe’s pulse. Though he’d met her but twice, it was more than her breathtaking beauty that had captured Gabe’s attention. Her sweet demeanor, the way she loved her family, worried about her cat, and showed concern for her housekeeper only added to her appeal.

The image of Brigid’s cunning green eyes and sharp tongue came to mind. Her flirtatious ways, ones Gabe had mistakenly believed to be solely for his benefit, had flattered his ego. But nothing about Brigid’s fickle affections and brash kisses could compare to the genteel, refined Miss Hastings. He could barely remember what Brigid looked like—because now when he closed his eyes, all he saw was Aurora.

For the first time since leaving home, Gabe experienced a twinge of regret over having to return to Ireland at the end of the summer. If he were able to stay longer, he might have time to see if something would develop between them. His steps slowed as he reached Aurora’s home and once again took in its grandeur. Reality became a cold splash of water. What manner of fool was he? A girl of Aurora’s wealth and cultured upbringing would want nothing to do with a poor firefighter from a tiny Irish village.

He ran his fingers over the coins inside his pocket. Their familiar jingle calmed his nerves. He was here to do the neighborly thing, nothing more. He’d inquire as to everyone’s health and then head back to the station. If the chief had no need of him today, he’d see if Rylan could use a hand at the orphanage.

Before he lost his nerve, Gabe climbed the stairs to the front door and clapped the brass knocker.

Seconds later, the housekeeper answered the door, her face smudged with dirt. Gabe stared in surprise, sure this was not the normal manner in which the woman presented herself to callers.

“Hello, I’m Gabriel Montgomery, one of the firemen from last night.”

She smiled, dirt creasing her cheeks. “I remember you, Mr. Montgomery. I’m Mrs. Forrester, the Hastingses’ housekeeper. I’m glad to have the chance to thank you again in person.”

Gabe shifted on the doorstep. “No need for thanks, ma’am. We were only doing our job.”

“You have no idea how you saved my sanity. I’d have never forgiven myself if anything had happened to Miss Aurora. I just couldn’t brave the smoke to go up those stairs.” Her chin began to wobble.

“That’s a very common reaction to the threat of fire. Nothing to be ashamed of.” He cleared his throat, still a bit raw from the smoke. “Would Miss Hastings be home by any chance?”

The woman shook her head. “As you can tell, we’re in the process of cleaning the debris from the kitchen, and Mr. Hastings moved the family to a hotel until they head out to their summer home on Long Island.”

Gabe drew in a full breath, half relieved and half disappointed that he wouldn’t see Aurora after all. “Well . . . I just wanted to make sure she suffered no ill effects.”

Mrs. Forrester smiled. “Not at all. Miss Aurora’s right as rain. Even that pesky cat is fine.”

Gabe laughed. “Please convey my best wishes to the family. Good day to you.” He tipped his cap to the woman and slowly retraced his steps back to the fire station, determined to put Aurora out of his mind. Perhaps the good Lord was sending him a message. If so, it was probably better that he didn’t see her again.

The station, normally a hubbub of activity, seemed unnaturally quiet as he made his way toward the chief’s office at the rear of the building. He’d raised his hand to knock when a feminine voice met his ears.

“I wanted to come by and personally commend Mr. Montgomery for his bravery last night.”

Gabe’s pulse kicked up a notch. Aurora Hastings sat across from Chief Witherspoon’s desk, hands clasped daintily on her lap, a covered basket at her feet.

“I appreciate the sentiment, Miss Hastings. However, I’m afraid Mr. Montgomery violated proper procedures—”

Her back stiffened away from the chair. “I hope you’re not planning to discipline him, because I truly believe he saved my life—and that of my cat, as well.”

Gabe bit back a groan. He knew that if the chief found out about Petunia, Gabe would be in even more trouble.

“You mean to tell me he went back . . . for a cat?” The screech of his superior’s voice raised the hairs on the back of Gabe’s neck.

He had no choice but to step into the room. “Excuse me, sir. I couldn’t help but overhear—”

“Montgomery,” the chief bit out, apparently doing his best to curb his temper. “Miss Hastings came to thank you for your heroics at the fire.”

Aurora got quickly to her feet.

Gabe swallowed and looked down into two blue pools of concern. Was it his imagination or was she offering a silent apology for saying too much?

“No need for thanks, Miss Hastings. I was happy to help.” He gave her what he hoped to be his best smile.

A pink hue flooded her cheeks. “Oh, I brought you this as a small token of our gratitude.” She bent to pick up the basket at her feet and handed it to him. “It’s for all the men who helped save our home,” she added hastily.

His hand brushed hers as he took the basket from her, and he let his fingers linger a moment longer than necessary.

“They’re scones and tea cakes from the local bakery, since our kitchen is out of service at the moment.”

He lifted the cloth to peek underneath and sniffed in appreciation. “Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

“I’m sure my men will enjoy them.” The chief’s countenance had relaxed, but the determined gleam in his eye told Gabe he was in for a lecture about rescuing pets.

“May I escort you home, Miss Hastings?”

She hesitated, glancing over at his boss. “If I’m not taking you away from your work . . .”

Gabe waited for the chief to say yay or nay. The man huffed out a sigh and waved a hand. “Off you go. But I want to speak to you when you return.”

“Yes, sir.” It would be worth the impending reprimand to spend time with Aurora. He turned to offer her his arm.

She beamed at him. “I’d be delighted to have your company, Mr. Montgomery.”

Aurora had never felt so self-conscious walking the streets of her neighborhood before. Many times she’d gone out accompanied by a man who wished to court her, but never had she worried about what to say, how small her steps were, or if the wind mussed her hair. This morning she’d wanted nothing more than to see Gabe again, yet now that she had his undivided attention, her mouth seemed pasted shut. Strolling beside the handsome fireman, Aurora clutched her reticule and wished she were one of those chatty types who could talk about anything to anyone.

“I understand your family is staying at a hotel for a few days, and then you’ll be off to your summer home.”

Aurora glanced at him sharply. “How did you know that?”

One dark brow rose in a sheepish manner. “I went to your house earlier to see how you—um, to see how your family was faring. The housekeeper told me.”

“Oh. That was kind of you to come by.” She gave a light laugh. “I suppose we both had the same idea.” Only Aurora wasn’t sure his motives were the same as hers. She fought to retain her composure.

“I believe Mrs. Forrester mentioned Long Island. Is your home anywhere near Irish Meadows?”

“Yes. We’re practically neighbors.”

“So that’s why you were at their party. Are you friends with Brianna and Colleen, then?”

Aurora’s reply stuck in her throat. She wet her lips and tried to formulate a polite response. After all, Gabe was related by marriage to the O’Learys. “Brianna and I served on a few church committees together.”

She stared straight ahead as she walked, conscious of his gaze on her.

“Why do I get the feeling there’s something you’re not willing to say?”

Aurora raised a hand to clutch her hat as a quick wind threatened to snatch it from her head. Gabe moved to shield her from the dust swirling around them until the gust died down.

“Thank you.” She shook out her skirts and continued on. “You’re right. My relationship with the O’Leary family is . . . complicated.” She took two more steps. “For a short time, I was betrothed to Gilbert Whelan.”

Gabe stopped mid-stride. “Brianna O’Leary’s fiancé?”

“Yes.” Aurora kept moving forward, forcing him to keep pace with her.

“Forgive me, but he seems an unlikely match.”

“Papa didn’t think so. Gil worked at his bank after he graduated from college. Papa thought the sun rose and set on him. He was quite distraught when Gil broke our engagement.”

“I imagine you were, as well.”

She sighed. “For a time, I did fancy myself in love with Gil, but it turned out he had feelings for Brianna.”

“Why did he court you if his affections lay elsewhere?”

“As I said, it’s complicated. Gil did it to please Mr. O’Leary, who wanted leverage with my father.” Aurora lifted her chin. Why had she told Gabe of her humiliation at the hand of the O’Learys? She blinked, stunned when Gabe reached for her hand and pulled her to a halt.

“A woman as lovely as you should never have to suffer being a pawn in a man’s game. You deserve to be cherished and respected.” A flush spread across his cheeks as though he regretted his words.

She stared, not sure what to say. “You’re being polite, but thank you. Don’t worry, I’ve gotten over it.” Mostly.

He resumed his place beside her, and they continued on their way in silence for a piece.

“So what do you do for fun, Aurora?”

Visions of the children at the hospital flew to mind, and she smiled. “I volunteer at the Bellevue hospital. Mostly in the children’s wing. Papa doesn’t approve, but he tolerates it as a whim I’ll get over once I’m married and settled down.”

Gabe guided her around a corner onto 34th Street. “That seems like a worthy pursuit.”

“Oh, it is. If you could see the children, how much they enjoy being read to and played with—it does my heart good to hear their laughter.”

At his unblinking gaze, she suddenly felt foolish for revealing her innermost feelings.

Then a slow grin bloomed on his face. “It does my heart good to see you really smile for once. I’m happy you’ve found something that brings you such joy.” He took her elbow as they stepped over a curb. “And what do you plan to do out in Long Island for the summer? Will you volunteer at the hospital there?”

Her back muscles stiffened. “I’m not going to Long Island. Papa doesn’t know it yet, but I’ve made arrangements to stay with a friend in the city. I can’t bear to leave my patients here.”

“Your patients? You sound like a doctor.” A teasing light glowed in his eyes.

She hesitated, then leaned closer. “May I share a secret with you?”

“By all means. I’m good at keeping secrets.”

“I plan to enroll in nursing school this fall. One of the doctors is allowing me to observe the nurses when I’m there. So far, he seems pleased. I haven’t fainted once.”

Gabe gave a hearty laugh. “That’s a good thing. We wouldn’t want you to be fainting at the sight of blood.”

She giggled. “Definitely not.”

He sobered. “I consider nursing a most noble profession. It takes a special type of person to tend the sick.”

“I want to do something worthwhile with my life. Not simply spend my days hosting parties and social engagements.” She sighed. “I fear I have a battle ahead to convince Papa.”

They arrived at the Vanderbilt Hotel, and Aurora stopped in front of the ornate doors. “This is it. Thank you for keeping me company.”

“It was my pleasure.” He stepped closer to allow a man and woman to pass. “Aurora, you are one of the most admirable young women I have ever met. I will be praying that everything turns out as you hope.” He winked, and her heart bumped against her ribs. “You might try bending the Lord’s ear, as well, to help change your father’s mind. You’d be amazed at what a little prayer can do.” He lifted her hand to his lips. “I hope we meet again. Give my best to your family.”

“I will. Thank you.”

He paused, her fingers still wrapped in his. “If you don’t mind me asking, does becoming a nurse mean you never wish to marry?”

Her breath tangled in her lungs as his gaze met hers. “I’m not opposed to marriage,” she said slowly. “I believe if God intends me to marry, He’ll bring the right man into my life at the appropriate time.”

A smile stretched across Gabe’s face. “A very wise answer, Miss Hastings.” He gave a tug on his cap. “Good day to you.”

Whistling a jaunty tune, he turned and sauntered down the street.

Aurora watched him go, a vague sense of unrest plaguing her. When speaking of a husband just now, she hadn’t given Philip Reardon a single thought. Instead, her imagination had been filled with Gabe’s impish grin and charming Irish lilt.

What that meant, she didn’t dare consider.

She’d leave it up to God to determine.