In Hope’s opinion, Alex became a contented man once Sarah moved into the orphanage, but Sarah was more difficult to read. She smiled and enjoyed being with the children and with Alex, but something was lacking in her demeanour. At first Hope assumed she was adjusting to her new life, but it became more obvious on the days she worked at the mercantile. She was a bit more chipper. Adam didn’t notice the difference until Hope mentioned it during their bedtime chat.
After watching her the following day, a day she had gone to work, he put her mood into perspective as they relaxed in bed.
“After living alone, perhaps she misses her independence,” he suggested. “Sarah is seeking a purpose to her life. Stewart and Izabella settled in and provide food and necessities for the family. You, my darling Hope, took over the role of bookkeeper. You have a major role within the business. Sarah wanders around, but lacks a specific role. To a stranger, she could be one of their volunteers.”
It was difficult to watch. Sarah was content while in Alex’s presence, but seemed to be a lost soul when he was busy. Elaine would have pestered Alex, demanding his time, but Sarah remained silent, obviously cherishing every moment she shared with Alex. The idea Sarah would succumb to boredom and end her relationship with Alex terrified Hope. “They will never marry and Alex will grieve,” Hope mumbled while sitting at her desk. “Perhaps Alex was correct with his concern. Sarah will never be happy living in their home.” Hope sat up, determined. “I will find a way to help her. Sarah will feel valued and appreciated.”
Sarah lacked a business degree, but after a night of very little sleep, Hope was confident she could help with the bookkeeping. The following day, Hope stepped into the playroom and asked Sarah to join her in the office. With the door closed, she offered to teach her the basics.
“I appreciate the offer Hope, but I lack a formal education in business or psychology. I’ll work more hours at the mercantile and seek another job if the orphanage requires additional finances to continue operating.”
Flabbergasted, Hope’s jaw dropped. She hadn’t expected Alex to discuss his heritage or the financial position of the orphanage during the early stages of their relationship, but Sarah was living in their home. The family expected—hoped to plan a wedding. “That isn’t necessary, Sarah.”
Sarah excused herself and returned to the play area leaving Hope to search for her son. Finding Alex in the medical area, he was led to the master bedroom for a private discussion. Alex sat on the bed while Hope stood with her hands on her hips.
“I had an interesting, yet disappointing discussion with Sarah, Alex. Have you not discussed your heritage? She offered to find another job to assist with the finances.”
Alex closed his eyes and shook his head. “I admit, I have not, but will.
“Ugh.” Hope looked at the ceiling.
“As soon as we have an appropriate moment to talk, I will,” he promised.
Hope opened the door and followed Alex out of the room.
* * *
“Just when I thought everything was good, you do this to me. Please tell me Sarah settles in and likes her new life. I don’t want her and Alex to break up,” Keeghan remarked.
“My wife. The hopeless romantic.”
“You’re a softy too. You’re just not as open and honest about it. Admit it.”
Will winked at her. Alex pointed at the screen.
* * *
Tired from a busy day, Alex followed the music to find Sarah was consumed in the melody.
She found the piano as relaxing as he found a good book. “I’m exhausted. I’m going to bed,” he informed her.
“I’ll be up once I finish this piece.” The music continued.
He kissed the top of her head and went upstairs. Alex was drifting off to sleep when Sarah crawled in beside him. He rolled onto his side and she snuggled her back against his chest. Unable to open his eyes, he was asleep within seconds.
The following day, Sarah prepared her lunch as she ate her breakfast and left for work. She did not return until they were ready to sit down for their evening meal.
“How was your day?” he asked.
“Busy. Crates of stock arrived today. I’m exhausted. I promised I’d return tomorrow and assist again. How was your day?”
“Busy. Five families adopted older children, two women gave birth, and a few people arrived with donations. I do not recall a busier day in all my years at the orphanage.”
“Nor do I,” Adam admitted. “But it warms my heart to see the children leave with loving couples.”
Both Alex and Sarah were in bed shortly after the children were settled. There was no discussion. They fell asleep before their head touched their pillows.
* * *
“Where is Sarah?” Tom asked Alex, his voice filled with anxiety. “This telephone call is for her.”
Sarah had been living at the orphanage a little over four months. She'd never received a phone call during the day. Her parents and brother called after dinner. “I’ll find her.” Alex opened the door to the study room and then looked outside. Not seeing her, he ran upstairs. He found her in the nursery. “Sarah. You have a telephone call,” he informed her.
Sarah rushed down the steps and into the office with Alex behind her. Tom left the room, closing the door behind him. Alex stood beside the desk, watching her facial expression. It must be very pleasing news. She held her hand over the mouthpiece. Her bubbly voice exploded.
“I’m speaking with Martin, from the conservatory. Families are enquiring about Sarah McLennon. In particular, whether I would be interested in teaching music. Martin is suggesting I teach two days a week, given the distance between the conservatory and orphanage. I want to do this, Alex.”
“You haven’t looked this happy since moving into this home. We’ll make it work.”
“Yes,” she informed Martin. “I’d love to teach.” Sarah looked toward Alex, grinning. “Yes, I can come to the conservatory on Tuesday to finalize the details. Thank you, Martin.”
Sarah ended the call and Alex embraced her.
That night, they sat for the evening meal.
“Sarah, you must tell the family about your phone call.”
Her eyes sparkled like the stars in the sky.
“Martin, you’ve met him at the concerts, he offered me a position teaching music. Given the distance, I’ll teach two days a week.”
“It would be more convenient to teach in this building, would it not,” his poppa asked. “We’ll dedicate a room to your music. We have a piano.”
The smile on Sarah’s face was quickly replaced by apprehension.
“I appreciate the offer, Adam, but the piano this family found for me is far too extravagant for teaching. It would break my heart if a student broke a key or scratched the wood. Perhaps I should speak with Martin again. I’ll rent one of the older pianos.”
Alex grinned, reached for her hand, and kissed her fingers. “Brilliant idea. You won’t have to travel as often. You may want to consider quitting your job at the mercantile.”
Too excited to sleep, Sarah tossed and turned all night. The following day, the horse and buggy were prepared and Sarah drove off in the direction of the conservatory. A few hours later, she rushed into the office. Her smile spoke volumes.
“Martin will arrange to have a piano transported from the conservatory. I will be teaching four afternoons a week during the school year, and five days a week during the summer. I went to the mercantile before returning home.”
After dining, Poppa joined them in their search for an acceptable space for Sarah to teach. Sarah picked a corner room at the far wing of the orphanage that would offer sufficient space, lighting, and a view to watch for her students to arrive. The room across the hall would be cleaned out, giving her a small office.
Matthew, Andrew, and Richard were at the orphanage when the piano arrived and together the four men transported it through the side entrance and into Sarah’s new music room.
Sarah took pride in her own little business. She loved teaching and working independently with the children. Along with her wage, her contract included complementary tickets to concerts and theatre in the city.