Free Adam's Promise by Julianne MacLean

beds with Madeline. “Why did you come? Has it been difficult for you? Have you been crying? Do you want to go home?”
    â€œI’m fine.” Madeline laughed at Mrs. Ripley’s flair for the dramatic, but at the same time, she couldn’t bear the thought of everyone thinking she was heartbroken and pining away. She needed to set them straight, even if she wasn’t being completely straight with them or herself.
    â€œNow that I’m here and I’ve had a chance to get to know Mr. Coates, I see that we wouldn’t have been suited to each other anyway. He’s a good deal older than I am, and he’s not at all the man I remember. Honestly, I have not shed a single tear. I am glad things turned out the way they did. He and Diana are meant to be together, and he has already sent another proposal to her. In fact, it was I who encouraged him to do so.”
    The older woman touched her hand. “But he’s such a handsome man. Surely it’s been at least a trifle difficult to bear, living under the same roof with him.”
    â€œNot at all. He’s been a perfect host, more like a father figure. Really, he seems very old to me.”
    A father figure? Seems very old? She was more skilled at hiding her feelings than she’d thought.
    It was time to change the subject. “May I ask, Mrs. Ripley, if you’ve found suitable land yet?”
    â€œYes, we found a very promising spot—a farm near Amherst township. A section of the marsh is included and the ground is plowed, and a full crop of potatoes has already been planted.”
    A rush of hopefulness surged through Madeline. “That’s wonderful news. Will you be moving there soon?”
    â€œAs soon as the present owner vacates the house in two weeks.”
    Two weeks! Madeline tried not to sound too delighted about it. “Well…the reason I came is…I wonder if you might have need of a governess. Or even a housekeeper. Or both.”
    Mrs. Ripley was quiet a moment.
    Madeline shifted on the hay-filled tick. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound so anxious. You’ll need time to discuss it with Mr. Ripley, of course. Perhaps I could return for an answer tomorrow.”
    She made a move to stand, but Mrs. Ripley clasped her hand.
    â€œNo need to come back, Madeline. We would be delighted to have you. We’ve been saying that ever since we met you.”
    A cry of relief spilled from Madeline’s lips. “What good news.”
    â€œWe’ll come by early, two weeks from Wednesday, to pick you up.” Mrs. Ripley hugged Madeline. “I’m very happy. In a couple of weeks, we’ll all be together, and we can finally start to build a new life.”
    Madeline rested her cheek on Mrs. Ripley’s shoulder. “I will be counting the days.”
    A short time later, Madeline said goodbye to Mrs.Ripley and found Adam sitting on a bench in the courtyard, conversing with some local tradesmen. He immediately stood, left the men to themselves and crossed to meet her.
    â€œWill you be returning with me?” he asked. The question came abruptly out of nowhere.
    â€œYes, to stay only temporarily. The Ripleys found land near Amherst township and in two weeks, I’ll be able to move into their new home and begin work as their governess.”
    His gaze swept over her face and settled on her eyes. His voice grew quiet. “I see. Well, that is good news.”
    â€œThey’re just waiting for the other family to remove themselves. The papers have already been signed.”
    â€œAlready signed. More good news.” Adam’s tone was as cordial as always, but beneath it, she thought she detected a hint of disappointment. Could it be he had enjoyed her company and conversation this morning more than he had expected?
    No, surely not. He was simply disappointed because his children would continue to live without a governess of their own.
    He offered his arm.