Free The Jewel of His Heart by Maggie Brendan Page B

nice to meet you,” Juliana said. “But I’m intruding. I’ll come back another time.”
    “Not at all. I’m Harry, Helen’s husband, and the mayor of this wonderful city.” He extended his hand to Juliana’s, shaking it firmly. “Join us, won’t you?”
    He seemed warm and easygoing, with a smile under his bushy mustache. He patted Helen on the arm, and she caressed his hand. It was apparent that they were very much in love.
    “Sit right here, Juliana.” Helen gestured toward the Victorian settee. “Marilee, please fetch another cup for our guest.”
    Marilee left the room momentarily and came back with a delicate rose cup and saucer. “I’m going over to Jane’s, Mommy.”
    “Supper is soon, so don’t be gone long, sweetie,” her mother said. Marilee gave her daddy a quick kiss and was out the door in a flash.
    Helen laughed, saying, “Ah, children. That one is twelve going on twenty.” She filled the cup with tea and handed it to Juliana.
    “I can’t stay long. I’m meeting Dr. Barnum for dinner.” As soon as the words slipped out of her mouth, she wished she hadn’t said them. Surprise showed on Helen’s face, but Juliana caught Harry’s smile.
    “Nice man, Mark. He’s a fine doctor too,” Harry said.
    Juliana sipped from the cup of tea. “I really came to talk to you about an idea I had for your new project.” She took a quick sip of her tea before continuing. “There may be a way to make money for the new school program.”
    Harry stood. “I’ll let you two talk. I have an appointment at the courthouse, but I’ll be back by suppertime.” He winked at Helen. “Juliana, I’m sure I will see you again.”
    “I’ll look forward to it.” Juliana found herself smiling at Harry. She liked him.
    Once he was gone, Helen turned to her enthusiastically. “So tell me, Juliana, what have you been thinking?”
    Juliana could see she had Helen’s full attention now. “I have some thoughts on ideas for a fund-raiser for the school.”
    “Any suggestion you have would be most welcome. Please share.”
    “Have you given any thought to an art show? I got the idea thinking about Mr. Stockton’s vast collection of art he has hanging throughout the hotel.” Juliana paused, waiting for Helen’s reaction.
    “Juliana, what a great idea! Who knows, perhaps we can persuade him to donate one or two.” She laughed. “Although that’ll take some convincing—”
    Marilee burst into the room, her ribbon sash flowing below her dress hem and a hole in her stocking. “Mama, come quick!” She yanked at her mother’s hand. “There’s been an accident. Jane and I were running, and I chased her across the street, but then she slipped and fell, and a wagon hit her. Hurry, please!”
    Shock registered on Helen’s face, and she shot up out of her chair. She ran to the front door and down the sidewalk, with Juliana frantically trying to keep up.
    Several neighbors were already gathered at the accident site, and upon seeing Jane’s limp body, Helen cried out. She and Juliana quickly bent down to check Jane’s breathing. “Thank God! She has a pulse.” Helen began to loosen Jane’s coat. A large purple bump was already forming over the girl’s right brow.
    “Do you think anything’s broken?” Juliana asked.
    “It’s hard to tell, but she probably has a concussion. Has anyone gone for the doctor?” Helen asked, turning to her neighbors.
    “He’s on his way, and George ran to get Jane’s mother,” someone in the crowd responded.
    “I don’t think we should move her,” Juliana said quietly, watching for any sign of motion in Jane’s face.
    Helen’s neighbor ran up and stood next to them, wringing her hands. “That horse and buggy just roared right past Jane like she wasn’t even there! I declare, I’ve never seen anything like it. He was in an all-fired hurry. I hope she’ll be all right.”
    Marilee’s eyes were as big as saucers, and Juliana got up to place her arm around the