Free The Heirloom Brides Collection by Tracey V. Bateman

she didn’t dare speak up. She had to keep this position.
    She worked harder that day than she’d ever worked before, trying desperately to make it up to Miss Annie. By the time the lunch customers were all gone and they closed down to clean up and prepare for supper, Betsy’s stomach felt hollow. She hadn’t eaten since lunch yesterday. Despite Miss Annie’s promise of two meals a day—one for working at the restaurant and the other included in her rent for the room—Miss Annie often forgot to allow her to stop for lunch.
    She waited for Miss Annie to tell her to get something to eat before they started to clean up, but the woman seemed preoccupied. After the rough start that morning, Betsy didn’t have the nerve to request a meal. At five, Miss Annie opened the doors, and once more, the dining room filled with customers. Betsy fought a wave of dizziness as she took out her first plates. She’d never been a heavy eater, but she’d always had regular meals.
    Her spirits lifted when Stuart and Mrs. Fields entered the restaurant an hour later. They hadn’t been in for supper at all this week. She hurried to the door and led them to an empty table.
    Mrs. Fields frowned a little. “Betsy, you’re getting much too thin, honey. That dress is practically hanging from your bones. Are you eating?”
    Averting her gaze, Betsy did the only thing she could. “Yes, ma’am. I’m just not used to working so much.”
    “I think I should have a talk with Annie. She certainly doesn’t look like a woman who misses meals.”
    Alarm seized Betsy. If Mrs. Fields said anything on her behalf, the woman would think she’d been complaining. And that wasn’t tolerated. “Please, no, ma’am. I eat plenty. I promise.”
    Stuart reached across the table and touched his ma’s hand. “Ma. Leave Betsy alone.” He glanced up, but Betsy noticed his somber scrutiny, as well. “Bring us the special and two glasses of tea.”
    “Yes, sir.” Grateful to be away from their watchful eyes, Betsy hurried to the kitchen to place the order with Miss Annie. “Two plates of roast venison, fried potatoes, and green beans for Mrs. Fields and Stuart.”
    Annie turned from the stove. Her face glistened with sweat from the heat. “They’ve been coming in here a lot lately. Something special between you and the Fields boy?”
    “Why, no. He’s been kind about Pops, is all.”
    “Well, you just remember what I said about gentleman callers.”
    “Of course.”
    “Did… Mrs. Fields… say anything?” Miss Annie turned back to the stove and dished up the plates. She set them on the counter. Betsy couldn’t help but eye them hungrily.
    “I asked you a question, Betsy. Did she say anything?”
    “I’m not sure what you mean.”
    “It’s not a difficult question.” Her voice was gaining an edge that sent Betsy’s heart racing.
    “Ma’am, the only thing she said was that I was getting too thin and I should eat more.” A gasp from the older woman jerked Betsy’s head up. “Are you okay, Miss Annie?”
    The older woman’s shoulders slumped, and her eyes softened. “Betsy, why didn’t you remind me you didn’t stop to eat today? Honey, go take that out and then get yourself back in here and eat. It’s been a… difficult time today and I’ve been distracted. I’m sorry.”
    “What about the customers, ma’am?”
    “Don’t you worry yourself about them until you have a proper meal inside that little body.” Her eyes moved over Betsy’s form. “She’s right. You’re growing too thin.”
    More confused than ever by Miss Annie’s odd behavior, Betsy grabbed the two plates and set them in front of Stuart and his mother.
    She noticed the glow in Mrs. Fields’ eyes as she stared into a locket pinned to her dress. As the woman glanced up, Betsy realized that glow was the glisten of tears. “Is everything okay?”
    Mrs. Fields closed the locket and placed her napkin on her lap. “Of course, dear. Everything is fine.”
    Betsy