Free Behind His Blue Eyes by Kaki Warner

so.
    Buying time to consider her response, she took a sip of coffee, then returned the china cup to its saucer. “I am currently seeking employment,” she said in the spirit of compromise. “If I find something that will produce enough income to support the four of us, I will be happy to consider Mr. Hardesty’s offer. Until then, I have no choice but to stay at the cabin.”
    â€œThen we must find you employment. I assume you can read and write?”
    And have won awards for it,
Audra thought, biting back a smile. “Yes. I’m competent with sums, as well.”
    A sudden smile lit Lucinda’s face, one so broad it left a dimple in her left cheek. “Then I have the perfect opportunity for you, although I won’t know for certain if it’s available for another week or so.”
    â€œThat’s very kind. Thank you.” But wanting to make her position clear, Audra added in a firm tone, “But until the issue of employment is settled, I shall hold off on a decision about the right-of-way and do what I must to make the cabin a suitable home for the four of us.”
    â€œI understand.” Lucinda laughed, apparently undeterred by Audra’s gentle warning. “And I won’t badger you again about signing the papers, even though I’m certain it will all work out. But be forewarned”—she gave a sly wink—“I usually get my way. Ask my husband.”
    She was so brazen about it, Audra had to laugh. “I’m certain you do.”
    Reaching across the table, Lucinda gave Audra’s hand, which rested beside her plate, a squeeze. “I sense we are going to be great friends, you and I.”
    â€œI would like that.” Audra meant it. Since Father’s illness, she had let most of her friendships lapse, and dearly missed the companionship of women.
    Chuckling, Lucinda sat back. “I can’t wait for the other ladies to meet you. They’ll adore you for resisting my manipulations.”
    â€œWhat other ladies?”
    â€œThe ladies of Heartbreak Creek. And a formidable group they are.”
    * * *
    It took less time than Audra expected to bring the cabin up to snuff, especially after Lucinda and Yancey arrived several days later with a wagon full of household goods, including furniture, bags of bedding, and kitchen stuffs.
    â€œEthan said the cabin was rather Spartan,” she said, climbing down from the wagon when Audra and the Abrahams came out to greet her. “After the renovations at the hotel, I find I no longer need all this and thought it might be of use to you.”
    Audra was so grateful, she almost burst into tears. “Thank you so much. I shall return everything as soon as I am able to purchase my own.”
    â€œNonsense.” A dismissive gesture with one elegantly gloved hand. “It takes up valuable storage space. You’re doing me a favor taking it off my hands. Yancey, while I visit with Miss Pearsall, perhaps you and Mr. Abraham can carry these items inside. I’m sure Mrs. Abraham can tell you where to put them.”
    Winnie grinned. “Yes, ma’am, I surely can.” Turning to the men, she waved a fleshy arm. “Get on with it, you two. And keep quiet. Mr. Percy and Cleo napping.”
    As the men began unloading, Lucinda looked around, a small crease of worry between her blond brows. “It’s rather remote, isn’t it?”
    Audra followed her gaze. Tall trees cast the cabin in perpetual shadow. Brushy undergrowth, desperate for sun, encroached on the small clearing, and here and there, snow still showed through the tangle of leaves. The air was constantly chilled. The ground felt damp and spongy underfoot, and the wooden shingles on the roof were covered in a thick layer of moss. By summer, mosquitoes would be eating them alive.
    â€œIt’s certainly not Baltimore,” Audra admitted with a thin smile.
    â€œDon’t fret.” Lucinda