Free Love Inspired Historical November 2014 by Rhonda Gibson, Winnie Griggs, Regina Scott, Danica Favorite Page A

sure I understand what exactly you’re asking about—what sorts of routines?”
    â€œI would think it would be self-explanatory. I’d like to know what they are accustomed to in the area of mealtimes, bedtimes, quiet times, bath times. What portion of their day is set aside for educational pursuits such as reading, sewing, nature studies, journaling? Are they accustomed to daily readings from the Good Book? That sort of thing.”
    He didn’t appreciate the condescending tone she’d used, but he was determined to remain civil. “Mrs. Pierce, perhaps I didn’t explain my role clearly. I had no involvement in the kids’ day-to-day lives prior to our boarding the train in St. Louis. I am merely the escort, charged with seeing them safely to Hatcherville and getting them securely installed in their new home. I have no idea what their normal routines are, only what we experienced during the trip, which I imagine was anything
but
normal.”
    â€œI see. Then perhaps we shouldn’t worry about what they did in the past and concentrate instead on what makes the most sense for now.”
    â€œI agree.” Though he had some doubts that they would agree on just what
would
make sense.
    By this time they’d stepped back inside the kitchen, and she waved a hand toward the table. “Shall we have a seat while we work it out?”
    â€œYou mean now?”
    â€œIs there some reason we should wait?” Her expression reminded him of a severe schoolmarm who was dealing with a difficult student.
    â€œI thought perhaps Miss Jacobs should be involved.” He tried to be diplomatic. “I mean, we’ve both admitted to not having experience dealing with children, and she obviously has. Don’t you think she could be helpful?”
    Mrs. Pierce took a seat, her expression set but her copper-colored eyes flashing like a bright new penny. Was she enjoying this?
    She placed her clasped hands in her lap. “For the moment I think it is more important that she continue to keep the children entertained so we can discuss this without distractions.”
    He tried again. “But if we don’t have any point of reference to draw on—”
    â€œSurely laying out routines and schedules has more to do with the adult’s perspective than with the children’s. And I am not so far removed from my own childhood that I don’t remember the routines imposed on me at my boarding school.” She shifted slightly, as if she’d said more than she intended.
    Boarding school. So she came from money, did she? That explained a lot.
    Simon moved toward the table, deciding he might as well hear her out. He took a seat across from her. “All right. I’m willing to give it a shot. Where would you like to start?”
    â€œThe first thing I think we should decide is whether everyone should take their meals together or if we should eat in shifts.”
    â€œTogether,” he said immediately, before she could launch into a discussion of pros and cons. “I want to maintain the feeling of family for them as much as possible.”
    Something flashed in her shiny-penny eyes that he couldn’t quite identify, but it left him with the impression that he hadn’t given her the answer she’d wanted. To do her credit, though, she nodded. “Very well, then we will need to add back the leaves to the dining room table and find three additional chairs.”
    â€œNo problem. There are four perfectly fine chairs right here—we can take three of them into the dining room. And if you’ll show me where you keep the table leaves, I’ll take care of that, as well.” Perhaps this routine-setting thing wouldn’t be so bad, after all. “What’s next?”
    â€œMealtimes. I would suggest breakfast at seven, the midday meal at noon and dinner at six, but I’m open to suggestions. However, I do feel that whatever schedule we decide