Free The Nanny Solution by Barbara Phinney Page A

“Of course, but just for a moment. She will need to be fed as soon as the other baby is finished.”
    She glanced over at the young mother across the aisle. Victoria had honestly believed she’d done what was right by securing this arrangement, but Mitchell believed otherwise.
    Mary sat down on the seat and Victoria set the baby in her arms. “Support her head, dear. She isn’t as strong as you.”
    â€œHer grip sure is strong. She got ahold of Ralph’s curls once and wouldn’t let go.”
    Victoria chuckled. “Was she born at home?”
    â€œNo. Mama went to the hospital.”
    Victoria sat down opposite Mary, feeling her heart squeeze shut as she remembered how Mitchell’s wife had died. “Did you see much of Emily after she was born? Before your father arrived?”
    â€œSome ladies from the church came and got us.”
    Victoria gasped. “You children weren’t living alone, were you?”
    Immediately, Mary clamped shut her mouth and dropped her gaze. Her eyes narrowed as she refused to answer.
    Leaning forward, Victoria touched Mary’s small hand as she splayed it over the side of Emily’s head. The baby was rooting around, looking for food, and would not last long before she fully protested. “Mary? Did your mother tell you not to say anything about living at home alone? It’s okay. No one will get into trouble. And I’m glad you had some ladies help you.”
    Mary continued to say nothing, although glanced up one time. Her eyes were filled with tears.
    Oh, dear. Victoria felt her own eyes water. Oh, she was not good with children. Look at her, all ready to burst into sympathetic tears with this little child. She should be strong. Who would have thought Victoria Templeton, once a prominent socialite in Boston, and half the time a mother to her own mother, could be reduced to tears just because a small girl’s eyes watered?
    â€œI lost my father when I was a little older than you,” she said, digging out her hankie from a small pocket. “I still think about him all the time.” She dabbed her eyes, noticing only then that the mother across the aisle was finished and was watching her with keen interest.
    This would never do. She shouldn’t be embarrassing herself like this. “It’s okay to be sad. It shows you loved your mama.” Standing, Victoria took Emily from Mary and gave her to the young mother. Once the baby was settled, Victoria returned to her seat. “But you have your father back now. And you’re going to a new home built just for your family.”
    Two fat tears rolled down Mary’s cheeks, and, surprising Victoria, she slipped off the seat and up onto her lap. Victoria’s arms automatically wrapped around the little girl and held her close. Mary’s little body shook and vibrated as her crying increased.
    With a hard swallow, Victoria blinked back her tears and glanced away from the young mother’s prying stare. She looked out the window. She could see only Matthew’s head, but occasionally, she could see John’s pop into view as they played some game.
    â€œMatthew told us.”
    Victoria looked down at Mary. “What did Matthew tell you?”
    â€œNot to tell anyone that we were alone. He said we should tell everyone who asked that Momma was resting. He said it wasn’t a lie. That she was resting with Jesus now.”
    Victoria stifled a small gasp. “And the baby? Where was Emily at that time?”
    â€œThe hospital kept her.”
    Victoria frowned as she glanced over at Emily. The baby was only about a month old, Mitchell had mentioned. When had he arrived in Boston? She looked down at Mary. “Were you and your brothers alone at home? The nurse shouldn’t have allowed that.”
    Mary shrugged. “Matthew said it would only be until Papa arrived. But the ladies of the church came. One lady made us molasses cookies, and they all