Free An Improper Situation (Sanborn-Malloy Historical Romance Series, Book One) by Sydney Jane Baily Page A

up from what she was doing, holding the gauze firmly in place. But there was no manipulation in the little girl’s face. She simply assumed they would be going and would blame herself if they didn’t.
    Charlotte felt her heart melt. Certainly, the children could use a little amusement and gaiety in their young lives that had already experienced such bereavement. She looked away from the girl’s soft brown eyes and began to tie the end of the gauze.
    “ No, honey, your finger won’t ruin it. By the time of the dance, you probably won’t even have to wear the bandage. Now, how about some dessert?”
     
    *****
     
    It was late by the time supper was over and the children were bathed and tucked in bed. It was story time and Charlotte was now expected to do the honors since she had done so with such success each night since the game of tag had bonded them all together more closely.
    Though she was sure Reed Malloy was as well read as herself, he seemed content to sit on the window seat, his face shadowed, and listen to her. She sat on Thomas’s side of the bed, her back turned to Reed and both children were commanded to keep their eyes closed or the story would stop.
    Lily held her bandaged finger out straight on top of the bed clothes and Thomas turned on his side. Both their faces held rapt expressions as Charlotte conjured a kingdom of princes and princesses, and fairies both good and slightly bad, and, of course, dragons and griffins.
    By the time she finished telling the old tale she remembered her father reading to her out of a big book with illustrations, the children were fast asleep. Charlotte turned to Reed and he nodded, blowing out the lamp. Together, they tiptoed out of the room and down the stairs.
    “You did well tonight,” he offered as they stepped out onto the front porch for some air.
    Charlotte was glad the dark, clear night hid her blush. “Thank you for saying so, Mr. Malloy. I could tell stories from now until doomsday and I don’t think I’d grow tired of the telling—though I hope most of my readers stay awake for the outcome.”
    He laughed and Charlotte liked the sound, deep and genuine. “You are a consummate story teller, Miss Sanborn, but I was actually referring to your handling of the situation with Lily’s finger.”
    “ Oh.” She made a minor mental adjustment, withdrawing the first mistaken compliment and substituting the other in its place.
    “ I am finding that being with the children is easier than I envisioned, but then,” she continued, moving toward the porch swing, “we’re all just playing around, after all. School is not in session, no one has become sick, and I haven’t cooked a meal or shopped for provisions since you got here.”
    She couldn’t help smiling at him. “You have been here constantly lending a hand and keeping them out of my way while I work.”
    Reed followed her to the swing, and Charlotte moved aside quickly, startled when he sat down beside her, but she continued her thought: “It is not real life, Mr. Malloy.” I wish that it were, she thought to herself. She could certainly get used to this—all of it and all of them.
    He remained silent a moment, looking straight ahead across her front yard to the long line of trees that went up as far as the road to town. She was aware of her heart beating faster, just because they were alone and he was close. She told herself she was a fool, to be moved just because a man was near, but his muscled leg against the side of her skirts felt warm and powerful.
    She had to concentrate when he started speaking, and stop herself from thinking of the strong, sensual lips that were forming the words.
    “ I don’t know what to tell you, Miss Sanborn. I am not a man to give up, and you don’t seem a quitter to me, either. What I’d like is for us both to be on the same side, then I’m sure we can work this out.”
    He looked down at her, so close beside him. “Your cousin wanted you to be their guardian. You