A Beau For Katie. Emma Miller

true,” Katie said. “I feel the same way about my father. I miss him terribly, but he suffered from his condition, and now he is at peace.”

      “Ya. I do believe that.”

      “And you aren’t alone,” Katie said. “You still have Freeman,” she said. “And, as you say, he’s a good man. He must be a great comfort to you.”

      “He is.” Ivy sighed. “He always has been. Do you see what expense he went to building this house for me? I didn’t need anything so fancy, but I love it. And I have two bedrooms, when one should have been plenty, so if you ever want to stay over, you’re welcome to stay here with me.”

      “That’s very kind of you,” Katie said.

      “I’m not saying that my Freeman is without his faults. I wouldn’t want you to think that I’m as blind as Jehu. I’m afraid we did spoil him as a child. He’s a good boy, and I love him dearly, but he is fond of having his own way. Like his father and grandfather before him, there’s only one way to do something, and that’s the Kemp way.”

      Katie smiled. “My brothers have accused me of always wanting things done the Katie way. They say I’m stubborn, but if my way is the best way, why should I change to please someone else? So long as the job gets done right and as quickly as needed?”

      “Men do hate having women show them how to do something easier,” Ivy said. “I’m afraid it’s born in them. In some ways, I don’t believe any of them ever grow up. They’re like little boys in grownup clothing.” She chuckled. “They never get past the age of wanting a woman to take care of them and clean up after them.”

      “Speaking of which, I’d best get back to my chores.” Katie started to rise. “The tea was delicious, but if we’re to have our midday meal on time, I should go.”

      “Please, don’t go yet,” Ivy said. “I promise, no more sad talk. I’m ashamed of myself that I invited you to come and chat and then went on about my losses. I’m a poor hostess.”

      “Ne,” Katie insisted. “I don’t mind. I’m glad that you felt you could share your heartache with me. My mother is a good person, and we’re very close. I couldn’t ask for a better parent, but she doesn’t talk about such things...about missing my father. She was never one to talk about her feelings. She says that we should keep such thoughts private. What you said about it being hard to accept... I feel the same way.” She reached out and squeezed Ivy’s hand. “It eases my heart to know that I’m not the only one who wants to put her sorrows into words. But I better go.” She gave a small sound of amusement as she stood. “As Freeman said, I’m not being paid to sit and drink tea. I came to his house to work, and if his meal is late, you know he’ll fuss.”

      “Let him fuss,” Ivy insisted. “Sit down and have another cup of tea and tell me all about this offer of marriage you have from Kentucky that Sara was telling me about. If my grandson has something to say about what time his dinner goes on the table, he can say it to me because I’m keeping you here for my own pleasure. Besides...” She shrugged and mischief lit her eyes. “Sometimes, it’s good for a man to wait on a woman.”