see it’s impossible to discuss Miss Wilkes with you. I will bring up this matter at the next school board meeting.” He spoke the words with finality. “I must get back to my store, and if I’m not mistaken, it’s time to release the children for recess.”
Emmy looked at her pocket watch, trying to calm the turmoil she felt in her gut. If she wasn’t careful, she might say something she’d regret—but one look at Ben’s gentle countenance and her emotions began to settle. “I made a promise to you and the school, and I intend to keep it.”
Mr. Samuelson acted as if he didn’t hear her. He gave her a curt nod and then strode away.
Ben shook his head. “That man has a knack for finding fault. I’m just sorry he’s directed that particular talent on you.”
Despite her frustration, she smiled. “I am, too.” Her smile faded and she wrapped her arms around her body for warmth. “I thought I was safe from amorous men here at the school—but it doesn’t look like I’m safe anywhere.”
“That’s actually why I’m here.” Ben looked down and readjusted his footing, clearly uncomfortable with his mission. “I thought I could speak privately with you during recess. I can wait until you release the children.”
“My whole day has been disrupted. The children can wait a few more moments if you’d like to speak now.”
He met her gaze, uncertainty in his dark brown eyes. “My friend Mrs. Cooper made a suggestion that I thought I’d share with you.”
“Go ahead.”
“Since I have a housekeeper now, Charlotte thought you might be inclined to leave the Hubbards and board at my house.” He went on quickly. “You’d have to share a room with Mrs. Carver on the second floor, but it’s a big room, with plenty of space for your trunks. I could put a desk in there, and you could study to your heart’s content each evening.”
The thought of having more privacy to study made her want to cry in happiness—but then she paused. “Would it be seemly?”
“Charlotte assures me it would. With Mrs. Carver as a chaperone, no one would raise an eyebrow.”
Emmy nibbled her bottom lip. Even if people did think twice about the arrangement, she couldn’t deny its appeal. “I will accept.”
He blinked twice before responding. “You will?”
“When shall I move in?”
“As soon as you’d like.”
She reached out and shook his hand. “I will move my things immediately after school.”
Ben’s smile was wide and charming. “I’ll be over to help.”
A flutter filled her stomach at that handsome smile, but she pushed the silly notion aside and started to look forward to a quiet house after five days of chaos at the Hubbards’.
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