don’t think it will come to that. I hope to have a more permanent solution for her predicament before long.”
What kind of solution did he hope to find? “Whatever happens, you need to make sure Meg has a good home. It breaks my heart to think of all she’s been through.”
He stiffened as if she’d insulted him. “Of course. I don’t intend to turn her over to just anyone. That’s why I need to do some digging, to find out as much as I can about her situation and what options we have.”
“And just how do you plan to accomplish that?”
He arched a brow. “You’re certainly curious about the details for someone who’s leaving us all behind soon.”
Even though his words stung, Hazel tried not to take offense. “My leaving is beside the point. I care about Meg and what happens to her.”
He nodded in acknowledgment. “To answer your question, I’ll start with what I know. They boarded the train at Adler’s Bluff. And if the note Freddie left is to be believed, their last name is Lee. I’ll wire the sheriff of Adler’s Bluff and see if he knows anything about them.”
She placed a hand on his arm. “You do realize she’s growing more attached to you by the day. Even if you find family members who want to take her in, it’s going to be a difficult separation for her.”
“We’ll just have to deal with that when the time comes. She’ll be better off with someone else, someone who can be a good parent and will give her the kind of loving home she needs. You and I both know I’m not that person.”
That again. “I know no such thing.”
He gave her an exasperated look, as if her words were nonsense. Then he crossed his arms. “Regardless, you won’t be around to see how it all unfolds, will you?”
She stiffened, brought up short more by the hint of accusation in his tone than the words themselves. “My future plans are not up for discussion. Meg’s future is what we need to concentrate on.”
Why in the world did he keep bringing that up and in such an accusatory way? Was he more bothered by her plans to move away than he’d let on yesterday? If so, was it because he’d truly miss her or was it just the inconvenience of not having her to help with Meg?
The shop bell jangled, interrupting their conversation.
Eunice Ortolon, the town’s biggest busybody, breezed into the shop, chin up at a disapproving angle. Hazel had no illusions she was here to make a purchase.
Nevertheless, she stepped forward with a smile on her face. “Good morning, Eunice. Is there something I can do for you?”
“I came to speak to the sheriff. I saw him step inside here.”
Ward straightened and spoke up. “What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to make certain you’d been made aware of the incident at the mercantile.”
He nodded. “Mayor Sanders and I discussed that when I arrived in town yesterday.”
“Does that mean you’ll be arresting the Lytle boys?”
“If I find proof that they are indeed the perpetrators, I certainly will.”
“Proof? I would say it’s obvious that they’re guilty.”
“Unfortunately, suspicion and talk don’t constitute proof.” He placed his hat back on his head. “Now if you ladies will excuse me, it’s time for me to make my rounds.” And with a tip of his hat, Ward made his way unhurriedly through the door.
That was one of the many things Hazel admired about Ward: his ability to remain calm even when provoked.
Eunice’s lips pursed in a sour line for a moment, then she caught sight of Meg, playing on the floor with Pugs. Her expression quickly changed to one of speculation. “So that’s the little girl the sheriff’s taken in.”
Hazel nodded, feeling suddenly protective of both Meg and Ward. “Her name is Meg.” Then she gave the same explanation she’d heard Ward give when pressed. “Her family placed her in Sheriff Gleason’s care temporarily. I’m merely helping out during the day while he’s at work.” All of which was true.
Eunice, however, wasn’t ready to let the subject drop. “I would think anyone who knew the sheriff well enough to leave their child in his care would know about the loss of his sister. This hardly seems an appropriate time for him to be taking on such a responsibility.”
Hazel’s protective instincts shifted to include Ward. “On the contrary, it seems the perfect time. Sheriff Gleason needs such a distraction right now to keep him from dwelling on his loss.”
Eunice sniffed disdainfully. “Distraction? Hah! I would think finding this hooligan who’s been running amok through our town would be enough to keep him busy.”
“I’m sure he’s working hard to discover who the culprit is.”
“Well, I don’t know why it’s taking so long. Everyone in town knows one of the Lytle boys is to blame. The only thing Sheriff Gleason needs to do is find some proof as to which one and then arrest them.”
Hazel pressed her lips tightly closed to keep from saying something she’d regret. She crossed her arms. “Are you interested in ordering a new frock today?”
Eunice made a quick excuse about not being quite ready to decide, then made her exit.
Which was just as well. Much as she needed the business, she wasn’t sure she could deal with Eunice’s sanctimonious airs right now.
Once Eunice left, Hazel had an idea. “Meg, how would you like for me to make you a new dress?” The little girl’s wardrobe had been pitiably lacking. And remedying that was a good way to keep her and Meg occupied while they spent the day together.
The child’s eyes rounded. “Brand new? Just for me?”
Had Meg never owned a new dress before? “Of course. And you can help me pick out the fabric.”
Meg held out her doll. “What about Chessie? She only has this one dress and it’s getting raggedy.”
Hazel smiled approvingly. “What a wonderful idea. Why didn’t I think of that? We can even make it to match yours if you like?”
Meg returned Chessie to the crook of her arm and clapped in delight. “Oh yes! Me and Chessie would really like that.”
They spent the next hour or so picking out the proper fabric and trims, pausing occasionally as customers showed up.
In fact, more ladies found their way into her shop that morning than she’d seen in the past few weeks. But none of them ordered anything. The visits seemed to all be thinly veiled excuses to get a better look at Meg and to try to find out more about the child. Thankfully, the little girl seemed oblivious to the stir she was creating.
When pressed, Hazel used the same explanation she’d given Eunice. And for the most part, folks left it at that.
As Hazel and Meg studied fabrics, she had to gently steer the little girl away from the more inappropriate fabric choices, but at last they found something both of them liked. It was a bright yellow cotton fabric with tiny white and orange flowers scattered throughout.
Hazel was getting excited about the project. She’d never made children’s clothing before so this would be something new for her. It would be easier than a lady’s garment, but she could already envision ways to make it special for Meg. She would make a fairly simple jumper first, just so she could produce something quickly. But then she’d make a couple of additional garments and do something extra special—maybe some pin tucks or even smocking.
“And I think we’ll make a white ruffled pinafore that you can wear over it.”
“And one for Chessie too?”
“Of