Angel’s head spun as hands shot out and grabbed for food. Instead of passing bowls, everyone just scooped out what they wanted by leaning over, and plopping it on their plates. Mark smacked Matt’s hand when he took two biscuits. Matt shoved one of the biscuits in his mouth, and laughed at his brother’s scowl, crumbs falling down his shirt.
Nate broke up a bit of fish, added lentils and rice, and set it in front of Julia-Rose. The baby dropped her spoon and biscuit, and using both hands pushed food in her mouth, smearing it on her face, hands, and in her hair. Angel had never seen anything like it.
She thought of her meals back home in a well-carpeted dining room, the highly polished mahogany table set with silver, china and crystal. In the center of the table was always a large candelabrum, with vases of seasonal flowers flanking either side.
Meticulous butlers served the courses, and removed dishes as they emptied. Conversation was soft spoken, and nothing discussed that could interfere with digestion. When the meal came to an end, Angel and Sylvia sipped strong, fragrant coffee, laced with cream and sugar, while her father retreated to the library for brandy and a cigar.
“Aren’t you going to eat, Angel?” Nate asked, looking at her empty plate.
She jerked from her musings. “Actually, I just had some bread before you came home from church.”
“Now, dear,” Mrs. Darby said, “just eat a little something more. You hardly touched the bread and jam. Here, I know it’s hard for you to reach, so I’ll fix a plate for you.”
When she’d filled the plate to her liking, Mrs. Darby placed the food in front of Angel.
Just then Julia-Rose pointed at her. “Mama.”
Angel glanced up in surprise and was greeted by Julia-Rose’s wide smile, showing a few pearly baby teeth, fish stuck to her chin, and rice in her hair. She held part of the biscuit in her little hand, and Angel had never seen a more beautiful sight in her life.
Mark looked down at his plate, and mumbled, “She calls everyone Mama.”
It didn’t matter. Suddenly it occurred to her that she was, indeed, Mama to these five lively children. She glanced from one to the other. The twins giggled at each other. Matt shoveled food into his mouth, and Mark glowered every time he looked in her direction.
For better or worse, it was her duty to nurture, love, and take care of them. Whatever it took, she would make sure she lived up to that responsibility. It wasn’t their fault her stepmother had committed fraud. She was here now, and by God, she would do right by them.
Chapter 7
After dinner, Nate settled Angel on the settee in the parlor. The boys helped Mrs. Darby clean up, while Nate took Julia-Rose upstairs to wash and change her. When h
e came back down, he brought the little girl to Angel, and set her gently on her lap.
He’d cleaned the food from her hair and face, and changed her dress. Angel inhaled the sweet baby smell, and kissed her soft cheek. She ran her fingers through the fine, curly blond hair and tickled her under her chubby chin. The baby laughed and laid her head on Angel’s chest. Within minutes she had stuck her fingers into her mouth, and fallen asleep.
And Angel had fallen in love.
Nate sat next to her, putting his arm around the back of the settee.
Matt ran into the parlor and skidded in front of his father, his three brothers on his heels. “Papa, can we go to the creek?”
“Yes, but be sure to keep an eye on your brothers.” He turned to the twins. “Mind Matt, and don’t wander off.”
“Yippee.” They all shouted as they raced for the door.
“I’m gonna catch a frog,” Mark boasted as the door slammed.
Mrs. Darby came into the room, smiling at them, and wiping her hands on a towel. “There’s plenty of food left over for tonight’s supper. I kept the apple pie I made aside so you’ll have something to go with it.”
“Thanks, you’re a saint,” Nate said.
“It was no problem, I assure you.” She turned to Angel. “I’ll be back in the morning. While Nate’s at his shop, we can discuss a few things.” With a wink in her direction, she placed a kiss on the sleeping baby in Angel’s arms. After returning the towel to the kitchen, she placed her hat on her head, tucked her loose hair under it, and left. The click of the front door closing left the house in silence.
Angel felt the tension in the room rise. Is he going to kiss me again? This time I’ll be ready.
Her heart started to pound in expectation and she glanced sideways at Nate. He gazed off into space.
Okay, come on, now. I’m ready. She was grateful for the distraction when the baby shifted in her arms and let out a soft sigh. Her eyes met Nate’s, and they grinned.
“Let me get you a bit of that pain medicine,” Nate said, getting up and heading toward the kitchen.