A Tailor-Made Husband

Chapter Five

Ward opened his door to see Meg and Hazel standing there. Meg had her doll under one arm and a small jar filled with flowers in her hands. The three of them were accompanied by an overflowing handcart and squarely perched atop the mound of goods was Pugs, his stubby tail wagging. It definitely appeared Meg was moving in.

Hazel waved to the cart. “Meg and I gathered up a few things we thought she might need while she’s staying here.”

Apparently he and Hazel had different concepts of how many items “a few” entailed.

“And I picked these for you.” Meg held out the flowers.

“Why, thank you.” Ward took the proudly offered bouquet, not quite certain what he should do with it. No one had ever given him flowers before.

From the corner of his eye he noticed Hazel eyeing him and Meg with a touch of amusement. So she found this funny, did she?

Hazel cleared her throat. “Meg’s already had her supper along with a nice warm bath.” She waved to the overflowing handcart. “Mr. Blakely said we could keep the cart overnight. So you can either return it yourself in the morning or leave it with me when you drop Meg off and we’ll return it.”

He set the jar of flowers on the bench that sat just inside the door and then stepped past her to roll the thing into the house. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Well then, I’ll bid the two of you good evening.” She stooped down to bring her face level with Meg’s. “I’ll see you tomorrow, sweetheart. Make sure you help Sheriff Gleason take care of Pugs.”

“Yes, ma’am. And don’t worry, me and Sheriff Gleason will be okay.”

Ward hoped she was right. Then he frowned at Pugs. “Wait a minute. You’re not leaving the dog here, too, are you?”

Hazel straightened. “Of course. He needs to get used to being with you since...” She glanced Meg’s way. “Since I already have a pet.”

He understood her reluctance to let Meg know she was leaving. No point in giving Half-pint something new to worry about. He still couldn’t quite accept the idea of Hazel’s imminent departure himself. In fact, he’d decided it was probably just another of her not-quite-thought-through schemes and that she’d give up on it eventually.

Still, there was a nagging voice inside him that said he was wrong.

“Don’t worry,” Meg said, giving him a reassuring look. “Pugs won’t be any trouble and I’ll help take care of him.”

Hazel straightened and, with a final wave, turned and left him alone with the little girl and the dog. He tamped down the cowardly urge to call her back.

What did he do now?

Shaking off his uncharacteristic uncertainty, Ward brought Meg the rest of the way into his house and watched as she took it all in. Which didn’t take long, given the small size of the place. This first-floor level was really just one large room—to the left was the kitchen and dining area and to the right was what passed for a parlor. There was also a small washroom just behind the kitchen.

A set of stairs led up from the parlor to the second floor, which was where his bedchamber was located, along with a small room that served as storage in lieu of an attic.

That was it. It had always been more than enough for him, especially since he didn’t entertain guests here. But right now it felt exceedingly small.

He’d seen Hazel peeking inside when she thought he wasn’t looking. What had she thought of the place? Not that that mattered, he told himself irritably.

Meg moved to the sofa, drawing his attention back to her. “Is this where Chessie and I are gonna sleep?”

“I’m afraid so.” Was the child having second thoughts about the arrangement? He certainly was. “It’s not too late to go back to Miss Hazel’s place if you want.” He did his best to keep the hopeful note out of his voice.

Meg sat down on her soon-to-be bed with a bounce. “I like it here.” Then she looked around. “Where will Pugs sleep?”

“Over there on the floor by the stove.” He hoped Half-pint wasn’t expecting him to turn any of his linens into a dog bed.

Meg popped up and went to the cart. “Me and Miss Hazel made him a bed, we just need to decide where to put it.”

Of course they had. “That was right thoughtful of you.”

“Uh-huh. And it’s pretty too.” She drew out a large, lumpy-looking pillow made of a yellow-and-blue-striped fabric. “Pugs already tried it out and he likes it.”

“As he should.” He hoped Meg didn’t hear the note of sarcasm in his voice.

Fortunately, the child seemed oblivious to any undertones. She nodded agreeably. “We’re going to make another one for him to use at Miss Hazel’s house when we’re there with her.”

“Sounds like Pugs is going to be a very pampered pooch.”

She nodded. “Miss Hazel says Pugs took very good care of your sister and that he probably misses her a lot. So now we need to take extra special care of him.”

Leave it to Hazel to put such a sentimental spin on it. Still, he couldn’t find it in himself to fault her for it. “Miss Hazel is right.” Ward looked at the cart full of things Hazel had delivered along with Meg. Apparently she had indulged in a bit of shopping this afternoon. He’d have to remember to reimburse her.

Having to stow all of this stuff made Meg’s moving in feel much more permanent than it had seemed earlier. Where was he going to find the room? He looked around at the sparse furnishings of his place. There was really only one choice.

He moved to the large bookshelf situated on the far end of the room. He quickly cleared off one of the lower shelves. “Let’s stack your things here for now. We’ll find something better tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir.” Meg carefully placed her doll on the sofa and came over to help him.

Nestled in one corner of the cart, he found what looked like a miniature bird cage, complete with a metallic bird perched inside. “What’s this?”

“It’s a music box. Miss Hazel gave it to me. Isn’t it the most beautiful thing you ever saw?”

“It’s mighty pretty, all right.” He examined the delicate brass contraption.

Meg nodded. “She has a lot of them and she let me pick out whichever one I wanted.” The child took it from him and turned the key affixed to the back of the box. “This one was my favorite.” As soon as she released the key, a lilting tune began to play, filling his home with its happy sound.

“I never had anything this special before,” she said dreamily.

They finished unloading Meg’s things to the strains of the delicate tune.

He finally leaned back on his heels, studying the results of their labor. Maybe he could come up with a couple of crates or an old trunk tomorrow. Perhaps Hazel had something he could borrow.

He paused on that thought. He’d have to stop relying on the accommodating seamstress for those sorts of things.

Was she really leaving? She’d said it was because she wanted to work with her aunt, but he suspected there was more to it than that. What wasn’t she saying? It shouldn’t bother him so much that she wasn’t confiding in him, but for some reason, it did. She’d always been so open with him before. If truth be told, she often over shared. He couldn’t remember now why that had irritated him.

Meg tugged on his pants leg, reclaiming his attention. She had retrieved the book he’d just put away. “Would you like to read me and Chessie a story?” she asked.

He stood and dusted his hands. “All right, but let’s get your bed fixed up first.”

Hazel had been supremely confident that he could handle this. It suddenly seemed quite important he proved her confidence in him was not misplaced.

* * *

Hazel had been up since dawn. How had Ward and Meg gotten on last night? It had been difficult to leave yesterday evening, especially when she’d seen the I’m-not-ready-for-this-yet expression on Ward’s face. But it had been the right thing to do. That little girl had her heart set on being Ward’s family and Ward needed someone in his life to show him that kind of devotion.

And it obviously wasn’t going to be her. As she sipped on her morning cup of coffee, she bowed her head and offered up a heartfelt prayer.

Heavenly Father, I don’t know how long or short a time Meg will be under Ward’s care, but I do believe that You brought them together for a reason. Please help these two hurting souls find solace and healing in each other, for whatever time they have together.

After she’d put out some food for Buttons and spent time cooing over him as befitted his temperament, she straightened and looked around her for something else to do. “I really should spend some time sorting through my things and packing the items that can be shipped ahead,” she told the feline absently. “Then again, Ward did say he was an early riser so maybe I’ll just go downstairs to the emporium and open the doors now. What do you think?”

The cat continued eating without acknowledging her words.

“Downstairs it is.” She turned toward the stairs and descended to her shop. She unlocked the door and turned the sign from Closed to Open. Mr. Hill had already turned out the town’s streetlamps so it wasn’t quite as early as she’d thought. But even so, hers was the first shop on her block to open for a change.

Hazel had just finished raising the shades on the display window when Ward escorted Meg and Pugs into the place.

“Good morning,” Ward greeted her. “I see you’re as good as your word about rising early.”

She noted the hint of surprise in his voice. “Of course. No point in letting the cool of the morning go to waste.”

Meg’s pigtails were slightly uneven but at least all the hair was contained and she seemed to be in a sunny mood.

“Did you two have breakfast yet?”

Meg nodded enthusiastically. “Sheriff Gleason and I had some bread and fig jam. It was very good.”

Ward looked sheepish. “It was all I had. I’ll pick up some groceries before she returns to my place this afternoon.”

Did he even know how to cook for a four-year-old?

Wanting to have a word in private with Ward, she smiled down at Meg. “If you and Pugs would like to go say good morning to Buttons, he’s right over there by the button bin.”

With a nod, Meg skipped over to greet the cat.

Hazel immediately turned to Ward. “So how did things really go last night?”

He grimaced. “It could have gone better. But we both survived so I guess that’s something.”

“Was it really so terrible?”

He shrugged. “One thing I figured out pretty quick was that I’ll have to do something about our sleeping arrangements.”

“Why? Did you have trouble getting Meg to settle down?”

“Not at all. From what I can tell, Meg slept like a hibernating bear cub all night. Problem is, she goes to bed so early, I have to do the same or risk waking her. And I realized that if anyone comes knocking at my door needing help, they’ll disturb her before I can so much as get out of bed. And even if they don’t, it doesn’t seem right my being upstairs and her being downstairs by herself.”

“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.” She frowned “But didn’t you say you don’t have a guest room?”

“I don’t. Which means I’ll have to turn my room over to Half-pint. And I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“That doesn’t sound very comfortable.” Hazel resisted the urge to once again offer to let Meg sleep in her guest room. He had to figure out how to make this work without her. Instead she made another suggestion. “Edgar Crandall would probably let you use one of the hotel’s portable beds. It wouldn’t be the same as your regular bed but it would be more comfortable than the sofa.”

She saw what looked like consternation in his expression but it disappeared quickly. He merely said, “Good idea. I’ll check into it.”

She smiled sympathetically, trying to be supportive while not taking on more than she should. “I know it’s a bit awkward while you’re getting used to the situation. But things will get better once you’re both able to form a routine.”

“I 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.”