"Mr. Hawthorne has been nothing but respectful. He's given us shelter and shelter." Mrs. Henley clicked her tongue. "In his cabin, alone with seven children and no chaperone." "Mrs.
Ellington, I'm trying to help you. You need to understand how this looks. How it looks? Mara's voice rose. It looks like a man helping a desperate woman and her children survive.
That's all. Is it? Mrs. Henley leaned across the counter, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. Because I heard Thomas Avery's been asking questions about you, about where you went, and if he hears you're living unmarried with a man.
Mara's blood went cold. Thomas has no claim on my children. He's family and he's got money. If he takes this to a judge, claims you're unfit. Mrs.
Henley trailed off meaningfully. Mara's hands shook as she set coins on the counter. I'm not unfit. I'm surviving. I believe you, dear, but will a judge.
Mrs. Henley wrapped the thread in sugar and brown paper. Just think about it for the children's sake. Mara grabbed the package and left without another word. Silas was waiting by the wagon and he took one look at her face and frowned.
What happened? Nothing. Let's go. Mara us. Please just take me home.
They rode in tense silence until they were halfway back to the cabin. Then Silas pulled the wagon to a stop and turned to her. What did she say to you? Mara stared at her hands. That people are talking about us.
About me living in your cabin without being married? that it looks improper. Silas's jaw tightened. I've been sleeping outside. They don't know that. And even if they did, she took a shaky breath.
Thomas Avery is asking questions about where I went. If he finds out I'm living with you, unmarried, he could use it against me. He could take the children. He won't. You don't know that, Mara.
He has money, Silus. He has lawyers. And I have nothing. nothing but you. Her voice cracked. And if being with you means losing my children, then I can't.
I can't. Silas reached for her, pulled her against him. Listen to me. No one is taking those kids. You hear me?