Romancing the Schoolteacher by Mary Davis Page B

with the roof leaking. “Will we all fit?” Even her house would be stretched with them all.
    â€œOf course.”
    Bridget glanced at the darkening clouds. “But it looks like rain.”
    Cilla giggled, much like Dora. “What does that have to do with you coming to dinner?”
    Edith looped her arm through Bridget’s. “Then we better hurry before the clouds burst.”
    The sisters hustled her down a road away from the mining camp. She wanted to correct their direction, but they were busy discussing what needed to be done first upon arriving. They would soon realize their error and turn around.
    Instead, they ushered her up the path of a quaint, yellow cottage with white shutters. Bigger than her own. Bright pink rhododendron bushes stood sentry alongside the walk, and large lilacs guarded at the corners of the house.
    â€œWhat? Who?”
    Gabe and Dora ran ahead to the door.
    Lindley came up as close to her as he could with his sisters gathered around. “We’ve moved.”
    That made sense. Since he wasn’t a miner, he wouldn’t stay in a company house. His change in status was going to take some getting used to. “This is nice.”
    â€œGabe and Dora are excited to each have their own room. We have a kitchen and separate sitting room. Much better than the company houses. But they are going to be repaired.”
    Edith squealed. “I just got hit by a raindrop. Hurry inside.” She ran up the walk and through the doorway.
    A drop hit the side of Bridget’s nose and another on her hand. Then they splatted here, there and everywhere.
    Everyone ran for cover. Lindley ushered her in, his limp more pronounced.
    The house smelled of fresh bread, stew and sweets. Though cozy, everyone fit comfortably.
    Dora held out her arms. “No rain.”
    â€œWhat does that mean?” Winnie asked. “It went from dry to pouring out there in a matter of a couple of seconds. There’s plenty of rain.”
    Gabe spoke up. “Our other house leaked.”
    Winnie jerked her gaze to Lindley.
    He cringed and shrugged. “It wasn’t that bad. We were always dry and warm. I made sure of it.”
    â€œI’m hungry,” Emmett said. “When’s dinner going to be ready?” Kind of him to distract the sisters.
    Lindley gave his brother-in-law a nod of appreciation.
    The ladies shooed the men and children out of the kitchen and scurried around.
    Bridget stood near the door. “What can I do to help?”
    All three sisters shook their heads, but Edith spoke. “Oh, you get comfortable, and let us do the work.”
    That wouldn’t be right. “I can’t sit idly while you all bustle around doing the work.”
    Winnie came over and gave her a hug. “I love you for that. You can slice the bread.”
    The meal was delicious, and the afternoon flew by.
    Father and uncle carried the sleeping children to their rooms.
    When Lindley returned, he sat next to Bridget on the sofa in the sitting room. “I’m sorry about my sisters.”
    She’d had a lot of fun with his family. “Don’t be.” She would have liked to have had a sister or two.
    â€œThey haven’t scared you off? They can be a bit much.”
    â€œNot at all. I like them a lot.”
    â€œThe rain has let up. Shall I walk you home?”
    She was reluctant to leave the camaraderie. But in truth, the three sisters had worn her out more than a classroom full of children. His sisters had welcomed her and treated her like one of them. But the looming clouds wouldn’t recess for long.
    Lindley retrieved Bridget’s Bible, shawl and hat.
    â€œYou aren’t taking her away from us, are you?” Winnie asked.
    â€œThe rain has stopped for the moment. I think this is a prudent time to take her home.”
    Lindley’s sisters each hugged her in turn and told her they adored her. “We hope to see you again soon.”
    After