Light of my Life

Fifteen

FIFTEEN

Amelia moved from person to person, thanking them for their generosity. She chatted with a few of them a little longer, getting to know the people of Spruce Hill. She learned that Hunter Winfield didn't actually run the mill, but the deputy's wife, Bethany Spencer, did. Amelia met Charlotte Tucker who was Miss Mullin's good friend. It also surprised Amelia to see Miss Mullins show up with some food.

As the morning hours passed, she didn't talk to her sister, but she watched her. Apparently, she had a daughter that looked to be around Gracie's age. So far, the two little girls were getting along splendidly as they played in the yard. Bobby tried on a few different occasions to talk to Amelia, but she pushed him away and continued to get their home set up.

She couldn't help but see how well her sister visited with the other ladies in the group. They seemed to like her well enough and she fit right in. Perhaps Duke was correct when he suggested that she listen to Prudence's explanation as to why she'd not taken Amelia when she left the orphanage. After all, it was time her heart started healing so that she could forget the past.

A man's warm hand on her back, made her turn and look at Duke. Her heart melted. He really was the perfect man.

"I need to leave for a little while. I just received a telegram from Mayor Tidwell. He's in town and wants to meet me at the Staghead Café."

Fear tightened her throat and she glanced around, looking for Gracie. She would not let that man take Gracie. The little girl was not his daughter!

"It's all right," Duke said calmly. "I'm going to convince him that all leads were dead and that you had nothing to do with the kidnapping of his daughter."

"Don't let him know I'm here or that Gracie is here."

"I hadn't planned on it." He smiled. "Trust me. I'll clear this up. Before that man leaves to return to Astoria, he'll know you had nothing to do with his daughter's disappearance."

"Thank you."

He squeezed her hand briefly before turning and leaving. She prayed he would be able to convince the mayor. She couldn't be put in jail for a crime she didn't do.

"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Florence." Bethany Spencer waved.

Amelia found her smile and tried not to worry about Duke. "Thank you again for coming and donating a bed. May the Lord bless you, always."

"When I get things settled at my place, I'll send over a supper invitation. I can't wait for you to meet my husband."

"I'm looking forward to it." Amelia nodded.

As Bethany walked out, Dinah Mullins and Charlotte Tucker walked up to her and stopped. Amelia clasped Charlotte's hands briefly, before giving the same gesture to Dinah Mullins.

Amelia smiled. "Thank you both for your help. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you."

"Welcome to Spruce Hill," Charlotte said. "I'm very happy to see more women coming into this town. Heaven knows we need it." She glanced at Dinah. "Isn't that right?"

"Oh, of course." Dinah nodded. "And I hope you consider us your friends."

"I wouldn't think of you any other way," Amelia replied. "Both of you have made everything perfect. This has been the best December I've ever had."

"Merry Christmas," the women chimed as they left the house.

"Christmas?" Bobby asked, moving beside Amelia. "It's not Christmas yet."

Amelia rolled her eyes. "No, but it's the Christmas season, you dolt, and that is what you say to others, especially those who have selflessly given of their time to help us out."