Read Online The Delaney Woman by Jeanette Baker - Free Book Online

you, an educated woman, be content doing a maid’s work in a small town? What keeps your mind busy?”
    Kellie’s cheeks flamed. “What kind of question is that? What do you think I do? I cook and shop and wash and clean. In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve picked up just about everything there is to do which wasn’t what I’d planned and it’s worth a great deal more than the complimentary meals I’m receiving. Perhaps we need to renegotiate the terms of my employment because I think I’m doing too much to be paying for my room.” Her hand were on her hips. “You’ve been very preoccupied, hardly coming out of that shed outside to breathe. Quite frankly I don’t know what you did without me. I’ve gone to the library on occasion and I take a walk or two every day with your dog, but other than that I’ve my hands full. My mind and how I keep it busy isn’t any of your business.”
    Tom stood motionless, stunned and properly redressed. She was right. The lion’s share of work had fallen on her. She was so efficient, he’d relaxed, allowing her to pick up more and more of his responsibilities, even the phone calls and bookings. He’d stepped over the line and he knew it. Embarrassed, he opened his mouth to apologize, but even that was denied him.
    Heather stood in the doorway. “I’m here,” she announced.
    Kellie sighed with relief. “Good morning, darling. Are you hungry?”
    The little girl nodded, crossed the room and pulled out a chair. “I like your food. It’s better than Da’s.”
    â€œTraitor,” muttered Tom.
    Kellie laughed, her anger dissipated. She was a nurturer at heart and it was lovely being needed. She spooned eggs onto Heather’s plate before reaching for Tom’s.
    Heather picked up her fork and looked at her father. He appeared deep in thought, staring at his plate.
    â€œKellie says breakfast is the most important meal,” she announced.
    â€œPerhaps she’s right,” replied Tom.
    â€œWell?”
    â€œWell What?”
    â€œWhy aren’t you eating?”
    Tom sighed. “I’m eating, I’m eating.” He scooped a healthy portion of eggs into his mouth. “Are you happy now?”
    She smiled sunnily. “Yes.”
    Kellie sipped her juice. Between bites of bacon she spoke to Heather. “I’m going into town today to look at the shops. I’ve seen nothing at all except the Superquin, the butcher’s and the bakery. Have you any other suggestions for me?”
    Heather’s forehead wrinkled and she looked at her father. “Da? Where should Kellie go?”
    Tom considered the matter. “We can walk Heather to school together and you can look around a bit. There isn’t much to see in Banburren beyond the harbor and the water. My family is having a dinner tonight. You’re invited if you care to come. My mother particularly asked me to invite you.”
    It was a golden opportunity. It was also a dreadful violation of the heart of a family. Deception was difficult for her. She would not be comfortable conversing and sharing a meal with these people. Still, her motive for coming to Banburren hadn’t changed. Perhaps she would learn something. So far, her quest had been relatively fruitless. She’d gone into his computer files, an easy enough task. He didn’t even have his password secured. Not that she’d had long segments of time to go back into personal correspondence in his e-mail files, but she wasn’t looking for anything that far back. It was frustrating. Her lack of progress after two weeks, and Tom Whelan, the man, hadn’t helped matters. He was so pleasant, so accommodating and open. It was very hard to keep her reserve. Kellie liked him. She liked him very much.
    * * *
    It was odd at first, walking beside Tom with Heather between them, down narrow streets in a small town where