A Worthy Heart Page 9

  “Miss Hastings?” he called out. Despite the circumstances, he couldn’t help feeling like a cad being in the woman’s bedchamber.

  A large four-poster bed dominated the room, its curtains pulled closed around it. Gabe yanked the material aside. Sure enough, a sleeping figure lay beneath the quilts. He shook her shoulder, chiding himself for feeling so awkward. If this had been a stranger, he wouldn’t have hesitated a moment to carry the anonymous victim to safety, but picturing the beautiful Aurora, he couldn’t allow himself the liberty.

  Finally the woman stirred and rolled over, blond curls tumbling over her forehead.

  “Miss Hastings. The house is on fire.”

  “What?” She came to life slowly, then gave a slight scream.

  He tried to imagine how she must feel, awakening to a strange man in her room wearing a helmet and fire gear. “Aurora, you must hurry.”

  She sat up, clutching the bedding to her neck. “How do you know my name?”

  “It’s Gabriel Montgomery. We met at the O’Learys’.”

  “Oh.” She stared, then blinked twice. “My robe is on the chair.” She pointed across the room.

  He snatched the wrap and handed it to her, turning his back as she put it on. Seconds later, he peered over his shoulder to see her belting the robe and stepping into a pair of slippers. Without a word, he took her by the arm and ushered her into the hallway. The smoke had thickened considerably. “Try not to breathe too deeply.” He kept his arm around her as they made their way down the staircase.

  Once they got outside, they both coughed as they took in great gulps of fresh air.

  The housekeeper rushed forward. “Oh, thank goodness, miss. I was so worried.”

  “Mrs. Forrester. Did everyone else get out?”

  “They did. I’m so sorry I didn’t make it upstairs. The flames in the kitchen were too much—”

  Aurora laid her hand on the woman’s arm. “Don’t worry. I’m fine.”

  Gabe moved closer. “Excuse me, but I need to go and help the others.”

  “Of course, thank you.” She shivered slightly.

  “Under no circumstance are any of you to go back into the house. Understood?” Gabe leveled them with a stern look until they nodded.

  Though reluctant to leave, Gabe knew where his obligation lay. He grabbed a hose and followed the others around the side of the house to the back, where the main burn still smoldered, and moved to help the other men tackle the fire.

  Twenty minutes later, Chief Witherspoon declared the fire contained. Thankfully, the firefighters had managed to keep the blaze to the kitchen, though the rest of the residence had suffered damage from the smoke. But all in all, they had been very fortunate.

  The chief sent two men to make a thorough check of the entire building to ensure everyone had gotten out and that no other hazards existed.

  As they lugged the hoses back out to the truck, the chief threw Gabe a stern glance. “I think we need to discuss the way we handle victim rescue here.”

  A twinge of guilt flared. Gabe had acted on impulse—not always a good thing.

  The chief crossed his arms. “That being said, I’m glad you were able to get Miss Hastings out unharmed. I’m sure her father will be very appreciative.”

  Relief whooshed through Gabe’s muscles. “If it’s all right, I’ll make sure the ladies are faring well after their shock.”

  The chief’s bushy eyebrows rose. “Be my guest.”

  Gabe ducked his head to hide the flash of heat that stole across his cheeks. There was nothing out of the ordinary in his actions. He’d do the same for anyone he rescued from a fire.

  The fact that one of the women made his pulse sprint faster than a spark hitting an accelerant had nothing to do with it.

  Nothing whatsoever.

  A terrible chill invaded Aurora’s whole body until she couldn’t contain the tremors. It was silly, really. No harm had come to her. The house, for the most part, remained intact. So why did she feel the urge to sit on the ground and weep?

  Because you’ve got no one but the housekeeper to comfort you.

  Her parents’ extremely busy social life meant Aurora was often left home alone with only the servants for company. Like tonight. Mama had invited her along but, tired after a long day and nursing the remains of a headache, Aurora had opted to stay home and turn in early. Most times, Aurora could bear the loneliness, content with the companionship of her cat.

  Petunia!

  Alarm rushed through Aurora. Had her pet been injured?

  She ran back toward the house, only to be barred by two firemen coming out from the foyer. “You can’t go in there, miss. Not until the chief gives the all-clear.”

  “But my cat . . . I have to find her.”

  “We can’t let you risk injury for an animal.”

  She tried to duck around them, but they remained immutable. “Please, she’s very important to me. . . .” Tears choked her airway as she imagined her dearest companion lying unconscious somewhere in the house, overcome by smoke.

  “Miss Hastings? Is someone else inside?” A frowning Gabe Montgomery appeared at her side.

  A wave of relief swept through her at a dizzying pace. “It’s my cat. Please. I have to find her.”

  He put a gloved hand on her shoulder. The sturdy weight of it steadied Aurora’s nerves.

  “I’m sure she got out. Most animals instinctively find an escape route in a fire.”

  “But she sleeps in my room. The door was closed until you came. What if she’s trapped and she’s in trouble?” The thought of her dear pet perishing from the smoke was more than she could bear. Tears slipped down her cheeks. “Please, you have to make sure she’s all right.”

  A frown creased Gabe’s forehead under his helmet. He glanced around and then blew out a breath. “I’ll go back if you promise to stay here.”

  He seemed so impossibly large in his fire gear. Large and safe and trustworthy. She nodded and wrapped her arms more firmly around her middle. “I promise.”

  Mrs. Forrester appeared. “I’ll stay with her, sir.”

  He started off, but paused. “What does the cat look like? Please tell me it’s not all black.” The soot on his face added a comedic touch to his pained expression.

  For a moment, despite her anxiety, Aurora was tempted to giggle. “She’s pure white, so she’ll be easy to spot.”

  He grinned. “That’s good news. I’ll be back.” He bounded off before she could catch her breath.

  “My, isn’t he a charmer?” Mrs. Forrester sighed. “If that’s how they make them in Ireland, maybe I should book my passage on the next ship.”

  Aurora gave a nervous laugh, swiping the remaining moisture from her cheeks. Though still worried, she felt a huge weight had been lifted. For some reason, she trusted Gabe to find Petunia.

  Aurora paced in front of the house as she waited, praying for their safety. Considering how many rooms the home contained, it could take ages to go through the whole building. Would Gabe really do that?

  At last, he strode out the front door, a disheveled ball of fur in his arms.

  “You found her!” She rushed forward to gather Petunia into her arms, burying her face in the cat’s fur, which reeked of smoke. The stunned creature trembled, but once in Aurora’s arms, seemed to settle.

  Aurora looked up at Gabe. Three streaks of blood dripped from his cheek. “Did she do that?”

  He gave a rueful grin. “Miss Petunia wasn’t too happy with the idea of coming out from under your bed.”

  Aurora shifted the cat to one arm. “I’m so sorry. She must have been terrified. Normally she’s very friendly.” She reached out to gently wipe away a streak of blood with her thumb. “Thank you. That was above and beyond the call of duty.”

  He grinned, and two dimples appeared under the soot. “Haven’t you heard that firemen are required to rescue cats? It’s in the training manual.”

  A laugh escaped before she could check herself. And for th
e first time in a long, long while, Aurora didn’t feel so alone.

  9

  MR. MONTGOMERY will see you now.” Mrs. Taft, a tall, austere-looking woman, led Adam along the carpeted hallway of St. Rita’s Orphan Asylum.

  Adam had been stunned when Rylan had called John’s church and asked to see him. What could his brother-in-law want? Remembering the way Rylan had dragged Maggie out of the barn away from him, it didn’t give him a great deal of hope for this meeting.

  Adam fingered his cap and kept pace with Mrs. Taft, taking in the tasteful décor with some surprise. He’d expected an orphanage to be rather stark and uninviting, not as cheery and welcoming as this.

  When they reached a door marked Director, Mrs. Taft gave a brief knock, announced Adam’s arrival, and then retreated down the hall.

  Adam tugged on the hem of his wool vest and hoped his hair wasn’t too unruly. Memories of the first time he’d met his distant cousin came rushing back. Rylan, who’d been studying to become a priest before he’d met Colleen, had been gracious, affable, and nonjudgmental. Adam breathed a quiet prayer that he would still harbor the lessons of his Christian training and would be able to forgive Adam’s past. So much of his future relationship with Colleen would hinge on Rylan’s attitude.

  Adam stepped into a comfortable room lined with bookcases and wooden cabinets. Rylan sat behind a large mahogany desk, sun streaming in from the window behind him.

  He looked up with a slight smile. “Adam. Thanks for coming. Please sit down.”

  “You wanted to see me?” Adam took a seat on the wooden guest chair.

  Rylan folded his hands on the desktop. “Yes. Colleen tells me that your job at Irish Meadows didn’t work out.”

  Though said without rancor, Rylan’s words still stung. Adam kept his gaze even. “No surprise really, given my history with my father.”

  Rylan nodded. “I won’t begin to judge your relationship with James. That’s between the two of you. However, Colleen has asked if we might have a job for you here.”

  Though it galled him to have to beg for work, Adam swallowed his pride. He would do whatever necessary to ensure he never set foot in a prison again. “I’ll take whatever work I can get.”

  Rylan studied him, mild curiosity in his gaze. “What about this church where you’re staying? Are you working there?”

  Adam clasped his hands together over his knees. “I’m doing repair jobs in return for lodging. Reverend McNabb was a great mentor to me during my time in prison. He’s helping with my transition back into society.”

  “I’m glad you have a friend looking out for you.” Rylan’s brown eyes remained sympathetic. The fact that Adam sensed no animosity in Rylan came as a big relief.

  Rylan picked up an ink pen and tapped it on the desktop. A frown creased his forehead. “Colleen has put me in a difficult position with her request. I have a responsibility here, not only to the children, but to the nuns, the staff, and the volunteers, as well.”

  A sinking sensation settled in Adam’s stomach as his optimism faded. “I understand. No one wants an ex-con around.” He pushed up from the uncomfortable chair, anxious to be out in the open, free from the confines of the room. “Thank you for speaking with me, Rylan. And thank Colleen for me.” He moved around the chair toward the door.

  “Wait. You didn’t let me finish.”

  Adam paused, then turned to face Rylan, who came out from behind the desk.

  “As a Christian, I’m a firm believer in God’s unconditional forgiveness—and in second chances. To that end, I have a compromise in mind, one I hope will suit both our needs.”

  Adam swallowed, afraid to allow the bubble of hope to rise. “What sort of compromise?”

  “Our caretaker, Mr. Smith, is getting on in years and can’t do a lot of the heavy work, especially the outdoor maintenance. If you’d be willing to do odd jobs as needed, doing your best to stay away from the children and the staff, then I think we could work something out.”

  A dizzying wave of relief sped through Adam’s system. With the income from the orphanage, he might be able to get back on his feet much quicker than expected. “That would be more than fair. Thank you for your generosity.”

  He held out his hand, hoping Rylan would accept it.

  Rylan made no move toward him. “One more thing. I have to ask you to stay away from Maggie. I won’t risk her reputation being ruined. Do I have your word?”

  Adam’s chest constricted at the thought of Maggie’s lovely face. Though it pained him to admit it, Rylan was right. Adam had nothing to offer such an amazing woman. He released a slow breath. “Agreed.”

  Rylan moved forward then and shook his hand. “Come back tomorrow and I’ll have a list of jobs to be done.”

  It was more than Adam had ever dared hope. “Thank you, Rylan. I appreciate it.”

  As Adam retraced his steps down the hall of the orphanage, elation warred with disappointment. He lifted a quick prayer for the fortitude to keep his promise to Rylan, yet in order to do so, he would have to stay far away from the tempting Miss Maggie.

  Gabe stuffed his hands in the pockets of his trousers as he turned onto Madison Avenue. The sudden attack of nerves told him this might not be the smartest thing he’d ever done. In all likelihood, Chief Witherspoon would object to Gabe’s impromptu visit to the Hastingses’ manor. Yet back home, if one of their neighbors had suffered a fire, the whole community would have come together with enough food to feed the British army and all other sorts of care packages for the victims. Surely it wasn’t out of the ordinary for him to go by and check on the state of the house . . . and its occupants?

  The mere thought of seeing Aurora again quickened Gabe’s pulse. Though he’d met her but twice, it was more than her breathtaking beauty that had captured Gabe’s attention. Her sweet demeanor, the way she loved her family, worried about her cat, and showed concern for her housekeeper only added to her appeal.

  The image of Brigid’s cunning green eyes and sharp tongue came to mind. Her flirtatious ways, ones Gabe had mistakenly believed to be solely for his benefit, had flattered his ego. But nothing about Brigid’s fickle affections and brash kisses could compare to the genteel, refined Miss Hastings. He could barely remember what Brigid looked like—because now when he closed his eyes, all he saw was Aurora.

  For the first time since leaving home, Gabe experienced a twinge of regret over having to return to Ireland at the end of the summer. If he were able to stay longer, he might have time to see if something would develop between them. His steps slowed as he reached Aurora’s home and once again took in its grandeur. Reality became a cold splash of water. What manner of fool was he? A girl of Aurora’s wealth and cultured upbringing would want nothing to do with a poor firefighter from a tiny Irish village.

  He ran his fingers over the coins inside his pocket. Their familiar jingle calmed his nerves. He was here to do the neighborly thing, nothing more. He’d inquire as to everyone’s health and then head back to the station. If the chief had no need of him today, he’d see if Rylan could use a hand at the orphanage.

  Before he lost his nerve, Gabe climbed the stairs to the front door and clapped the brass knocker.

  Seconds later, the housekeeper answered the door, her face smudged with dirt. Gabe stared in surprise, sure this was not the normal manner in which the woman presented herself to callers.

  “Hello, I’m Gabriel Montgomery, one of the firemen from last night.”

  She smiled, dirt creasing her cheeks. “I remember you, Mr. Montgomery. I’m Mrs. Forrester, the Hastingses’ housekeeper. I’m glad to have the chance to thank you again in person.”

  Gabe shifted on the doorstep. “No need for thanks, ma’am. We were only doing our job.”

  “You have no idea how you saved my sanity. I’d have never forgiven myself if anything had happened to Miss Aurora. I just couldn’t brave the smoke to go up those stairs.” Her chin began to wobble.

  “That’s a very common reaction to the t
hreat of fire. Nothing to be ashamed of.” He cleared his throat, still a bit raw from the smoke. “Would Miss Hastings be home by any chance?”

  The woman shook her head. “As you can tell, we’re in the process of cleaning the debris from the kitchen, and Mr. Hastings moved the family to a hotel until they head out to their summer home on Long Island.”

  Gabe drew in a full breath, half relieved and half disappointed that he wouldn’t see Aurora after all. “Well . . . I just wanted to make sure she suffered no ill effects.”

  Mrs. Forrester smiled. “Not at all. Miss Aurora’s right as rain. Even that pesky cat is fine.”

  Gabe laughed. “Please convey my best wishes to the family. Good day to you.” He tipped his cap to the woman and slowly retraced his steps back to the fire station, determined to put Aurora out of his mind. Perhaps the good Lord was sending him a message. If so, it was probably better that he didn’t see her again.

  The station, normally a hubbub of activity, seemed unnaturally quiet as he made his way toward the chief’s office at the rear of the building. He’d raised his hand to knock when a feminine voice met his ears.

  “I wanted to come by and personally commend Mr. Montgomery for his bravery last night.”

  Gabe’s pulse kicked up a notch. Aurora Hastings sat across from Chief Witherspoon’s desk, hands clasped daintily on her lap, a covered basket at her feet.

  “I appreciate the sentiment, Miss Hastings. However, I’m afraid Mr. Montgomery violated proper procedures—”