Frances sighed. “Eddie, we have no right to discuss Reverend Diller behind his back. I’m sure he has a good reason for whatever he says or does.”
After a pause, Eddie said, “There’s somethin’ else. At the last depot stop, Reverend Diller went into the office and sent a telegram.”
“There’s nothing wrong about sending a telegram,” Frances said, but her mind was whirling. Her headache was worse. How she longed for a cup of hot peppermint tea!
“Should we try to find out what he’s up to?” Eddie asked.
Frances spoke firmly. “No, Eddie,” she said. “We must not pry into Reverend Diller’s life.”
Eddie looked at her sharply, and Frances realized that her words had sounded unconvincing—even to her. It was important to follow the advice she’d given Eddie—to stop and think before acting. “This is no time to try to make decisions,” she said. “We’re both tired. While we have a chance, let’s get some sleep.”
Eddie nodded agreement, seemingly content that Frances was keeping an open mind. He left her side as silently as he had come.
This is all nonsense, Frances told herself. Seth’s actions are none of my business. She rubbed her temples with her fingertips, but try as she would she couldn’t relax. She was afraid that something was terribly wrong.
She drifted into sleep, and when she awoke Seth was at her side, one elbow propped on the back of the seat so that he could face her.
“You were staring at me,” she accused. “I felt it.”
He grinned. “I admit it. You’re mighty pretty to look at.”
As Frances self-consciously tried to tuck stray strands of hair back into place, Seth said, “I wish we could have some quiet time together, without all these children wantin’ your attention.”
“Seth,” Frances said, “I was hired to care for these children. They have first claim on me.”
“I’m glad no one else does,” he said. “Have a claim on you, I mean.”
Frances gulped. This conversation had gone far beyond playful teasing. “Seth, be serious,” she said.
He smiled. “I am serious. You’re an interestin’ woman, Frances. You’re sweet and kind, but I think you secretly love adventure and excitement.”
“Really!” Frances began, but Seth continued.
“I mean it. Cookin’ and washin’ and cleanin’—that’s not enough for you.”
“Seth,” Frances said firmly, “let’s talk about something else.”
“I’d rather talk about you,” he said, “and about us gettin’ to know each other better. After this trip is over and you’re back home in Kansas …”
One of the children let out a wail, and Frances jumped to her feet.
“See what I mean?” Seth said. “There’s so much I want to tell you. There’s so much to talk about. I’m willin’ to wait until this trip is over.”
“But—” Frances said.
Seth interrupted. “Don’t worry about my findin’ you. That part will be easy. Wherever you go, Frances, I’ll be able to find you.”
11
THE NEXT MORNING, after their first stop, Eddie sidled up to Frances, who was helping little Nelly with a tangled tie on her bloomers. He thrust a folded section of newspaper at her and whispered, “Page four. Read it.” He jerked his head in Seth’s direction and added, “But not when the preacher’s around.”
As Frances stared at the newspaper while smoothing down Nelly’s skirts, Eddie said, “I didn’t steal it.”
“I didn’t think you had,” Frances assured him. “You’re a fine boy, Eddie, and you’re too smart to steal.”
Eddie looked surprised. “Nobody’s ever called me a fine boy,” he said. “You believe that, do you?”
“Yes, Eddie, I do,” Frances told him.
“I like newspapers,” Eddie said. “Especially newspapers from New York City. Reminds me of what I left behind. So when I saw this gentleman gettin’ ready to board back at the last depot, and knew he was goin’ to throw away a perfectly good copy of today’s paper, I up and asked him for it. Then I read through it and …”
Eddie glanced at the back of the car again. “Better tuck that paper out of sight. The preacher will be here to talk to you soon. He sure spends a lot of time with you.”
Wondering how much Eddie might have overheard the night before, Frances found herself uncomfortably trying to explain. “Reverend Diller needs someone to talk to—just as you do,” she said.