ladies.”
“Good evening, dear. Jake has offered to escort us all home.” Miss Maisie smiled at him. “He’s such a gentleman.”
“And so handsome, don’t you think?” Miss Janie chimed in. She held out a gloved hand, palm level with the floor. “I remember him as a little fellow in knee britches. Cute as a button, even way back then.”
Jake met her gaze, a sheepish look on his face. “Ladies?”
A blast of cold buffeted them when he swung the door open. The sun hung low over the horizon, barely peeking through heavy clouds. Livy wrapped her woolen scarf around her ears and the lower part of her face, already longing for the warmth of the parlor at the orphanage. Instead of letting the children sleep in their bedrooms upstairs, she and Mrs. Brooks were bedding everyone down on the first floor. They’d continue to do so until this severe cold snap lifted. They couldn’t afford to heat the whole house in this kind of weather.
“Watch your step now, Miss Maisie.” Jake helped the sisters down the steps and across the street, his hat angled to keep the wind off his exposed face and neck. Livy clutched her scarf close to her face.
“I’ll be fine, dear. Make sure Janie doesn’t fall. She’s been feeling poorly lately.”
“Really? I’m sorry to hear that.”
Livy shuddered. How he could stand the wind biting against his face? What about his scarf? Or maybe he didn’t think he needed one. She shook her head. Men.
“Oh, it’s nothing really. Just a few aches and pains.”
Miss Janie did look frail. Being out in this weather couldn’t be good for her. The sisters weren’t in the best of health, and Jake took his time making sure they arrived home safely. Livy positioned herself close behind Miss Janie so she could keep an eye on her. The sisters should have stayed inside tonight. They could have found out all they needed to know later.
Other than those hurrying home from the meeting, the streets were deserted. She spotted only a few merchants closing up shop. Sane people, or at least those fortunate enough to have a home, knew to stay in the warmth of their homes when the temperature dropped.
They neared the millinery shop, where the sisters lived and worked, and Miss Maisie asked, “How’s your mother doing these days, Jake?”
“She’s fine.”
“The poor dear. I know she misses your father. How long has it been?”
How long since what? Livy strained to hear the conversation over the gusting wind.
“Two years, ma’am.”
“Such a shame to lose him so young.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
What had happened to Jake’s father? The question begged to be asked, but Livy held her tongue. Jake’s clipped response indicated he didn’t want to elaborate.
Jake stopped in front of the shop. “Here you go, ladies.”
Miss Maisie fiddled with the door. “Confounded locks. In the old days we didn’t have to worry with such contraptions. No one would dare break in and steal something from their neighbors.”
Jake reached for the key and unlocked the door. “It’s a different world we live in, Miss Maisie.”
“It sure is.”
The sisters gave Livy a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. “Get this poor girl home, young man, before she freezes to death.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Jake offered Livy his arm, and they continued down the street at a much faster clip. He sidestepped a film of ice and held out his hand to help her across. “Be careful. It’s slippery.”
The wind picked up, and he hustled her the last few yards to the orphanage. Livy hurried around to the kitchen door to keep from tracking slush into the entryway. “Would you like a cup of coffee? It’s a long walk back to the jail.”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
Jake hung his hat on a peg, then warmed himself by the stove while she poured. After removing his gloves, Jake took the cup, his hands dwarfing it.
“I hope it’s not too strong.”
“It’s hot.” He closed his eyes and took a sip. “That’s good.”
She cradled hers, barely sipping the aromatic brew. “It’s awful, and you know it.”
He laughed. “It’s not that bad. You’ve never drunk Sheriff Carter’s.”
Livy shook her head, laughing. They sipped in silence for a moment. “Would you like some more?”
“Thank you.”
Jake held out his cup, and Livy’s fingers brushed against his as she took it. Her eyes flew up to his, and heat suffused her face. Livy jumped up and grabbed the coffeepot and poured. She slid the brew across the table, not wanting to risk touching him again.
“Do I make you