To Honor and Trust Read Online Free Page B

but it is also a time to instill proper values. Callie takes care of educating the children. They are fluent in both French and English, and they have been equally successful in their other educational skills, as well.” She beamed at Callie. “That, of course, is due to Callie’s excellent example and dedicated efforts. The children are quite fond of her, yet she sets high standards for them.”
    Maude reached over and patted Callie’s arm. “Good for you, Callie. Sounds like the missus might be preparing to give you an increase in pay.”
    Callie smiled at the older woman. Somehow, this meeting had gone off the rails and Mrs. Bridgeport was having difficulty getting it back on track.
    â€œI was attempting to make a point that children frequently learn by following the example of others. For instance, when Callie instructs the children to speak in French, she reinforces her request by conversing with them in French.”
    Wide-eyed, Maude turned toward Callie. “You speak French, do ya? That’s mighty impressive. Maybe I could learn a few words if ya have time to teach me.” She tipped her headto the side and looked at Mrs. Bridgeport. “To see someone old as me learning to speak French might set a good example for the children, don’t ya think?”
    Mrs. Bridgeport withdrew a handkerchief from her pocket and blotted her forehead. “Let’s not worry about French lessons at the moment, Maude. As the children’s nanny, you are the one charged with making certain they are cared for and properly groomed. Unless they are in classes with Callie, the children are under your supervision. To that end, your appearance is very important.” She inhaled a deep breath. “You will provide a much better example for the children if your hair is properly arranged and your clothing is clean and pressed.”
    Maude traced her hand down the wrinkled skirt. “My things have been packed, and I’ll see to pressing them first thing, Missus. I doubt I have dresses that will meet the standards you might be expectin’. I hit a spot of hard times and didn’t have money for new dresses and such.”
    â€œDear me, I am sorry to hear you’ve been through difficult circumstances, Maude.” Mrs. Bridgeport’s face turned as pink as the roses that bloomed in her garden each summer. “I want you to come with me to Biscayne at the end of the week, and we’ll find some suitable clothing for you. Had I known of your situation, I would have sent money in advance for you to purchase whatever you needed.”
    Maude’s face lit up like candles on a Christmas tree. She touched a hand to her unkempt hair and leaned a little closer to Callie. “Maybe you can show me how to fix my hair a little more proper. Since it turned gray a few years ago, it’s become wiry and hard to manage. I pin it down, but in no time it pops from beneath the pins like corn exploding over a hot fire.”
    Callie smiled. “I’ll see if there’s a style we can develop that might be easier for you to manage.”
    Mrs. Murphy scooted back on the cushioned chair and rested her arms across her waist. “That’s mighty thoughtful of you.”
    Mrs. Bridgeport’s features tightened. “Surely you know how to fashion hair, Mrs. Murphy. Our nannies have always styled our daughters’ hair, and I assumed that since you had worked as a nanny for Mrs. Winslow, you would know how to fashion and care for the children’s hair and clothing.”
    â€œOh, I can take care of the children just fine—unless they have some of this wiry gray hair like my own.” She cackled and slapped her leg as though she’d found great humor in her own comment.
    Clearly this was not the nanny Mrs. Bridgeport had expected, yet Callie remained certain the woman possessed fine attributes. Why else would she have come so highly recommended? Still, Maude’s