Chapter 21
The Sully family sat around the dinner table with their new guest. Conversation was somewhat forced but they did the best they could and Ellie's uncle put on a good show himself.
"You'll have to forgive my surprise at your relation to Ellie earlier Mr. Coldwell." Michaela said.
"Yes, we would have thought that a man like yourself would have given his niece enough money to stay at the hotel on her visit." Sully commented accusingly. Sully and Mr. Coldwell exchanged cold looks.
Mr. Coldwell smiled though and said, "Well, she wanted to take a little vacation so I grudgingly agreed. I wanted to teach her some responsibility and Ellie was quite intent on being independent." He looked at Ellie and she simply looked right back at him knowing full well the lie flowing freely from him. Mr. Coldwell continued, "So, I told her I'd let her travel alone but she would have to pay her own way. Hopefully, she's learned a few good lessons from the experience. I wasn't too worried since I knew I was coming this way in a few weeks. And I figured she'd wire if she needed any assistance. Thank you for your kindness toward her. I am sorry if she has inconvenienced you."
"No, inconvenience at all Mr. Coldwell. Ellie is a special young woman." Sully said.
Ellie looked at her lap and blushed furiously. Mr. Coldwell cleared his throat uncomfortably. Brian had said little all night. He could tell something was not right. He watched Ellie carefully and saw that something was bothering her. She too had been quiet and her eyes didn't hold their usual sparkle.
Eventually Michaela got up to begin clearing the table. Sully assisted her. They stood near the sink and Sully placed a hand around Michaela's waist. She leaned on him and looking into his eyes she felt somewhat strengthened. She whispered, "He's a liar."
"I know."
They both knew the night was coming to an end, as was Ellie's stay with them.
"Well, I think it's time me and Ellie got back to the hotel for the night." Mr. Coldwell said rising from his chair.
"Ellie can continue to stay with us. It's not a problem. I am sure the children would love for her to stay. At least until the concert." Michaela offered trying to keep her voice from sounding desperate.
"No, I think we've bothered you enough. Besides, I'm not sure we'll be in town long enough to have the concert. I need to be getting back to Boston after I conclude my business here."
"But…" Ellie paled. She was interrupted by Brian.
"But we've been practicing and working so hard. The whole town is counting on it!" he exclaimed.
"Yes, Mr. Coldwell. Surely, you can extend your stay to accommodate the concert. Ellie has been working so hard to prepare for it." Michaela said.
"Well, we'll see. But I make no promises. She shouldn't have planed such a thing without consulting me. I thank you for dinner. Come on Ellie, I've some work to do before tomorrow."
"It's really no trouble having Ellie stay here." Michaela said.
Mr. Coldwell was loosing patience and said harshly, "Thank you but she is under my guardianship and I'll do as I think best."
Ellie looked at Michaela and shook her head as if to say it was no use arguing. Ellie put on a weak smile and hugged Michaela. "It's alright, thank you so much." she whispered. Ellie thanked Sully and as she shook his hand he covered hers with both of his. Ellie bent to say goodbye to Katie.
"But what about a story?" Katie asked.
With a genuine smile Ellie said, "I think it's your pa's turn tonight."
Rising she turned to Brian and said, "I'll see you tomorrow evening at the church to practice."
"Alright. What about lunch at Grace's?" Brian asked concerned.
"I…I'll try to make it but…"
"We really must be going Ellie." Her uncle interrupted her and nearly forced her out the door.
"Thank you again."
The Sully family watched as Ellie and her uncle climbed in the carriage and rode away.
"I don't like him." Brian said.
"Why couldn't she stay with us?" Katie asked.
They stood in silence for a time.
"Come on Katie. Time for bed sweetheart." Michaela took her daughters hand and led her back inside.