Hester's Hope

outing of the winner’s choice.”
“Uncle Cecil will be too busy,” Beverly said now toying with the food on her plate. “Father was always too busy to go out with us.”
“I’m sure that your uncle will find the time to go with you if we make a plan. Isn’t that right Mr. Payton?” Hester again captured the man’s eyes waiting until he nodded.
Beverly smiled brightly. “Papa never had time to go anywhere with us then when he did go out, he only ever took Mama. There are so many things I’d love to see in the city. Shall I write them down?” The girl turned to Hester, pleading in her eyes.
“Then it’s settled,” Hester said. “We’ll make a plan together. I’m sure there is much that Mr. Payton has never seen here in the city as well.”
“Can we go to the zoo?” Jonas piped. “I want to see all the snakes they have there.”
Cecil laughed at the boy’s enthusiasm. It might be interesting going to the zoo and seeing the strange animals collected there. He wondered what manner of beasts would be on display, curious, yet troubled by the idea of wild things caged.
All too keenly, Cecil Payton felt the restraints of the gilded cage he now lived in. He had responsibilities here, and there was little he could do to escape, but perhaps he could make the best of what he had available, creating a life, if not happy, than at least tolerable.
Hester finished her breakfast, wondering how her own uncle was getting on with his new job. He had been taken to his room on the top floor by one of the doormen on arrival, and she hadn’t seen him since. She hoped that he had comfortable accommodations, and that she would see him soon.
Noting that the children had finished eating Hester finished her tea and stood. “It’s time to begin,” she smiled. “We’ll start by making a list of the things we need then organizing our chart.”
“I’m sure it won’t be easy to find all of the things we need to make a beginning,” she smiled nodding as Jonas puffed out his chest. “I believe that will be our first task.
“I’ll find anything you need,” he boasted. “I know everything about this house.”
“Do not,” Bev shot back.
“Do too,” Jonas’s voice grew louder.
“Come,” Hester laughed. “We need pencil and paper. Who can get that first?”
The children dashed from the room racing to who knew where as Hester headed for the door.
“So that’s your secret?” Cecil said. “You’ve got them competing.”
“They need something to do,” Hester said. “Even children need to feel that they are loved and have a reason for living. You have two very bright and able children there Mr. Payton. I’ll do my best to help them understand that.”
Cecil nodded, pondering her words as the young woman walked out the door. He had been so preoccupied with trying to live up to his brother’s responsibilities; he had let the children go their own way.
It was time to do something about that.

Chapter 8
“I feel like an organ grinder's monkey,” Hyke grumbled as Hester helped him with his bow tie. “I don’t know anything about being a butler.”
“You’ll do fine,” Hester grinned. “This could be the answer to our prayers. We have a roof over our head, a full belly, and people who need us to work for them.”
Hyke dropped his chin looking down on his niece. “You’re a good girl Hester,” he said patting her shoulders. “I hope you can manage those children. They seem a bit touchy.”
“Don’t worry Uncle,” Hester replied. “I have a plan in place. Those children are bored.” She grinned brightly, “Spoiled, but bored. They need something to keep them busy. I can’t imagine being idle for so long.”
“I hope you’re right.” Hyke’s dark eyes reflected doubt, but he said no more.
“Stop worrying,” Hester tugged her uncle’s cuffs straight then took his arm. “It will all work out. You’ll see.”
By the end of the week, Hester and the children had established a routine. Each morning they worked on lessons that had piled high over the past few weeks, but in the afternoon, they would go outside and play, enjoying the warming weather of spring.
At first it was a simple stroll in the garden at the back of the house, but soon they were exploring the larger parks in the city as well. Both children looked forward to the outings, but what they were truly working for was a trip to the zoo and the botanical gardens. Both Beverly and Jonas had setbacks, which cost them a point here and there, but for the most part they were doing their best to win the prize they had their hearts set upon.
Hester’s chart, clearly marked out with stars to indicate a job well done, or crosses for jobs unfinished, kept track of the days and a week after she had joined the household. The children could gain points for an accomplishment, or lose one for a thoughtless act, impertinence, or tantrum. It seemed like no time at all until they were preparing to make the trip. Beverly had reached her goal first, but when Jonas broke down in tears, she said she would rather go to the zoo than the gardens. She was prepared to wait for that trip if necessary.
“You both need to stay close to me,” Hester chided as they donned coats and hats. “I don’t want anyone getting lost.” She turned bright eyes on Jonas meeting his gaze. “Is Hebbie in his jar?” she asked placing hands on hips.
“Yes,” the boy said a smile on his face.
Hester studied the innocent face and shook her head. “Upstairs, now.” Her right hand pointed up the stairs as the boy dropped his head pulling his pet snake from his pocket and frowning as Hester followed him to his room, watching closely that the little snake was safe in its jar before they traipsed back down to the entry hall.
Today was a big day