Hester's Hope

hired to care for the children walked out on me this morning and I was desperate. Your niece kindly stepped in and has done a remarkable job with both Beverly and Jonas.” Cecil cleared his throat. “I am doubling her pay.”
“Is this true?” Hyke looked down at Hester who grinned.
“Yes, uncle, it is. The children are going to be worried about my absence, so please go home and I’ll see you later.”
Hyke reluctantly let Hester go. The girl was dear to him, and he already felt that he had let her down losing his job. It wasn’t his fault that the factory had burned, or that the owner had mortgaged it so heavily that they couldn’t even hope to rebuild.
“Actually, Mr. Johnson, why don’t you go downstairs and have something to eat,” Cecil suggested. “I’m sure Mrs. August will find something for you then once Miss Johnson has the children cared for you can take her home with you.”
Hyke looked between Hester and the young man, but he nodded. He would feel better being in the house where he could help if he was needed. “I agree,” he finally nodded. “Hester you come right to me as soon as you’re done.”
Hester leaned over placing a kiss on her uncle’s cheek. “I will, now go.” Without another word she hurried from the room, Cecil stalking after her on long strides.
“We thought you’d left,” Beverly whispered as Hester was helped back to her seat. “Where did you go?”
Hester smiled down at the girl, pushing a strand of russet hair over her shoulder. “I’ll explain soon,” she promised. “At least I got back in time for dessert,” she added with a bright smile.
Across the table, Jonas yawned and Hester could see that the busy day and excitement was getting to him. Shooting him a wink that garnered her a grin, she lifted her fork delicately and began to enjoy the luscious cake that had been placed before her. It had been a long, taxing day, and she would be happy to get the children to bed and see an end to it. Her nerves were jangled beyond repair, and she longed for the comfort of her own chair and a hot cup of tea.
Looking up she caught Mr. Payton studying her and was surprised by the appreciation in his eyes. Would she have a job in the morning? Would she and Hyke be trying to find another position when the sun came up? She hoped not, her eyes drifting back to the two children who had lived up to every expectation she had set. In one short day, both of the little ruffians had become dear to her, and she hoped she wouldn’t have to say good-bye.

Chapter 6
“Hester,” Jonas yawned as she guided the boy to his room. “Will you put Hebbie in his box for me?” The boy’s hand dropped into the pocket of his dinner jacket pulling out a small coiled snake and placing it in her hand.
Hester bit her lip, holding back the gasp that rose in her throat as the cool, smooth skin of the snake met her palm. “Has this been in your pocket all night?” she asked looking for something that might be a home for the creature.
“Sure, Hebbie’s my friend.” Jonas stripped out of his clothing with no sign of modesty and reached for the night shirt tossed over at chair.
Hester shivered as she lowered the little snake into a large jar partly filled with twigs and rocks. She could only imagine what would have happened if the snake had gotten out of the Jonas’s pocket during dinner. Was it any wonder the household couldn’t keep anyone willing to look after the children? How many times had the presence of the tiny snake been enough to send someone packing?
Helping the boy into his nightshirt, Hester took his hand and smiled. “You did great today,” she said brushing his hair from his eyes. “Now come and we’ll say our prayers.”
The door opened and Beverly slipped inside, the ruffles of her white night gown brushing her bare feet. “I thought you were going to help me with my dress,” she said accusingly.
“I’m sorry, apparently Hebbie needed my help first,” Hester smiled.
“You met Hebbie?” The girl’s eyes went wide. “And you’re still here?”
“I did,” Hester grinned. “He seems to be happy to be back in his jar where he belongs. I’m sure he isn’t thrilled to be stuffed into Jonas’s pocket.” Hester shot a significant look at the boy in question. “Now come say your prayers.”
Beverly stared at Hester for a long moment but didn’t move. “Why would I do that?”
“Because God has given you another day on this earth with people you love. You’ve had enough to eat, a warm bed to sleep in and much to be thankful for.”
The young girl shrugged walking to the bed where Hester helped both Bev and Jonas kneel. Sitting still for several seconds as the children closed their eyes and folded their hands, Hester ordered her thoughts, thinking of all the things to be thankful for as she lifted her voice in prayer.
Cecil edged the door open a crack, startled as he watched the young woman kneel by the bed with Bev and Jonas and something turned over in his heart. Somehow the unassuming Hester Johnson had pulled off something he never would have expected possible tonight. Even now she was seeing to the needs of his small kin in a way he had never considered. She must be exhausted. Miss Johnson had gone from scullery to nursery in a matter of minutes then been compelled to join his unruly charges to a fancy dinner.
Stepping away from the door Cecil was certain of one thing; he needed to find a way to convince Miss Johnson to stay. He needed to insure that she would be there for the children he had no idea how to raise.
***
Hester closed the door after putting the children to bed. It had been