Dr. Orton’s gaze lingered over the congregation, as well. Was he also surveying his prospects? He had an advantage over Marjorie, since he already knew which of these ladies were single.
The final song ended, and the family moved out of the pew. Marjorie turned just in time to see Mrs. Scott marching up the aisle, pushing aside anyone who stood in her way.
Marjorie couldn’t hide her groan.
Mrs. Scott pointed her finger at Marjorie. “What kind of example are you? Falling asleep in church.”
“Laura was awake all night—”
“Excuses, excuses—”
“Laura is teething,” Dr. Orton said in Marjorie’s defense as he stepped out of the pew with Petey in his arms. “And Miss Maren was put to work immediately after her long journey. I imagine she’s exhausted.”
Marjorie blinked up at him in surprise. He wasn’t angry at her lack of propriety during the service?
Mrs. Scott appeared to ignore Dr. Orton as she turned to the young woman walking up the aisle behind her in a black mourning gown. “Dora, what is taking you so long?”
The young lady looked exactly like the picture Marjorie had seen of Anna Orton, although Miss Dora Scott was probably ten years younger than Anna.
“Hello, John,” Dora said with a gentle smile. She put her gloved hand under Lilly’s chin, her cheeks filled with a healthy glow. “Hello, dear.”
Lilly wrapped her arms around her aunt’s waist, and Petey reached for her from Dr. Orton’s arms.
Dora took the little boy and snuggled him close.
“It’s nice to see you, Dora.” Dr. Orton smiled at his sister-in-law.
Dora turned her pretty blue eyes to Marjorie—eyes the exact shade of the children’s. “And you must be the new governess, Miss Maren.”
Marjorie extended her hand and Dora took it. “I’m pleased to meet you,” Marjorie said.
“We’re going to have a tea party.” Lilly clapped her hands. “And Miss Maren has said I will help her plan the whole event.”
“How nice,” Dora said. “You will have such fun. I love tea parties.”
“A tea party?” Mrs. Scott tsked. “How utterly ridiculous. Whoever heard of a governess hosting a tea party? What will people think, John? It would be one thing if you had a wife in the house to act as hostess—but the governess? People will think she’s taking on the role of mistress of your home.”
Marjorie’s chest filled with embarrassment. “I have no such intentions—”
“John, think of your reputation!” Mrs. Scott said. “Even now the ladies in the church are looking at this woman with disdain.” Mrs. Scott looked out the corner of her eye and lifted her nose. “I think it’s disgraceful.”
Marjorie’s eyes grew round and she opened her mouth to protest, but Dora laid her hand on Mrs. Scott’s arm.
“Mother, no one thinks such things.” Dora smiled at Marjorie. “I think it’s wonderful that you are teaching Lilly how to be a hostess. I, for one, would be honored to be a guest at such a fine party.”
Marjorie glanced at Dr. Orton to gauge his reaction to Dora. His demeanor had softened at her arrival. He watched her with a mixture of affection and appreciation.
“Of course Lilly will invite you to her tea party,” Dr. Orton said.
Lilly looked up at her aunt and grinned. “You’ll be my guest of honor.”
“What a wonderful privilege.” Dora squeezed Lilly’s shoulders. “I shall take great care with my appearance that day.”
Dr. Orton took Petey from his sister-in-law’s arms. “You always look beautiful.”
Dora looked up at Dr. Orton, her eyes shining. “Why, thank you, John.”
Marjorie glanced between them. Was he considering Dora for his next wife? It wouldn’t be uncommon for him to marry his wife’s sister—but Marjorie could already tell she was too much like Anna. Gentle, soft-spoken, compliant...
Mrs. Scott glared at Marjorie. Could she discern Marjorie’s thoughts?
“We must be off,” Dr. Orton said. “I was at the hospital all night and I need to sleep before my shift tonight.”
“You’re going back to work so soon?” Marjorie asked.
All eyes turned to her.
“Of course he is,” Mrs. Scott said. “My late husband was at the hospital more than he was at home.”
Marjorie wasn’t surprised.
“With the pandemic, we’re overburdened and understaffed,” Dr. Orton explained. “I will be working long hours. It’s one of the reasons I hired you to—”
“Don’t you dare explain yourself to her.” Mrs. Scott wagged her finger at Dr. Orton. “She’s your employee. Dora would never question you.”
The blush in Dora’s cheeks turned crimson, and Dr. Orton cleared his throat. He nudged his children toward their grandmother. “Say goodbye.”
Charlie, Lilly and Petey obediently kissed her wrinkled cheek, and then Dr. Orton and Dora began to walk down the aisle.
Mrs. Scott put her hand on Marjorie’s arm and stopped her. “I saw the way you eyed up John and Dora.” She narrowed her eyes, and her hand tightened on Marjorie’s arm. “I’m warning you not to intrude on their budding romance—do you hear me? John needs a woman like Dora, and the children need her, too.” She looked Marjorie up and down. “You, on the other hand, are completely unnecessary.”
Marjorie clenched her jaw. No one had ever talked to her in such a manner. “I’m sorry you feel that way, Mrs. Scott.”
“It’s clear you’re only here to secure John for yourself. I’m sure that’s why his mother sent you.”
Marjorie opened her mouth to deny the claim, but Mrs. Scott interrupted her.
“I’m watching you—don’t think you’ll get anything past me.”
Laura began to stir in Marjorie’s arms and she put the baby to her shoulder and bounced. Would Mrs. Scott discover the reason she had fled Chicago? There had been so many rumors flying about. Would they believe the lies? And if they did, would Dr. Orton allow her to stay, or would he put her on the next train out of town?
She swallowed the lump of apprehension growing in her throat. “Good day, Mrs. Scott.”
Marjorie walked down the aisle to join the Orton family, refusing to glance over her shoulder to see if Mrs. Scott was still glaring at her.
She needed to focus on meeting the other ladies in the church. If she only had until the end of the year with the Ortons, she had a lot to accomplish.
Dora turned to Marjorie. “Since you’re new to town, would you allow me to introduce you to some of my friends?”
“Oh, would you?” Marjorie couldn’t hide the appreciation from her voice.
“I’d be happy to.” Dora took Laura from Marjorie’s arms and handed the baby to Dr. Orton. “You go ahead with the children, John. Mother and I will bring Miss Maren home later.”
Dr. Orton’s face was lined with fatigue, but he took the baby without complaint.
“Maybe I should go home with Dr. Orton and allow him to rest instead,” Marjorie said, torn between meeting potential brides and offering the doctor a