Cade's Justice. Pat Tracy

moved into the new school building, but you’ve lost everything.”

      “I’m aware of that, but—”

      “You can’t go through this alone.” Jayne worried her bottom lip. “I know I told you that I couldn’t afford to pay you a large enough salary to live on. That’s why the instructors I’ve hired are married women. If I put my mind to it though, I can find the extra money needed to secure a place for you on my staff.”

      Emma was painfully conscious of Gideon Cade’s speculative gaze as he listened to Jayne. “I won’t trade on our brief friendship. Besides, your own situation is too precarious to start taking in charity cases.”

      “Oh, Emma, I have to do something.” Tears filled her fellow teacher’s eyes. “No matter what happens, I want you to know you have a place with me.”

      “I’ll be fine.”

      “But what will you do? Where will you go?” Jayne wiped her eyes. “You don’t have any family to help you,” she continued, her voice choked with emotion. “You’re totally alone in the world.”

      Emma refused to meet Mr. Cade’s stare. It was one thing to receive Jayne’s genuine compassion, another to endure his pity.

      “Nonsense. I have you for a friend. Miss Hempshire will refer me to another employer, and…and…”

      And what? Should she add Duncan, stray mongrel and all-round rogue mutt, to her diminished list of worldly assets?

      “I have nothing to offer but room and board for your labors, Emma. If you can accept that, you’re hired. Don’t worry about the loss of your clothes. I’m a little taller than you, but we can take up my hems. As for your other possessions, I’ll loan you enough money to get by until…well, until the school begins producing an income.”

      At Jayne’s generosity, a feeling of expanding warmth filled Emma’s chest. But her friend was trying to get a fledgling business started. Emma knew the offer of a loan, along with room and board, would be too great a burden to manage.

      Emma blinked back threatening tears. She couldn’t jeopardize Jayne’s chance for success. “You’re too generous for your own good. We both know the charity you’re offering would put too great a strain on your resources.”

      “It’s not charity,” Jayne said hastily. “You’re a wonderful teacher! I’ve wanted you on my staff from the beginning, just as I wanted you for a partner. All the fire did was…hasten things a bit.”