“We shall strive to draw out more of those smiles,” Mrs. Penn said. “And now, I think it is time for you to take a long bath and relax a bit. I bought you a dress. I hope you like it.”
I froze. She’d bought something for me? Again, my eyes glanced at Officer Krugle. Had he authorized that? Would I be beholden to him?
Mrs. Penn took out another parcel and unwrapped a full length, baby blue dress. It was beautiful and NEW. I’d always worn hand-me-downs, most of them faded and badly treated. Like the boys, the shock of Mrs. Penn giving me such a present, made my jaw drop, and my mouth gape open.
Embarrassingly, my eyes watered.
“It’s lovely, Mrs. Penn, but I can’t take it,” I said. My voice cracked, and I swatted at tears. My nose started running, and I was wishing I’d taken one of the rags I’d found in the basement, so I’d have something for such a moment. I remembered how several house owners had scolded me for not carrying a hankie, never realizing that I didn’t have one, and it was my fault for spending every coin on Frey’s needs instead of something practical like that.
Officer Krugle handed me a small cloth, the kind meant especially for dealing with sniffles. I took it and thanked him, even more discomfited. Why were they being so nice to me?
I used the cloth, then wadded it up in my hand. I hadn’t reached out for the dress, as much as I’d wanted to. Neither of them, apparently understood such things. I guessed I’d have to explain.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Penn, but I don’t have any money. I can’t afford a dress like that, well, any dress, at the moment, and I don’t have any idea when I could pay you back.”
I turned to make my escape before they said something that would shame me further, but Mrs. Penn’s hand flew out to grab my elbow. “Nonsense, girl. We have more or less hired you to take care of those boys. You have to have something suitable to wear. I will not hear any more excuses. Now, go get cleaned up. Frank and I will fix something for all of us to eat. You take your time, Shama. When the boys come out, we’ll watch them.”
“There are books and toys up in the attic,” I offered, hoping the officer would volunteer to bring them down.
“Frank will get them,” Mrs. Penn said, as if the man was a servant she could order around.