Hope leaned across Emma, as she, too, tried to get a glimpse.
Emma had inherited their mother’s green eyes and their father’s dark hair, but Hope had been blessed with the opposite. She had eyes as blue as Papa’s and hair the same honey-colored hue as Mama. She was only a year younger than Emma and was as opposite in personality as she was in looks. Mama always said Emma tended to be serious and astute, but Hope was lighthearted and as changeable as the weather. Emma knew exactly what she wanted in life, but Hope was blissfully content to let each day flit away with little direction. The only two things her sister was truly passionate about were playing piano, which she did every Sunday in church, and seeking a husband so she wouldn’t be an old maid—though she was only eighteen.
“I’ve heard all the Hart brothers are tall and handsome,” Hope said breathlessly. “And not one of them is married. Papa said Hays Hart brought you home the other day.”
“I’d rather not talk about Hays Hart.” Emma would rather not face him again, either. She had quickly glanced at him in church earlier that morning, but she had spent the rest of the time avoiding him. It wasn’t hard to do, since it was their first week at the new church and everyone wanted to meet the Longley family.
“Would you like me to talk to Mr. Hart about donating money for the new school building?” Papa asked Emma as he secured the reins to the dashboard.
Emma shook her head. “No, thank you.”
“It’s up to you.” Papa exited the surrey to help Mama. “But I believe you could save yourself a lot of time and effort if you simply ask him.”
It would be simple, but in the end, it wouldn’t be the best thing for the town or the school.
David helped Emma step down from the surrey and then offered his hand to Hope.
The front door opened, and Hays strode out to meet them, his dimpled grin flashing. “Welcome to El Regalo.”
Emma steadied herself with a deep breath.
A cowboy appeared from around the corner of the massive house, and Emma recognized him as the man who had helped Hays hang posters.
“Gage, please see to Reverend Longley’s horses.”
The young man nodded, stepped into the surrey, and drove it away, but not before catching Hope’s eye. She waved at the cowboy and watched until he disappeared from the direction he had come.
“The family is waiting for you in the parlor,” Hays said as Emma and her family followed him through the front doors, past a small vestibule, and into a long, narrow grand foyer.
Emma blinked to see the magnificence of the interior. She had not expected something so fine. Rich walnut trim, plush carpeting up the wide stairs, extravagant chandeliers dangling from the tin ceiling—everywhere she set her eyes, she was rewarded with opulence.
“We meet every week for Sunday dinner.” Hays spoke to Mama as he motioned to a door on the right. “It was a tradition my mother started years ago when she was a young bride. Even though she’s been gone over twelve years now, Pa is still faithful to her memory and the tradition.”
“How nice,” Mama said. “I hope we’re not intruding on your family meal.”
“Not in the least.” Hays offered her his elbow. “Sunday dinner almost always includes guests.”
Hays pushed open two heavy doors and a beautiful parlor came into view.
GW Hart stood near the fireplace. When the Longleys entered the room, he walked toward them and extended his hand to Papa. “Welcome to El Regalo.”
Emma had been introduced to him at church earlier, but here, in his impressive home, he seemed larger than life and every bit the king of his domain. His white hair was cut short, and a well-trimmed beard lined his weathered face—but under the wrinkles and whiskers, Emma caught a glimpse of the younger man. His blue eyes, so much like Hays’s, were filled with determination and purpose, and his gaze reflected a keen observation.
Four other men rose from their places around the room. It was obvious these men were brothers. They all shared the same dark hair and a variation of blue or brown eyes—yet their similarities went deeper than their looks. Maybe it was a sense of confidence they shared or the same determination she saw in GW.
All but one of them had been in church, though Emma hadn’t realized they were Hart men.
“Reverend and Mrs. Longley, I believe you met most of my boys today,” GW said, “but let me introduce them to the rest of your family.”
“Yes, of course.” Papa stepped aside to allow everyone into the room.
GW gestured to the first one on his left. “This is my oldest son, Austin.”
Austin nodded a greeting and shook Papa’s hand, his black hair falling over his forehead at the motion. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope you’ve found Hartville to your liking.”