A Gentleman's Daughter: A sweet, clean historical romance (Sisters of the Revolution Book 1) by Diana Davis

Author:Diana Davis [Davis, Diana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, American History
Publisher: Daughters of Columbia Books
Published: 2020-06-28T22:00:00+00:00

Cassandra jolted awake when the coach came to a stop. The ride over the rutted streets outside of town and the pebbled street within the city limits was anything but comfortable, but the warmth of the afternoon and simply being off her feet had lulled her to sleep.

She tapped Helen’s knee, waking her as well, and they dragged themselves into the house. The Kaufmann family had been terribly grateful for their help, and their little girls had been much more comfortable by the time they’d left.

Still, it didn’t feel as though they’d done enough when they knew ten other houses had the smallpox, not including their own cousins.

When they walked in, Temperance sprang up from the couch, exaggeratedly motioning for them to keep quiet. “You’re back,” she exclaimed in a whisper. “Mama is sleeping.”

“Ah.” They both glanced at the green paneled ceiling, as if they could see their aunt up there.

“You must be exhausted. Did you sleep there?”

“Some,” Cassandra said, though the answer was closer to very little.

“And you must be hungry. We have bread and leftover beef on the table.”

“How are Verity and Mercy?” Helen asked.

“Sleeping as well.” Temperance’s murmur betrayed her resignation. Two weeks after they’d begun the inoculation, the girls had both taken sick. That was good — desirable, even — but keeping them comfortable without overtaxing their mother had required all three of the older sisters, and frequently Helen and Cassandra, if they were home.

Temperance looked at the two of them. “You should get some rest as well. After you eat.” She gestured to the kitchen.

Helen sighed, a deep, bone-weary sigh. “I think I shall rest first.”

Cassandra caught her sister’s hand and then her gaze, silently checking to make sure she was well. Helen offered a smile that seemed only weakened by lack of sleep and patted her fingers, so Cassandra let her go.

Temperance led Cassandra to the dining room, and Constance got up with her mending to join them. Patience remained in her chair, poring over a book.

“She could read law at the rate she goes,” Constance murmured. Cassandra wasn’t sure whether her tone was meant to be impressed or disdainful.

“She would love that.” Temperance was clearly on the impressed side. “Besides, I know you’re not teasing anyone for reading.”

Constance blushed a little, hiding her ink-stained fingers. “That’s not the same.”

Temperance dished up a plate for Cassandra and settled across the table from her. “How are the children?” Temperance asked.

“How did you know there were children?”

“Every family you’ve helped has children. I think you have a soft spot.”

Cassandra laughed softly and tucked a stray strand of hair back under her lace cap. “Perhaps so. Two children today. They are quite ill.”

Temperance frowned in sympathy, casting her eyes toward the ceiling again. “It’s so warm,” she lamented. “I wish we could have done this in April so they could have the cold air they need.”

“The rags seem to be helping,” Constance assured her sister. She tied the final knot in sewing the patch beneath one arm of a blue striped cotton gown and switched to the second sleeve.

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