Above Rubies (Uncharted Beginnings Book 2) by Keely Brooke Keith

Author:Keely Brooke Keith [Keith, Keely Brooke]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer Era, Cowboy & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Beautiful & Feisty, Uncharted Beginnings Series, Alternate-History Romance, Hidden Society, Transcends Time & Place, Intriguing Twists & Turns, Dual Timeline Story, Time Travel Romance, Futuristic Twist
Publisher: Edenbrooke Press
Published: 2017-02-26T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Olivia hummed as she walked to the Vestals’ farm, carrying a pail full of tallow. She had spent Sunday evening humming through the stinky process of rendering the fat for the Vestals’ soap. Twice this morning she had caught herself humming during the Cotter children’s lessons. Even Mrs. Cotter’s strident behavior couldn’t dampen the joy of being in love.

As she walked to the Vestals’ property, the cold wind and overcast sky were no match for the warmth in her heart. Gabe loved her. He was not the insincere flirt she had once believed him to be, but rather a caring gentleman who had pined for her for years. Being near him brought her dead heart to life and almost made her forget the ugly secret she’d have to confess if they became as close as she hoped they would.

Three of the six Vestal children were waiting on the path between the orchard and the meadow. Hannah and Doris waved vigorously when they saw her coming. Wade was playing tug-of-war with the dog, but once he noticed her, he waved too.

Seeing their excitement to learn and even just to spend time with her laced her joy with appreciation. Students like the Vestal children made her want to be a teacher the rest of her life despite the difficulties she might face.

“Good afternoon,” she greeted.

Wade ran to her and took the covered pail from her hand. “What is in this?”

“Three pounds of fat.”

Doris furled her thin but strong arms around Olivia’s waist and walked awkwardly beside her to the house. “Father has the wood ready for your fire—”

“And he said I could light it!” Wade interrupted.

Hannah scowled at her little brother then she tucked a strand of light brown hair behind her ear and smiled sweetly at Olivia. “Before Father left today he set out all the things that were on your list.” She counted the items off with her fingers. “The old pot, two jugs, a measuring cup, a stirring stick, work gloves, and wooden spoons.”

“Excellent.” Olivia had hoped Christopher Vestal would be around when she taught the children the necessary but potentially dangerous process of soap making. She also wanted him to be there because he was nice to talk to. His fatherly presence made her feel like everything would be all right, even though he was the one who’d recently endured tragedy. She gave the orchard a quick scan. “Where did your father go?”

“Fishing,” Doris answered quickly. “He took David to the stream. Said they will come back with our dinner. I love fried fish.”

“As do I,” Olivia grinned at the girl then looked over at Hannah. “What about the lye?”

“He left the pan below the ash hopper.”

“Then we can get started right away,” Olivia said as she and the children approached the yard at the side of the house. Everything she’d asked for was set out on a board near the perfectly arranged firewood. “I wanted to explain the lye process to you before we begin.”

Doris let go of her and picked up a slate and chalk.

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