Copper Fire by Fayrene Preston

Author:Fayrene Preston
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0-553-21897-2
Published: 1988-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

Inside Nilsen’s Emporium, the aromas of newly dyed cloth and the leather of boots, belts, and bridles mingled with the scents of tea and spices bundled in small burlap bags. Coffee beans, flour, and sugar nearly overflowed from their barrels. Off to one side, two kegs held dark, rich molasses; another held pickles.

On one long wall an assortment of ready-made clothes hung from a rack. Hams, sausages, and an array of cooking pots hung from hooks imbedded into the ceiling. In the center of the store, stood an unlit potbellied stove with chairs arranged around it.

Anna was sitting in one of the chairs holding the newborn baby daughter of Rebecca Hunter. “She’s just adorable, Rebecca. You and Keith must be so proud.”

“We try not to let it show, but yes, we are. Keith wanted a son, but when he saw little Deborah he changed fast. She immediately became his pride and joy. Besides, I figure next time he’ll get his boy.”

Anna gently smiled at the baby girl in her arms. She could only imagine the happiness of a husband and wife, very much in love, creating a new life. She tried to push back the envy that insisted on creeping into her mind, but failed. She didn’t believe that her life could ever work out so she would know the sort of happiness Rebecca felt. And that sense of loss was a pain that throbbed constantly deep within her.

Handing the baby back to her mother, Anna caught the sound of an old Swedish folksong that her father was humming in the back room as he moved about, checking the new shipment of goods that had just arrived. The sound soothed her pain. His contentment and peace were worth any price.

“I must be going,” Rebecca said. “This is the first time I’ve been out since Deborah was born. I still tire easily.”

“I understand. What about your order?”

“Keith will be in later on to pick it up.” Rebecca turned toward the door, then let out a loud gasp.

The doorway was being blocked by a half-naked, barefoot giant who held a young woman in his arms.

“Don’t be afraid,” Brianne said, hastening to reassure the women.

Anna took a few steps forward. “Are you all right, Miss Delaney?”

“Perfectly.”

“Move, you big oaf!” Henrietta ordered from behind Kamanahua, treating him much as she would one of her students. “Move! I need to see if there are some chairs so we can make Brianne comfortable.”

Kamanahua did as he was bid and lumbered into the store. Behind him came Henrietta, then Phineas.

“Poor child, she’s sprained her ankle and she’s not supposed to walk on it for a few days,” Henrietta explained to the two open-mouthed women as she began rearranging the chairs.

“Isn’t it lucky I have Kam?” Brianne asked sunnily from her perch in his mammoth arms.

“Brianne is a goddess,” Kamanahua said. “I serve her. She protects me.”

“There.” Henrietta smiled with satisfaction at the two chairs she had arranged, seat to seat. “Put her down here, Kam, and mind, be careful now.

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