Dulcie's Gift by Ruth Langan

Author:Ruth Langan [Ruth Langan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781459275348
Publisher: Harlequin

The sweet, languorous days seemed to be rushing by in a blur. The crops, lovingly tended by the women and children, waved, strong and healthy, in the summer breezes.

Already the early crops of corn and beans had come in, along with several fruits. Robert’s peach cobbler was the highlight of many an evening in the parlor, where the conversation became increasingly spirited as they discussed religion, politics and the introduction of the latest farming implements. Aunt Bessie even encouraged the children to join in, explaining that her parents had always insisted that she and her brother remain current in world affairs.

For their part, the children blossomed, not only because of the abundance of fine food and loving care, but because of Dar’s excellent tutoring.

With so much of the farm chores winding down, the children were allowed two hours every morning with their teachers, Dar and Starlight. Classes were conducted in the restored ballroom, which was now filled with books and slates and the sound of music and laughter.

The new barn that was quickly taking shape would be twice the size of the old one, with an upper floor, beneath the rafters, to be used for the storage of crops and the drying of seeds for the next planting.

Dulcie stood on the balcony in the early-morning mist. Despite all that had been accomplished, her thoughts were troubled.

Cal had become increasingly cold and distant, and she knew it was because she would not confide in him. She wanted badly to trust him with her secret. But if she did, she was afraid they would all be banished immediately.

What did it matter? she asked herself. Very soon now, their usefulness to the Jermains would end, and they would have to face the daunting journey, anyway. They would return to Charleston. Their dilemma would be the same as before. No money to travel. No place to hide. And no way to escape the danger. Their future was indeed bleak.

She had bought some time. For that she would be eternally grateful. They had all been given a chance to eat, to rest and recover, to grow strong for the perils ahead. But was it enough to defeat the enemy?

“A penny for them.”

At the sound of Cal’s voice, she whirled. The frown of concern was still etched on her forehead.

“Why must you always sneak up on me?”

He ignored her comment and concentrated on what he’d read in her eyes before she’d spotted him. She was deeply troubled. “Is life really all that bad, Miss Trenton?”

Despite her dark thoughts, she forced herself to assume a bland look. “How could anything seem troubling on a day like this?”

“How indeed?” He remained where he was, reluctant to step closer. To be close to her was to tempt fate. She looked entirely too fetching in her nightgown with only a tattered shawl around her shoulders for modesty. And since he’d spent the better part of the night fighting the urge to storm her room and satisfy a very raw ache, he thought he’d better keep his distance.

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