Elizabeth's Hope (A More Perfect Union Series Book 0.5) by Betty Bolté

Author:Betty Bolté [Bolté, Betty]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Regency & Victorian Romance, England-Britain, 18th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chances, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, More Perfect Union Series, American Revolution War, Prequel Novella, Novella Length Story, Short Story, Charles Town South Carolina, revolutionary army, Military Service, American Freedom Fight, Sullivan Family & Siblings, Thomson Family, Family & Domestic Life
Publisher: Betty Bolté
Published: 2017-11-03T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Abernathy Plantation – June 1781

Sunshine fell upon the blackberry bushes, illuminating the deep purple berries hanging from the fully leafed branches. Elizabeth grasped a plump one and gently tugged it free to place in the basket hanging over her other arm. Emily worked nearby as they slowly moved along the fence row supporting the bushes. Her long muslin skirts dragged across the thorny branches, and she pulled them free with a quick movement.

“I can practically taste the blackberries and cream we’ll have for dinner.” She quickly slipped berries from their stems and added them to the large basket.

“Too bad Jedediah had to leave weeks before they ripened enough that we could pick them.” Emily eased between several long branches to reach the abundance of fruit among them. “Do you fear for his safety like I do for Frank’s?”

“Every moment.” Elizabeth picked and placed the berries, but her thoughts remained on what her betrothed might be doing at that moment. After their last night together, holding each other until dawn, she had only the occasional short missive to calm her swirling thoughts. “I worry he’ll allow his duty to his country to compel him to take risks he need not.”

“Both of them are very brave and have vowed to die for the cause if the necessity presents itself.” Emily shook her head as she added to her collection. “I do not believe that means they will be foolhardy.”

“Men can be boys at times and think they are invincible.” The source of her biggest concerns related to Jedediah and Frank, and of course her brothers. At least her sister would not act rashly. Being twins, they enjoyed a deep connection unexplainable by words, only shared feelings. “I’m glad you’re here with me, Em. You keep me calm no matter what is transpiring around us.”

Emily paused in her berry picking to regard Elizabeth with a serious expression. “My dear sister, you must know that I would do absolutely anything to ensure your happiness and contentment. We are as one in so many respects. You just need to name it and I will always do what I can.”

“I know, and I feel the same way. Whatever you need, Em, I’m here to see that it happens for you.”

“Now that we have that settled,” Emily said, resuming her task, “did you and Jedediah discuss your plan to marry when he was here last?”

“In detail. We must wait until September to have the banns read at church.” Such a long time to be forced to wait but she would honor his promise to both the army and to her. “I’ll ask that they be read beginning the first Sunday of that month, so the third reading will be completed by the time he is released from his obligation. We’ll be joined at the earliest possible date.”

“I see you’ve thought a lot about it.” Emily laughed as she moved to work at another bush. “What about your dress? Have you thought about that?”

“I’ve thought about it, but haven’t decided yet on a style let alone the color of the fabric.

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