Leaving Waverly: Novella by Sara R. Turnquist

Author:Sara R. Turnquist [Turnquist, Sara R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Clean & Wholesome, Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Regency & Victorian Romance, London Society, England-Britain, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Novella Short Story, War & Prejudice, War Between The States
Publisher: Clean Reads
Published: 2017-11-13T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Flight

WHERE COULD SHE be? Dare he venture to the manor house again? Would her father banish him from the property? End his tenancy for good? Did it matter?

Henry had not seen Claire in four days. Rather unusual on the face of it, but all the more heart-wrenching after their declarations to one another. And he became fearful of what her father might have done. How far would he go to ensure Henry and Claire wouldn’t see one another?

Having talked himself into and out of barging up to the mansion several times now, he sat on the edge of his allotted land, stuck in a moment of indecision.

No, he could not tarry. He had to do it. Regardless of the risks. She needed him.

Rising, he made his way toward the looming house. He could have counted the yards to the front door, but they seemed immeasurable today, dragging out in front of him.

As he neared, he saw a horse-drawn carriage, prepared and sitting in front of the house. Was Crawford sending Claire away?

Henry picked up his step, arriving at the small porch as Mr. Crawford emerged from the house, Abraham in tow. Crawford spoke hurriedly to the man. Perhaps giving him instructions.

Abraham spotted Henry. His eyes widened. Did he wish to warn Henry? He did not betray Henry's arrival, but his altered focus alerted Crawford to another’s presence.

Crawford turned in Henry's direction and then his eyes narrowed. He halted. “Mr. Garrett.”

Henry closed the distance between them.

“What can I do for you?” the older man spoke through clenched teeth.

“I want to speak with Claire.”

“She is no concern of yours.” Crawford shoved his hands into gloves as if Henry was a minor annoyance. “And if I were you, I would spend my time worrying after my farm. If you have one after today.” He arched a brow toward Henry.

“I just want to know that she is all right.”

“I have said what I will on this matter.” Crawford stepped into the carriage. “Abraham, will you see this farmer off of my property?”

“But, I—” Henry asserted.

“We will speak about your tenancy tomorrow. As you see, I have business to attend to right now. Good day, Mr. Garrett.”

With that, Crawford nodded at the coachman and the man slapped the reins. The horses took off and Henry could do nothing but watch the carriage circle the dirt path in front of the manor house and drive off into the distance.

Abraham put a hand on his arm. “Mr. Garrett, please don’t make this more difficult.”

Henry nodded, holding up a hand. “I’ll be on my way.”

He sensed Abraham’s eyes on him as he took the steps that would carry him farther from Claire.

Once he was several feet from the house, the door shut. Was there still a chance he might see her? Could she be in her garden?

He glanced over his shoulder.

Abraham was nowhere in sight.

Altering his step, he moved to the back of the house. In a few minutes, the garden came into view.

There was no one in sight.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.