Purple Like the West (Colors of Faith) by Carmichael Virginia

Author:Carmichael, Virginia [Carmichael, Virginia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gumbo Books
Published: 2013-09-19T04:00:00+00:00

Journalism is organized gossip.

~Edward Egglestone

Chapter Twelve

The carriage ride over was a test of nerves. Margaret loved Violet on sight and Neil seemed a delightful little boy, talking for minutes on end until he went silent, nestled into his mother’s arms and promptly went to sleep. But sitting across from Ezra in that small space had almost done her in. She wanted to avoid his gaze, but she found herself examining him again and again. His expression wasn’t really as serious as she’d imagined. When she looked closer, it was more on account of his severe brows, or perhaps the line of his mouth. It wasn’t an unpleasant mouth at all, but it didn’t tilt up naturally like Harry’s. It seemed his natural expression was pensive, guarded.

She couldn’t help noting that bruise at his temple, the cut above his lip, the swelling of a cheekbone, the purple bruising of both eyes. Her hands ached to touch him and comfort him, and her heart sunk lower and lower as she accepted the fact she had caused those injuries.

Margaret hopped out of the carriage after Harry and stood in the doorway, arms wrapped around her middle, trying to calm the flutters in her stomach. Ezra disentangled Neil from his mother as Harry helped her down. She would trade a Latin exam for this moment in a heartbeat. Welcome the orphan and the widow. The verse brought her back from her selfish thoughts, forcing her own problems to the back of her mind. Whatever was between Ezra and herself, it would have to wait.

The sound of light footsteps sounded behind her and Mary trotted forward. “Have we got visitors, Miss Margaret? Should I let Mrs. Schmidt know they will be staying for supper?”

“Yes. And they will be staying here for the night, so ready two rooms in the West wing, please.”

“Two rooms?” Mary’s eyes darted at Ezra and back to Margaret.

“For Mrs. O’Fallon and her son.” She glanced back at the carriage, wondering why Ezra hadn’t emerged. He seemed to be struggling. Finally, he eased out awkwardly, his arms full of the limp body of a small boy.

He walked forward, one large hand held against the bright blond head lolling on his shoulder. “He seemed to grow extra limbs as I was getting him out.”

Mary curtsied and dashed back inside. Margaret had the impression she spent most of her time wishing something interesting would happen. She remembered the feeling well from when she had come back from traveling in Europe. For all the wonder of such a beautiful mansion, it was rather dull.

“We have guests?” Jenny was behind her now, peering out the door.

“Ezra’s sister has come to stay, just until Ezra finds them a comfortable home.”

Jenny’s eyes widened a bit as she watched the young woman with the fiery, curly red hair. Violet was laughing at something Harry said, her head thrown back, full throated joy sounding around them. Margaret knew what Jenny was thinking .

“Poor woman. To be so young and already a widow.

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