Simply Anna by Moore Jennifer

Author:Moore, Jennifer [Moore, Jennifer]
Language: ara
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc.
Published: 2015-09-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Philip was grateful that Anna had agreed to join him as he walked to the hospital. He’d worried that she might be angry with him or too upset by the horrendous evening to wish for company. He couldn’t imagine any scenario where the evening could have gone worse. He lifted the lantern he’d found in the stable and glanced at her as they stepped through the front doors.

Anna raised her face to the sky, and he followed suit, watching the shadowy bats swooping to catch insects. He’d only occasionally seen a bat before he came to Jamaica, but on the island they filled the sky every night. He followed her down the steps.

Anna breathed in. “I love that aroma,” she said. “I can smell it from my window.”

Philip gestured to the small bushes next to the stairs. “Plumeria. It is more fragrant at night.” He offered his arm, and they started down the road.

She glanced at the shrub’s white flowers as they passed.

Philip wasn’t sure exactly how to broach the uncomfortable subject of what had transpired that evening. Best just to jump in with both feet. He laid his hand over hers. “I wanted to make sure you were not distressed after the . . . events with the Stapletons.”

Anna frowned and glanced at him. “By ‘events,’ are you referring to the insults to me, my clothing, your management of the plantation, and your choice of servants? Or perhaps the completely uncalled-for violence against a child I care for?” She pulled her hand from his and crossed her arms in front of her. Her strolling turned into a quick march, and Philip had to hurry to keep up. “I do not remember a time when I have felt more distressed—although I have only the past weeks to use as reference.” The lantern light flickered over her face, which remained unnaturally devoid of emotion.

Philip almost wished she would scream, or cry, or something. “I don’t suppose an apology would make a difference?”

“Are you apologizing to me?” Anna stopped walking. She took a step backward and turned to face him, her nostrils flared. “My lord, you are not the one who should be sorry, unless it is for living on a plantation near those horrid people. And it is Ezekiel who deserves an apology from that”—she clenched her teeth together—“that woman.”

“I should not have allowed—” Philip began.

Anna held up her hand. “You did not allow anything. I will not permit you to shoulder the blame.”

“Nevertheless, it is my home and my responsibility.” Philip could see her anger simmering in her eyes. “I am glad you were there to protect Ezekiel.” He took her hand again, slipping it back into the crook of his elbow, and they continued walking.

Anna pursed her lips and remained silent. Her hand was tight on his arm.

He glanced at her, unable to read her expression. “I did hope to remain in the good graces of one dinner guest,” he said. “Will you be all right, then?”

“If Ezekiel is kept completely away from Clarissa Stapleton forever, I shall be,” Anna said.

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