The Backcountry Brides Collection by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781683226246
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2018-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Johnstown, New York

October 1764

Susannah stacked the three Bibles on her desk and glanced up at the knock. “Come in.”

Lieutenant Archibald Waters filled her schoolroom’s doorway. She clutched the table at her side. Mrs. Browning had written to warn her, but seeing him now…after so long…

He removed his hat. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“No, I’m sure you didn’t. But I’ve had to brave the world without you at my side for eight weeks. You really must give a lass warning when you’re going to kiss her and disappear with nothing more than a quickly scratched note.”

“Would you like me to leave?”

She came to him and reached for his hand. “What do you think?”

“That you believed me when I said I would find you. And that you will be willing to accept my healed heart.” Arch brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingertips. “And that if you considered that moment in the surgery a proper kiss, I have some educating to do.”

She felt her face redden.

“So, should I talk to your father?”

She nodded, her heart breaking with joy and sadness. “He has been asking about you.”

“He’s disappointed I left as I did.”

“No. I don’t think that’s it.” She led Arch out of the school and across the commons, reluctant to release his hand. His grip tightened. Before entering her house, she turned. “Oh Arch. Prepare yourself. He is not well.”

“I can see you’re worried. Where is your brother?”

“Sir William has sent him on to Connecticut. Father fears Ben will come home if he learns how poorly he is.”

“Connecticut?”

“The baronet has arranged for a tutor who will in time take him to London. My brother will return to be a solicitor for the Haudenosaunee and, Father hopes, a leader as well.” Susannah touched a finely beaded necklace at her throat. “Ben has found the family he lost so long ago.”

“I see.” Arch frowned. “It must be difficult for you.”

“No, he is still my brother. He dares not forget it.”

She opened the door, offering Arch a smile against his growing concern. “Father? I’ve brought a visitor. May we enter?”

“Come in.” Father pushed himself up in the bed, his eyes brightening upon seeing their guest. “Lieutenant. You’ve made it.”

“I’m sorry it has been so long, sir.”

“We understand you are not at liberty to come and go.” He eyed Susannah. “What are you waiting for, daughter? Go prepare our tea.”

“Now?” She met her father’s eyes and was encouraged to see the old sparkle returned. Perhaps she should have encouraged him long ago to take a wife. The woman at the fort, Kahente, would have been willing enough. “Very well.”

The lukewarm water in the kettle needed time to boil.

She paced.

What were they discussing? She could hear the rumble of the lieutenant’s half of the conversation, but couldn’t catch the words without listening at the door.

She was sorely tempted.

Arch was here. As he’d promised.

Her hands shook, but when the tray was ready, she carried it in to the table next to Father’s bed. “What did I miss?”

“Musings of humble men,” teased Arch.

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