The Promise of Morning by Ann Shorey

Author:Ann Shorey [Shorey, Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: ebook, book
ISBN: 9780800733339
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2010-06-26T20:00:00+00:00

17

Ellie opened both the front door and the sitting room window, hoping for a cooling breeze while she stitched her way through the week’s mending. She sewed patches on the knees of Harrison’s pants, but her mind remained preoccupied with Matthew. Karl had assured her Daniel could find him, but she didn’t see how. It had rained twice since he left. Any tracks would have been washed away. She thought of Mr. Beldon’s offer to assist in the search, wishing the twins hadn’t been so rude to him. The more help they had, the sooner Matthew might be found.

Hooves clattered on the plank bridge.

She startled at the sound, her needle stabbing the soft flesh of her index finger. Ellie swiped at the drop of blood with her apron and hurried to the back door in time to see Daniel Griffith ride into the yard. And behind him, Matthew.

She dropped her mending on the porch floor and dashed down the steps. “You’re safe!”

“Yes.” Matthew eased off his horse. Deep creases lined his face, making him look older than his years. His right arm was bound to his body.

“Oh my word. What happened?” She went to him and nestled close to his left side, breathing in his special Matthew smell. Having him close brought the frayed edges of her life back together.

“I’ll tell you when we get inside. I need to sit on something that’s not moving.” Matthew’s face showed surprise when Uncle Arthur shuffled onto the porch. “Looks like you have news for me too.”

Daniel turned his horse toward the road. “Be seeing you, Reverend. I hope.” He tipped his hat and rode out of the farmyard.

Ellie watched him go, puzzled. “What does he mean, ‘I hope’? Why wouldn’t he be seeing you?”

“In a minute. I’ve got to rest.” Matthew climbed the stairs, drawing a breath between each step.

Once in the kitchen, the children came running as he made his way to Ellie’s rocking chair. Matthew sat carefully, tipping the chair so that his weight rested against the back. “Helps to get pressure off my ribs.”

Maria slipped next to his left side and patted his hand. “What’s wrong with your ribs?”

Matthew’s mouth twisted in a half smile, half grimace. “I think they’re all broke. The ones on my right side, anyway.”

“Oh, Matt.” The words flew from Ellie’s mouth. “And you rode home like that?” She slid into a chair facing her husband. “When did it happen?”

The family gathered around the kitchen table and listened while Matthew told of his accident and stay in Quincy. “I knew you’d be worried.” His eyes met Ellie’s. “But there wasn’t any way to get word back quick enough. When Daniel showed up, I guessed you must have thought I was a goner.”

“Daniel found you?”

“We met on the trail. I wasn’t lost, but he stayed with me. Said he was worried something else would happen.” His lips stretched in a wry grin. “Can’t say I was sorry for the company.”

“And Elder Meecham? What did he have to say?”

“Plenty of time for that later.

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.