The Witch's Compromise by Leigh Ann Edwards

Author:Leigh Ann Edwards
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance
ISBN: 9781953647979
Publisher: Tule Publishing Group, LLC
Published: 2021-03-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

Ainsley woke to low music and knew it was Timothy. At the plantation she’d sit near the slave quarters and listen to him play and sing. She’d found that fiddle in the cabin where she used to go to read and had given it to Timothy who was very musical. His deep voice was beautiful. He was talented, intelligent, and brilliant at everything.

Ainsley went outside, sat staring at the stars and listening to Timothy. Some of the other men joined in singing; one played a mouth organ. She jumped when she saw Mama.

“Hello, Girlio. Cal gave me enough medication I was able to sleep and I feel a little better. I needed to be with you.”

Ainsley slid over so Mama could sit on the small bench.

“Cal seems very sad.”

“We had a bit of a disagreement,” Ainsley dismissively said.

“I doubt a bit of a disagreement would make either of you look this sorrowful.”

“Don’t worry, Mama.”

“Don’t be stubborn, my darlin’ girl.”

“What makes you think I’m being stubborn? Please don’t take Cal’s side.”

“I’ll always take your side, Ainsley.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been cross, Mama, especially now.”

“Don’t behave differently because I’m ill, my sweet girl.”

“I don’t feel sweet Mama. I hope I do discover how to go back in time. I’d make many different decisions.”

“Like what?”

“I wouldn’t give myself to Gavin or anyone, and certainly not my heart.”

“Every choice you’ve made till this point has made you who you are, Ainsley. You’re strong and willful, but you’re smart, kind and amusin’, and you are sweet, Girlio. What’s happened to our bodies might scar us, but doesn’t define us.”

Mama smiled hearing the melancholy song Timothy was playing.

“You used to widen your eyes when you heard that song, no doubt thought it would prevent tears, but tears aren’t a sign of weakness, Ainsley. They’re just your heart releasin’ pain so you can bear it. If you don’t weep and free your woes, you might become hard or bitter, which would make me very sad.

“Your Cal wept tonight. I don’t think he’s one to show his sorrow either. God knows men are forced to a higher degree of stiflin’ their pain. He said he’d hurt you and doesn’t know if you’ll forgive him, but he wants to always protect you.”

Knowing Cal wept tore at Ainsley’s resolve, but she shook her head, not wanting to be understanding.

“I believe he truly loves you. He said you’d been in contact with someone dangerous recently and he was responsible.”

“I don’t want to talk about it, Mama.”

“Understand this, Ainsley. Whatever that man knows or has seen is likely why he’s kept things from you. That’s why I concealed a secret you had a right to know.”

Timothy came from his tent and smiled at them.

“I liked your singin’ and playin’, Timothy,” Maeve said. “Your mama would be very proud.”

Timothy nodded. “I expect you’ll be seeing my mama sometime soon, Miss Maeve.”

“Soon, Timothy, aye.”

“I feel her around me.”

“She’s with you always, Timothy.”

Had Timothy intuitively known or had Mama told him of her illness? Ainsley spoke to fend off her tears.

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