The Christmas Angel: Prequel (Love for Christmas 1) by Christina Ward

Author:Christina Ward [Ward, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mail-Order Bride, Marriage Of Convenience, Fiction, Forever Love, Christian, Religious, Faith, Inspirational, Spirituality, Love Inspired, Bachelor, Single Woman, Series, Historical, Sweet & Clean, Frontier, Western, Novella, Short Story, Prequel, Christmas, Angel, Seasonal, Weather, Orphan Boy, Intrigues, Sweet Love Story, Romance
Publisher: Christina Ward
Published: 2015-12-09T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

December 1862

Christmas is colder than usual, Julia thought to herself as she walked down the stairs to the parlor. She wiped away the tears threatening to tumble down her face. Bessie’s luggage stood by the door. Her last day with us.

Bessie was the last to go. Papa’s big heart had left them struggling for money. Some of the servants stayed a little while to help out her Mama for old times sake. But in the end, they had families to feed too. One by one they all left. Bessie had stayed the longest. She had promised Julia she wouldn’t have to spend Christmas alone with Mama.

Julia didn’t know what she’d do without her nanny. Her mother rarely talked to her about anything aside from urging her to study or scolding her for shoddily done chores or lecturing her on the proper lady-like behavior. She hadn’t mentioned Papa’s name in the months that followed his death.

Julia spied the piano at the center of the room. She always dusted it first… it was her quiet rebellion. But she hadn’t dared to play. But today was Christmas… She made her way towards it, sat on the stool and composed herself, her fingers hovering over the keys. What song would her father play this Christmas? Julia straightened her back as her Papa had taught her and began to play.

The music brought a smile to her face. She half closed her eyes and relaxed into the sound. It was like having her father beside her again. She looked up at the window and remembered that day, five years ago, when Tim peered in to watch her sing.

Would he come ever again? Julia hadn’t seen him in such a long time. Did he hear all the horrible things her mother had said at the funeral? Maybe he thought Julia felt the same way... Julia opened her mouth to sing, but loud footsteps distracted her.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Her mother rushed into the room.

Julia turned around, the music abruptly coming to a stop. Her mother pounded her hand on the piano making Julia shudder.

“Didn’t I tell you not to touch this? Didn’t I tell you to get ready for church?”

Julia gulped at her mother’s outburst. “I - I’m sorry, Mama. It’s just… I… I remembered Papa and how much he loved to play -”

Her mother bit her lip. She raised a clenched fist and pressed it against her forehead. She took a deep breath, then gripped Julia’s shoulders. It hurt, but Julia didn’t say anything.

“Julia. Your father is gone.” She looked like she wanted to say something more, her pale face reddening, but she swallowed whatever it was, and instead just sighed. “Get your coat. We need to be at the church in five minutes. Understand?”

Julia nodded. When her mother released her, she immediately ran to Bessie to get her coat. Julia used to love Christmas, but Bessie was leaving that night, she hadn’t seen Tim since the funeral, her mother was angry and she wasn’t allowed to play the piano.

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