Voices Beckon by Linda Lee Graham

Author:Linda Lee Graham
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historic philadelphia 18th century philadelphia historical romance historical saga, coming of age early american young adult historical romance
Publisher: Linda Lee Graham

DAVID RACED OUT of the printing office and ran toward the school, using the alleyways as a shortcut. He was late. The press had failed a couple hours ago, and he’d been delayed repairing it. The crew couldn’t work without a press. Robert had been ill for two days, which left him. He probably should have stayed, in case it failed again, but he’d only be gone an hour. He’d return as soon as he visited with Elisabeth a while. He spotted her about a half block past the school.

“Elisabeth, wait!” he called out as he ran. Coming up beside her, he stopped, panting. “I’m sorry I’m late, Lisbeth, I had to take time to fix the press or half the crew wouldna be working this afternoon. I didna think it was that late, though. D’ye have to leave? Where’s Polly?” He reached for the items she was carrying.

“I thought maybe you weren’t coming. You did promise to be here early.”

“I ken, lass, I’m sorry. It couldna be helped, truly. Can ye stay for a wee bit?”

“Yes,” she said, and they walked back into the school, passing quietly through Rob’s class.

“Are you hungry? John did go to some trouble to pack this,” she said, taking the hamper from him, tossing the food haphazardly about her desk.

He eyed the food greedily. But best not dig in quite yet, something was wrong.

“Aye, but first, are you angry with me? Ye seem a bit. . . distant. Is there something ye need to tell me? Did something change due to Saturday night?” He sat on the corner of her desk and looked at her uncertainly.

“Oh, David.” She came to him, reaching out a small, soft hand to touch his face, smooth the hair from his eyes. “No, no. Of course not. It’s just . . . I was beginning to think maybe you didn’t want to come today, due to my grandmother’s visit.”

Right then. Reassured, he reached for one of John’s cold meat pies. “I’ve been waiting to talk to ye about that, Mr. Hall didna say a word after and I’ve been left to wonder why she came,” he said, talking between bites.

Elisabeth turned away, walking to the door. “I hope her visit didn’t cause you trouble with your employers. She left with a good impression of you. Mr. Hall was complimentary. She’s talked to my father, and they’ve agreed to allow us to see each other on a social basis.”

“Bess! Why dinna ye say so at once? That’s wonderful news.” He put down the food and went to her, pulling her into his arms.

She put a hand on his chest. “Wait, there’s a bit more.” She walked away, her back to him as she said, “They’ve agreed—subject to the condition I no longer refuse the invitations of others.”

He stiffened. The hell you say. “Nay.”

“Nay? What the devil do you mean, nay?”

Rob’s voice from the next classroom suddenly stilled. David circled her and shut the door.

“I mean ‘no.’ It’s a simple enough word, lass.

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