Waiting for His Return by Carrie Turansky

Author:Carrie Turansky [Turansky, Carrie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Flowing Stream Books
Published: 2017-11-06T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Rachel stared at her book and read the same lines for the third time, but their meaning didn’t sink in. She glanced at James.

He frowned slightly and motioned for her to look down again. “You have to maintain the same pose.”

She felt heat stealing into her cheeks as she lowered her gaze. Did he like what he saw? Or did he think her face was too thin and her nose too long? What about her prominent cheekbones and high forehead? She stifled a groan. Why had she agreed to let him draw her portrait again?

Of course she knew the answer to that question—he had insisted his last drawing didn’t do her justice and had asked permission to draw another. How could she say no to him?

His kindness and generosity toward her family had made a deep impression on her. He’d insisted on giving Father most of the money he’d received from his editor, saying he owed his life to them. It would take care of their needs for the next few months and provide wonderful feasts for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

She heard the sound of horses’ hooves and carriage wheels on the front drive and looked up. Father laid aside the newspaper and rose from his chair.

Susan rushed to window and pushed the curtain aside. “Oh, they’re here!” She sent them a jubilant smile, then hurried to open the front door. Father followed her.

Rachel rose and brushed her hand down her skirt. It had been more than a year since she’d seen Uncle Edward and Aunt Julia. Though it was only sixty miles to Bowling Green, the war made travel too dangerous for frequent trips.

James set his drawing book on the table and walked with her to the front portico. She glanced at his handsome profile as he watched the carriage approach. She treasured these days with him. His associate from Harper’s was due to arrive in Nashville anytime. Every day brought his departure closer.

He hadn’t said anything about his feelings for her, and he’d made no promise to write or return for a visit. She pushed those painful thoughts aside, but she couldn’t keep them from dampening her spirits.

The carriage rolled to a stop, and the side door flew open. Uncle Edward stepped down, then turned to help his wife. Finally, a tall young man with dark, wavy hair and a full mustache stepped from the carriage.

Father greeted his brother with a warm handshake. “Edward, it’s so good to see you.”

Father took Julia’s hand and kissed her cheek. “Welcome, Julia.”

“Thank you, Josiah.” Julia turned to the young man beside her. “This is my cousin Daniel Kincaid. Daniel, this is Dr. Josiah Thornton and his family.”

“I’m happy to meet you, sir.” Daniel shook Father’s hand. He looked past Father’s shoulder and smiled at Rachel.

Father turned to her. “This is my elder daughter, Rachel.”

Rachel held out her hand to Daniel. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

His dark eyes lit up. “The pleasure is all mine.” He bowed, lifted her hand to his lips, and kissed it.

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