Waltz in the Wilderness by Kathleen Denly

Author:Kathleen Denly [Denly, Kathleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wild Heart Books

Chapter 24

September, 1853 (4 months before)

Roxbury, Massachusetts

Alice held her breath as she stepped down from the hired carriage. The humiliation of sleeping on pallets like servants was at an end, thanks to Richard’s friend, Mr. Middleton, losing his job at the mill, but how would the Clarkes react to Alice and Richard’s unannounced arrival?

Her gaze locked on the dark windows of the quiet farmhouse. “I told you we ought to have sent word. They’re not at home.”

“There wasn’t time.” Richard paid the driver and bid him good-day. “The Middletons will need every morsel and penny they can scrape together until Reuben attains new employment. We couldn’t impose any longer.” Richard set her carpetbag atop the trunks the driver had left on the Clarkes’ front porch.

Her nose wrinkled. “It seems to me Mrs. Middleton’s cooking already required quite a bit of scraping.”

“Hush, Alice. Do not be so ungrateful.” Richard knocked thrice on the front door.

She rolled her eyes. “What are you doing?”

He shrugged. “You’re not always right, you know. Perhaps they’re at the back of the house and did not hear our approach.”

They waited several seconds but no sounds of life came from inside.

Alice stuck her tongue at Richard. “Told you.”

He made a face in return. “They’re probably in their woodshop. Wait here, your highness, and I’ll go check.”

“Yes, sir.” She gave him a mock salute, then followed him off the porch. “You’re probably right. I’m sure Mrs. Clarke is just inside sawing a table leg.”

“Har. Har.”

The door to the woodshop opened just before they reached it and Benjamin emerged.

His eyes widened, then scanned the area behind Alice as if seeking escape. It was the same reaction he’d had the last time she saw him. Apparently, he’d been unaware that his mother had invited Alice to dine with his family. Within seconds of seeing her, Benjamin had developed a sudden headache and disappeared for the night. What excuse would he contrive this time?

“Benjamin.” Richard offered his hand.

Benjamin shook it. “Richard.” Benjamin acknowledged Alice with a stiff nod. “Miss Stevens.” He turned back to Richard. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Yes, sorry. This visit is a bit of a surprise to us as well.” Richard scratched the back of his neck. “It’s something of a long story, I’m afraid.”

Alice stepped forward. “We knocked at the door, but no one answered.”

Benjamin kept his gaze fixed on Richard. “Father took Mother to the city. He had a delivery to make and they were invited to dine with friends. I suppose you’ll have to visit another time. Sorry.” He turned toward the woodshop.

Alice took another step forward. “We need somewhere to stay.”

Benjamin whirled around, his dark brown eyes narrowed at her.

She swallowed.

Richard cleared his throat. “We didn’t mean to spring it on you like that.” He cast Alice a disapproving glance. “I know it’s an inexcusable imposition and completely boorish of us to arrive unannounced, but—”

“I heard about Caroline’s elopement and your mother’s”—Benjamin cleared his throat—“accident. Is she still in the hospital?”

Alice nodded. “And she insists on returning to Father as soon as she’s recovered.

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