Where the Heart Takes You by Virginia Wise

Author:Virginia Wise
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2018-10-03T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Greta felt a quiet dread the entire way to the worship service. She kept hearing Catrina’s laughter as she and Ruth walked along the narrow path that cut through the woods to the Gruber cabin. The last, stubborn leaves clung to oak branches and crackled in the crisp breeze. The sun streamed through the treetops and cast long rectangles of golden light at their feet. But Greta didn’t notice. Instead, she imagined the possessive look in Catrina’s striking blue eyes when she looked at Jacob. Greta stopped to adjust her woolen hosen where the fabric bunched at her ankle. Remember, this is not a competition. Jacob is not interested in you. She sighed. “I just want to get this over with.”

“Oh, Greta! For goodness’ sake. You sound like you are on the way to the executioner’s block.”

“I simply cannot put Catrina Witmer out of my mind.”

Ruth looked sympathetic. “I imagine not. Just try and remember what you told your students this week—that strength of character trumps beauty every time.”

“Easy to say but not so easy to believe!”

They rounded the top of a hill and saw other settlers strolling toward the Gruber cabin. Greta felt a familiar pang of loneliness as she watched couples stroll side by side. A father hoisted a young boy onto his shoulders and then reached for his wife’s hand. Greta looked away and tried to ignore the emptiness she felt deep inside.

Greta watched as Jacob stepped through the threshold of the cabin. Her heart caught in her throat as she studied his dark, somber eyes. She swallowed hard and looked away.

The Grubers’ son, Christian, met Greta at the door. “I am glad that you came to my house today.” He grinned. “I always come to your house.”

“And I am very glad to be here, Christian.” She crouched down, straightened his waistcoat, and smiled. But when she glanced past him, the smile faded. Catrina sat primly on one of the backless benches, her lovely eyes on Jacob. He felt Catrina’s stare and glanced up. Their eyes met and Catrina boldly held the gaze for a few beats, then dropped her eyes modestly.

Greta flinched. I dare say she would be bold enough to sit down right beside him, if men and women sat on the same side during worship services! She looked away. I cannot let myself think ill of Catrina. After all, Jacob is free and she is a good match. And she did ask me if I held any prior claim to his affection. The realization only made her feel more alone.

After the service, Greta picked at her food and watched Jacob lean against the wall with his wooden trencher in hand. His eyes looked dark and distant. Catrina caught his gaze from across the room and flashed him a smile. He nodded and looked back at the rabbit stew on his trencher. Greta watched Catrina frown and stare at him. She looked confused. Greta felt her heart skip across her breastbone. He does not look very interested in Catrina.

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