White Dreams by Susan Edwards

Author:Susan Edwards
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: 2012-08-28T04:00:00+00:00

Entering the master bedroom, Grady faced the ghosts of his past. He hadn’t set foot in the room since the day Margaret Mary died.

The maid had turned back his sheets, and a bed warmer sat on the wood stove for him to rub between the sheets before getting into bed. A small lamp on the table beside the bed dispelled the gloom, but not the memories shadowing his mind: Margaret Mary sitting on the edge of the bed, brushing her long red locks, counting the strokes. How he’d loved her hair. In his mind’s eye, he saw himself taking the brush from her hand, drawing the bristles through her hair, using his fingers, reveling in the soft, silky strands flowing over his skin.

She’d turn, smile and beckon him with her eyes. Together, falling onto the bed, they would make sweet, gentle love. After, they’d talk long into the night, her voice, her touch the last thing he’d remember before falling asleep, confident that he’d awaken with her beside him.

But death had stolen her from him, cheating him of so much. Wearily, he approached the bed and took several deep breaths. How could he possibly hope to sleep in that bed? Perhaps he should just go downstairs and sleep in the den.

Taking the lamp, he fled the room, all the while despising his cowardice. Downstairs, he paused, tempted to find a bottle of scotch or brandy to ease the pain coiling inside him. Earlier, in the parlor, he’d been amazed to find his anguish had lessened. But in the bedroom, it’d been too much. His hand closed over a bottle, then opened and fell back to his side. It would be so easy to turn to alcohol for solace, but so wrong. Leaving the den and temptation behind, he strode into the kitchen.

To his surprise, he found Star and Hattie at the stove. Both jumped guiltily when he entered. Then, with a knowing smile, Star poured more milk into the pan. “Would you like some warm milk? I couldn’t sleep, and neither could Hattie.”

Ruefully, he eased down into a chair at the worn table. He should have known both women would have trouble. It had been a stressful day for all of them.

Hattie edged back to the door leading to her room. “I shall go back to bed now.”

Grady stopped her. “Join us, Hattie.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, no, sir. I can’t. It wouldn’t be proper.”

“I disagree. You are not a servant or slave in my household. You are a guest.” He stood and pulled out two chairs.

Hattie hesitated, then smiled shyly while Star carried over mugs of steaming cocoa. Once seated, the threesome sipped their warm drinks. A slight noise drew three pairs of eyes as the swinging door opened. Renny and Morning Moon stepped into the room.

“What are you two doing up?” Grady asked.

Morning Moon walked over to her mother and put her hand on her arm. “I went to your bedroom and you weren’t there.”

“And I woke up when she did,” Renny added.

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