Escape to Everly Manor by Chalon Linton

Author:Chalon Linton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: 2018-12-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

Once Barton settled Miss Stafford in her room, he went directly to his office. While he had accrued a reputation for being charitable, his deeds applied to simple acts of service: a monetary donation, an offer of employment, the Everly endowment to the girls’ school, or his patronage of the local parish. Never had someone’s life depended on him, and Barton wasn’t entirely sure what to do.

He paced the room, anxious for answers to reveal themselves, his steps stiff and frantic.

“A difficult day?” his mother asked from the doorway.

Barton turned on his heel and faced her. “What is it, Mother?” Her eyes widened. “Sorry.” Barton rubbed a hand over his face then collapsed into a chair and propped his elbows on his knees. His mother sat in the chair opposite, and after a moment Barton finally looked up. “It has been a trying day, and it’s far from over.”

Barton’s mother glanced at the clock on the desk, and her brows rose. “Harrison, what are you not telling me?”

Barton exhaled. “Miss Stafford’s story is not mine to share.”

“You’ve discovered more of her situation, then?”

Barton rubbed a hand over his face. “Yes.”

“And?” When Barton did not answer, his mother huffed in exasperation then rose and walked to the window. She pulled her shoulders taut and drew a slow breath. Finally she turned back to her son. “She’s lied to you about her name. How can you be certain she’s telling you the truth now?”

Barton quickly steeled himself. “I believe her.”

His mother crossed the room and placed a hand on her son’s shoulder. “Remember what happened the last time you ventured down such a road. It almost broke you, and I cannot bear to watch you suffer again. You’re finally back, Harrison. Don’t let your faith in others blind you to the truth.”

Barton reached up and covered his mother’s hand with his own. “I want to believe her.”

“But wanting does not make it the wisest course. Be careful, son.” Barton’s mother placed a kiss on the top of his head and walked out of the room.

* * *

Once Drew cleared the breakfast tray, Lizzy sat at the desk and compiled a list of the preparations to be completed in order for her and Thomas to depart. Despite Mr. Everly’s reassurance, the confirmation that someone—Uncle—had been searching for her had smothered any security she’d felt. Beyond her fears was the matter of Thomas to consider. He had grown comfortable at Everly Manor. The longer they stayed, the more difficult it would be to leave.

Mr. Everly had been cordial and kind, and Lizzy cringed when she thought of her breakdown the previous day. Feeling Mr. Everly hold her close, whispering her name with promises of safety, provided a comfort she hadn’t felt since before her father’s accident. The months since his passing had been filled with turmoil and confusion; it had been a struggle to come to terms with the hand life had dealt.

Mr. Everly stood strong, soothing, his care constant. Beyond comfort Lizzy felt important as he held her in his arms.

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