House of Shadows by Crystal Mary Lindsey

Author:Crystal Mary Lindsey [Lindsey, Crystal Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-01-22T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Hart declares himself

The Paddle-steamer bustled with freight loading and passengers welcomed aboard while tickets were taken and help given.

Milly stared in dismay, “So many people, and a heavy load of cargo are you sure the ship is safe Jeb?”

Sensitive to her concerns Jeb didn’t want to laugh and make her feel naïve. “Well Milly my love, I have traveled this way many times and am are still alive. There is nothing to be afraid of because we trust in the Lord.”

Milly’s face relaxed with Jeb’s rational explanation. “Yes Jeb, we do trust in the Lord.”

With regained confidence, Milly watched as Jeb and Hart lifted down two heavy suitcases.

“I hope I made the right choice with my luggage Mariah; we are going for ten days. But I’m a little nervous about how to be a wife.” She looked at her niece for advice.

“Jeb is a good man, and he will take care of you, so trust him, Aunty, he will help you. You are going to bloom.” Mariah kissed her; then they walked together to join the men at the gangplank.

Father and son hugged, then Jeb hugged Mariah before turning to escort his wife on board. Hart and Mariah waited and watched.

The crew checked that all was clear and safe. Then the whistle blew a long shrill sound, puffing out steam as the paddles began to turn and the boat drifted away from land. Darkness descended, and a full moon rose as they watched it sail off.

On the way home the only sound in the still night was that of horse hooves clip-clopping along the dusty roadway. It was the only sound before an owl hooted its eerie call. Mariah gave an involuntary shiver, remembering the night riders. Knowing they would appear again when least expected, like ghosts, mysterious and dangerous.

Pulling into the gateway to Fairways the horse drew to a holt and Hart lowered the reins. His arm came around Mariah’s shoulder, and he pulled her closer until she rested against him.

“I think many of us realized who you were when you sang today, but my heart was captured by you the most.” His hand touched her hair as Mariah sat still, wondering about what was to come next.

She had a special feeling for this man, experiencing no fear. Turning his head, he captured her lips with his in a gentle kiss. His eyes were looking at her shadowed face in the moonlight to glean how she reacted. She smiled and leaned forward prompting him for another.

“Oh, my dearest, you are the vision from my dreams. Listening to you sing in the New Orleans Opera House two years ago I fell in love and knew that no one would ever capture my desire like you.”

She sat silently listening intrigued by his words.

“I came back to hear you every night for the week I remained in town. You cast a spell that kept on drawing me back. How could I imagine that one day, one night I’d sit here with you in my arms?”

Mariah lifted her hand to caress his handsome face.

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