Minding Jackson by Michele Deppe

Author:Michele Deppe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, contemporary
Publisher: Crimson Romance, an imprint of F+W Media, Inc.
Published: 2012-06-04T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

The coach pulled to a stop in the middle of the village. Harry Collins drew a deep breath and ignored the front window, through which he could surely see the remains of his violin shop. His spirits were high, no need to look at the blackened buildings. He brought down a canvas bag from the overhead and walked half the bus length to the door. He was the only passenger and he tipped his hat to the driver, a heavyset woman with smooth latte-colored skin. She nodded in reply as his feet tapped down the grooved rubber stairs. As soon as he was on the street, he walked towards Brambleberry House.

His brother, Ed, and his wife, Elise, had been lovely, and it had made a nice change to be in London. They’d even splurged and gone to an orchestra concert at the Barbican. When the orchestra music swelled to life, he came to life, too. His brother had known how much it would lift him. God bless Ed for that. It soothed his soul like nothing else, to hear the free flowing, passionate strains of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, which grew in intensity with stamping chords to mirror the controlled chaos that Harry Collins felt in his own heart. He released his worry and heartache over losing his shop that night, sitting in the plush seats, listening to the ravishing bassoon solo that so long ago incited it’s 1913 debut audience to riot.

The following day, Ed had taken him for a long walk in Hyde Park. They discussed many things, and fed birds. Coming home foot weary and out of words, they were greeted by the welcoming smell of Elise’s beef stew. Her secret ingredient was bourbon whiskey cured in oak, and the depth of flavor was a perfect compliment to the sweet carrots, colorful green beans, acidic tomatoes, and zesty turnips that languished in the hearty stock thick with chunks of meat. She served crusty bread, and a heady, sweet Atholl Brose. After the meal, they laughed and drank coffee. Then they moved into the lounge and Ed enjoyed his pipe.

“So you’re staying with Mrs. Membry, then,” Ed said, between puffs.

“She’s a fine lady. And her little grandson, Jackson is there. He’s a good boy. Loves his pony.”

“Reminds me of someone. Did you tell him?”

“Yes, and he keeps askin’ to hear my old stories over and over. I can’t imagine they’re as exciting as what’s on the telly, but I suppose children just need to be at your knee, don’t they?”

“Hmm,” Ed replied. He knew his brother adored having the little boy about. It had been many years since Harry’s own young family had been lost in an accident. His bride was a girl straight from school, and they’d had a daughter. They were married as young teens, against their parent’s wishes. Harry was considered a virtuoso violinist at the age of nine, and studied at several prestigious schools. He was abroad, playing at the funeral of a dignitary, when Sheila and the baby were killed.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.