Prodigal's Welcome by Kristin Billerbeck

Author:Kristin Billerbeck
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2013-10-28T16:00:00+00:00

Twelve

“Eleanor!” Andrew rushed toward her, helping her from the saddle. Her fiancé didn’t look the least bit winded, and the ice in his tea was still fresh. Yet his words were frantic. “Where have you been? We’ve got a rescue party out looking for you. When you didn’t come back at lunch, we organized one right away!”

Eleanor searched Andrew’s eyes and wondered if his fear stemmed from legitimate concern for her person or fear that she might be lost without their marriage to seal his future. Noticing his tea cakes on the veranda, his comfortable position didn’t speak well of his true devotion.

“I’m fine,” Eleanor answered, unable to remove her gaze from his picnic. “I just had a long day getting to know my horse. I shall name her Tiche. It’s a nickname. Do you like it?”

She was certain Andrew would know Tiche was a shortened version of Ceviche. His eyes flickered in acknowledgement, but she couldn’t read if there was guilt in them or not.

“Eleanor, it’s a slave name,” Andrew said quietly.

“There aren’t any more slaves, Andrew. Remember?” She smiled and moved toward her cousin, who wore a concerned frown. “If you’ll excuse me, Andrew, I haven’t seen my cousin all day, and I must dress for dinner.”

She hurried toward the house, its great columns beckoning to her. Looking back over her shoulder, she called out, “Thank you for the horse. She really is a beauty.”

Eleanor raced up the grand staircase until her father’s angry voice halted her last step to the landing. “Eleanor Sarah Senton. Stop right there!”

She turned, revealing her mud-stained gown. Its fine wool would never be the same. Shame washed over her at her father’s rebuke.

“Is it your intention to ruin the reputation of this family?”

“No, Sir.” She rubbed the cashmerelike fabric, certain its original softness would never come back.

“Is it your intention that our family name should be associated with Natchez Under-the-Hill?”

“No, Sir.”

“Eleanor, you were seen Under-the-Hill today. Would you care to tell me why?”

She swallowed hard. If she had been seen in Nathaniel’s arms, he might be sent away once and for all, and she would have little to say for her reputation.

“Yes, Father. I rode my new horse along the riverbank, and I ended up at the port.”

“Eleanor, you are to be married in two days’ time. I’ve given my consent for a quick marriage, which I think is best under the circumstances. I have let you run wild for far too long. It’s time you began acting as mistress of a great home, the life you were meant to lead. The war has put things off long enough. Your mother would be disappointed if she knew you were still unmarried and running about like a schoolgirl. I pray she doesn’t know of your escapades.”

“Yes, Father.” Eleanor curtsied, turning toward the top of the stairs.

“And, Eleanor—”

“Yes, Sir?” she asked over her shoulder.

“I’m glad you’ve returned.”

Her heart raced as she fell onto the bed. If she had been spotted with Nathaniel, he would be sent away.

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