The Union of the North and the South by Ann Mock

Author:Ann Mock
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2014-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

A Journey to Confront the Past

efore she knew it, a rooster crowed in the barnyard. Laura, now awakened, energetically got up and began to dress, taking care to choose a conservative but attractive traveling suit. She decided to wear her pale-blue linen jacket. It was warm and also gave her dress a touch of elegance. She felt the pretty clothes would give her the extra confidence she needed to meet Gerald’s parents. She also decided to wear her hair up so she would look more fashionable. After smoothing out a few wrinkles in the gown, Laura pulled the front of her hair straight back into a large knot at the back of her head and secured it with a blue ribbon. Taking one last look at her room, which would never be hers again, she sighed and walked into the hall.

Preoccupied, she collided with Bradford, who had dressed for the trip in a double-breasted frock coat, carrying his hat and gloves. “Oh, excuse me,” Laura lightheartedly said, glancing up at him.

Bradford looked at her hair pensively as they proceeded down the hall. He had seen her wear it up only occasionally and missed the flowing, curly strands that usually fell down her back.

Laura interrupted his thoughts as she inquired, “How far is the Taylors’ house?”

Bradford replied, “Well, it should take us approximately a day and a half. We can stay the night at an inn about halfway there. Have you told your mother and Nanny you’re leaving to see Jenny?”

“Yes,” Laura said. “They’ll come next week. Mother felt it would be nice for me to get acquainted with Gerald’s parents on my own.”

Bradford noticed her face turn pale with these words. Giving her a reassuring smile, he led her to the dining room, where they ate a filling breakfast with Nanny and Ruth.

Before they left for Cameron Falls, Laura’s mother took Laura aside and said, “I feel all the tragic events that have led to this moment will be resolved by your going to the Taylors’. I know it’ll be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done, but it’ll be worth all your efforts.” As she hugged her daughter, she whispered, “I love you, dear. Please tell Jenny how much I’ve missed her.” She gave Laura a little squeeze as she advised, “Please open your heart to forgiveness. Remember what it says in Luke 6:37: ‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.’”

Laura nodded and returned her mother’s warm hug. “I will, Mother. You’ve been such a wonderful mother to me.” Then she turned and hugged Nanny. Before leaving she ran into the kitchen to see Lily. “Please keep practicing your reading, Lily. You’re doing so well. Mother said she’d help you if you have any questions.”

Lily thanked her, promising, “I’ll keep reading. Be sure to give Jenny a hug from me.”

After helping Laura into the carriage, Bradford signaled the driver to

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