Unshakable by Patricia Snelling

Author:Patricia Snelling
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: suspense, romance, Christian, novels, adventure, faith, hope, love, courage, trafficked children, aid work, community
Publisher: Patricia Snelling
Published: 2019-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

George and Anna’s cottage was made from stone off the moor. It had a low roof and was primitive in appearance. Their property was so remote and barren that not many people could cope with living such an austere lifestyle.

As they approached the cottage, Anna waved to them from the doorstep. She appeared eager to see them, probably due to her social isolation, as she was a gregarious woman while her husband George who was more reserved.

‘It’s so good to see you, Julian. Let me take a look at Ruby.’

She stood in front of Ruby, looking her over like a farmer inspecting a new workhorse. Ruby felt uncomfortable but quickly observed that she was a warm, hospitable and motherly sort. Neither Anna nor George had Devonshire accents. They had both been educated at private schools and were university graduates.

‘You’re just like I imagined. I have so looked forward to meeting you. I’ve lunch ready and then I want to take you for a ride over the moor.’

‘Anna! Have they arrived already?’ George called from the back of the house. He hastened to meet Ruby. ‘I’m so pleased to meet you and Julian has told us so much about you, only good things, mind.’ He winked at Julian and took their coats.

‘Come on you lot, the food’s ready. Get it while it’s warm,’ said Anna.

They wandered into the dining room where Julian remembered he had to duck his head so he wouldn’t hit the ceiling. The inside of the house was constructed from plaster and stone, with heavy wooden rafters. Ruby loved the big stone fireplace, and the fire was roaring when they walked in.

‘I hope you’re going to like my farmhouse soup. It’s my grandmother’s recipe and has been in the family for years. I baked some wholemeal bread to go with it.’ Anna was proud of her culinary skills.

‘Ruby, have you ever seen a hydro-electric power supply? We’ve made a little dam on the farm which supplies all our power. I’ll take you both down after lunch to see it. The snow’s starting to melt so there’s plenty of water to run it,’ said George, competing with his wife for their attention.

‘Ah, not until we’ve been for a ride on the moor, George. I’ve already booked her.’ Anna laughed and gathered up the soup plates. ‘I hope you’ve room for dessert,’ she called out from the tiny kitchen that looked like a ship’s galley.

‘You’ve gone to too much trouble.’ Ruby looked bug-eyed as Anna placed the dessert on the table with a pot of clotted cream.

‘I hope you like apple pie. The fruit is grown here, our best-kept secret. So is our homemade cider.’ George carried in a large jug of cider and placed it on the table. ‘Drink both of you?’

‘Just a small one for me thanks.’ Ruby remembered that Devon cider is potent and last time went straight to her head.

‘Just the one thanks. I am driving.’ Julian followed suit.

Ruby felt spoilt, as she hadn’t tasted apple pie since she had left Peace Haven where the women there often made apple or berry pie.

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