When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke

Author:Janette Oke [Oke, Janette]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, (¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
ISBN: 9780871236111
Publisher: Bethany House
Published: 1983-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Letters

I was busy chalking an assignment on the blackboard the following afternoon when I heard a firm rap. Before I could respond, the door began to open, so I continued on with my writing, thinking that it was a student who had forgotten some item.

"Be right with you," I said without turning around, and set out to finish the sentence that I was writing.

"That's fine, Miss Thatcher," came a very grown-up, male voice. I swung around leaving a "g" with a very odd, long tail. I'm sure my face must have betrayed my surprise. There was Jon's Calgary friend, Wynn. My breath caught in a gasp and I stood staring for what seemed like eons. My voice would not cooperate in saying the greeting I knew I should extend.

"I'm sorry if I startled you," he began.

"Oh, no-it's fine. It's just-I thought-"

"I've frightened you." His voice held apology.

I shook my head and tried to laugh. It sounded ridiculous, high-pitched and nervous. I decided not to laugh any further.

"I was expecting a student to be standing ..." My voice sounded nervous also.

"I might have a lot to learn." He smiled and his eyes hinted at teasing. "But I'm afraid that I would look a little out of place in your classroom."

I swallowed, then rubbed at the chalk dust on my hands.

"I'm afraid that I had to miss your party, Miss Thatcher. I hear that it was a success."

"Yes-yes, it was-very nice," I said lamely.

His eyes took in my white-dusted hands that were rubbing together nervously, then lifted to meet my eyes. Afraid that he was about to make some silly statement about my students being lucky to have such an attractive teacher, I squared my shoulders. He didn't. His eyes shifted to the assignment on the board and then glanced around the room. He stepped away from me and went on a brief tour, carefully taking in all that there was to see. I stood watching him, noticing that even in this small room, he moved with confidence and purpose. Keenly aware of the chalk dust on my frock and the strands of hair that had loosened themselves and wisped about my face, my thoughts tumbled over each other. What a sight I must be. I probably even have a shiny nose.

He finished his tour, seeming to approve of what he found.

"I'm so glad that we finally have a school," he said with sincerity, his voice deep and convincing.

"Yes," I almost whispered, "I'm glad too. They are so eager . . .

Love for my pupils and his unsettling presence made my voice waver, and I was forced to turn from my visitor. I slowly erased the last "g" I had put on the board and rewrote it properly. Finishing the sentence carefully, I put away the chalk I was holding and wiped my hands on a cloth that I kept for the purpose.

"Now, Mr.--Mr.-?" I faltered.

"Forgive me," he said. "I was so fascinated with your room I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Wynn Delaney-long-time friend of your brother Jonathan.

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