A World Apart (The Hands of Time: Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

hunting.
    “Oh, God.  I hav e to go.”  Finn jumped to his feet and walked off after saying his goodbyes.  It wouldn’t do to tell the Indians that his mother would be upset with him if he was late for supper.  Their mothers treated them like men, not little boys to be scolded and lectured.  As a matter of fact, most of the braves were already married, and not living with their mothers at all.
    Finn had a long walk ahead of him, but he hardly noticed the miles.  He was still basking in his friends’ approval, fingering the amulet around his neck.  He wished he could visit their village and see things for himself.  Would they really find him a girl?  Finn tried to envision himself in the embrace of some beautiful, dark-skinned girl, naked on a pile of skins.  Her silky hair would brush his chest as she kissed him, her eyes reflecting the flames of the fire burning in the longhouse.  In his mind, the girl was Sokanon, despite being married to Moose, only this time, she wasn’t giggling.  She was moaning with pleasure, her body warm and willing under his.  Finn tried to imagine what it would be like to actually make love to her, but there his imagination failed him.  He groaned with frustration at his limited knowledge.
    **
    Finn tiptoed up the steps and turned the handle as quietly as possible.  He could hear the hum of conversation coming from the dining room, including a voice he didn’t recognize.  To walk in right now would only annoy his parents, so the best thing to do would be to make himself scarce and then raid the kitchen for leftovers later.  Mrs. Dolly usually made enough food to have some left over for the midday meal of the following day, so there would be plenty.  He’d stop by Minnie’s room in the meantime and leave her the bracelet he traded from the Indians.  It was made of some kind of smooth beads in different colors.  Maybe she’d like it so much that she’d be willing to give him a kiss of thanks. 
    Finn fingered the bracelet in his pocket, enjoying the smoothness of the stones.  He’d brought something similar back for his sister once, and she wore it all the time, hiding it under her cuff.  He’d show Louisa his amulet once she got back from Charlie’s house.  She might not appreciate its significance, but she’d think it pretty and admire it.  Maybe he’d show it to Minnie as well in the hopes of impressing her. 
    Finn crept up the stairs to the attic , careful not to make too much noise.  Minnie would still be in the kitchen helping Mrs. Dolly, but he would just leave the bracelet on her pillow.  She would be pleasantly surprised when she finally came up later, tired and ready for her bed.  The landing was normally dark, but tonight a single candle burned on a small table between the two bedrooms.  That was unusual.  Minnie brought up a candle when she came up.  To leave a candle burning for hours was wasteful and unnecessary, according to Mrs. Dolly, who kept a tight rein on the household supplies.
    The door to Minnie’s room was closed, but the one to Amelia’s old room was slightly ajar.  No one had occupied that room since Amelia hanged herself two years ago, fearing her ghost still walked at night, unable to rest after killing her lover.  But now there was a leather satchel by the foot of the bed, a curly wig on the nightstand, and some odd object next to the pitcher and ewer.  Finn inched into the room, looking around.  He didn’t believe in ghosts, but this room still made him shiver with apprehension.  He hoped their guest didn’t believe in restless spirits.  He must be staying the night.  Finn smirked at the wig, pushing it aside with one finger.  He thought wigs were the height of stupidity, making middle-aged men look foolish beyond words.  He was glad his father and Kit never bothered with wigs.  They simply tied their hair back, which was a lot manlier in his opinion. 
    Finn picked up the object from the nightstand and turned