A Wreath of Snow Read Online Free PDF Page B

train bound for Edinburgh.”
    “Hard to say when that might be, miss.”
    The conductor turned to address other needs, leaving Gordon to ponder what he’d just heard. Twelve years ago the Campbells had resided on Spittal Street in a far less prestigious home than the fine sandstone houses of Albert Place, just beyond the town wall. Surely they had room for their daughter. Did she not wish to spend Christmas with her family?
    What are you running from, Miss Campbell?
Gordon knew he had no business posing such a question. Not when he was on the run himself.
    Then stop running, Shaw
. Gordon looked down at the toes of his boots. Could he do so? Stop fleeing from his past and simply face it? Confess who he was and what he’d done?
    Be strong and of a good courage
. A gentler voice this time, stirring deep inside him.
Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed
.
    Gordon could ignore his conscience, but he could not disregard the Almighty. He lifted his head, holding little Tam close.
You’ll help me, Lord? Show me what to do, tell me what tosay?
Gordon was not afraid of words; they were his livelihood. But an apology for so great an error would not be easily spoken.
    The L ORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest
. Aye, there was comfort in that. Especially with a long walk ahead of him and a meeting with the Campbells to follow. If they allowed him across their threshold, that is.
    At last the travelers began heading north. On a warm, moonlit evening, it would have been a pleasant walk. Not so on this dark night. Their steps labored, their voices subdued, the group slowly moved forward, no more than two abreast between the silvery rails, which were barely visible beneath the shifting snow. A dozen portable lanterns were scattered up and down the line, though the light they offered was meager at best.
    Gordon concentrated on remaining upright, ever mindful of the child entrusted to his care. The boy was lighter than expected and warm. With Tam’s arm circling his neck, Gordon no longer missed his scarf. The child’s mother was directly behind them, snug in her makeshift hammock.
    Miss Campbell fell into step beside him—wanting to be near the boy, he imagined. Or close to her satchel. She was shorter in stature than he’d first thought. The brim of her hat barely reached his shoulder. “Pardon me for not offering my arm, Miss Campbell.”
    She lifted her head and gave him a tentative smile. “I believe we can overlook such courtesies tonight.”
    No sooner were the words spoken than she lost her footing. With a startled cry, she grabbed his coat sleeve, nearly pulling him down with her, the sharp incline on either side of the tracks dangerously near.
    Hugging the boy tightly to his chest, Gordon dropped both bags and reached for her other hand. “I have you, miss!” He jammed his boot against the inside of the steel rail, determined to keep all three of them from tumbling down the icy embankment.
    She clung to his arm until she regained her balance, then slowly let go of him, gratitude in her eyes. “Now I must beg
your
pardon, sir.”
    “Not at all,” Gordon said, holding her gaze.
    It is your forgiveness I must seek, Miss Campbell. And your family’s. Tonight
.

Chapter Five
    No one knows the weight
of another’s burden.
    G EORGE H ERBERT

M eg’s cheeks grew warm beneath her scarf. How boldly this gentleman looked at her! As if he knew her, though their paths had not crossed before this afternoon. He’d overheard Mr. McGregor address her, then took the liberty of using her name without offering his own. An oversight? Or was it intentional?
    She should be offended. Refuse to speak with him.
    But he’d been so helpful to Mrs. Reid and to the railway and had just spared her from a nasty fall. Who could think ill of such a gentleman? In time he would realize he’d neglectedto share his name. Why embarrass him further by pointing out his mistake? She was certainly grateful to have him within arm’s reach,