Acadia Song 04 - The Distant Beacon

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Book: Acadia Song 04 - The Distant Beacon Read Online Free PDF
Author: Janette Oke
recognize you now.” Gordon turned back to the little group inside. “Your pardon, Miss Nicole. But I fear this requires your personal attention.”
    Nicole rose. “Excuse me, Mama.”
    “Of course, dear.” Catherine could scarcely say the term of endearment, for before her stood a lady of regal bearing. Clearly Andrew felt the same. He reached for Catherine’s hand as Nicole crossed the front room.
    “Good day to you, sir,” they heard Nicole say.
    “Your pardon, Viscountess, but his lordship urgently requires the carriage, as his other has been damaged by a mud slide. He asks if you might be making the return journey this day.”
    “That is quite impossible.”
    Sunlight through the open front door made the room’s shadows even deeper. Andrew’s face fell into a deep frown of concern. Catherine knew her own features mirrored his reaction. There was no pleasure to be found even in the news that Nicole was remaining with them at least a while longer. Her imminent departure had been all but announced.
    The governor’s steward said, “Then I must respectfully ask if your ladyship is willing to return by horseback.”
    “Of course.”
    “The governor will be most relieved to hear this, ma’am. He apologizes most profusely, but the carriage is to return with us, and without delay. I’ve brought saddle horses for you and Captain Goodwind. And the packhorse you see here.”
    “That will do us perfectly well, thank you.”
    Catherine found the strength to call over, “Nicole dear.”
    Nicole looked around, instantly transformed to the softer self, the familiar daughter. “Yes, Mama?”
    “Ask the gentleman if he has had lunch.” Nicole seemed momentarily at a loss.
    Andrew spoke up. “We do not stand upon class in this house, my dear. You should ask the gentleman if he would like to come inside.”
    “It’s not that, Papa,” Nicole replied.
    It was Gordon who responded, “I fear there is more than just the one gentleman, sir.”
    Gordon pushed open the door fully. Catherine craned about the table and held her breath at the sight of an entire retinue lined up outside the cottage. A dozen men and more, all bearing the sabers and redcoats of the mighty hussars, were seated upon their elegant steeds.
    Turning back to the men, Gordon said, “The lady of the house wishes to inquire if you and your men have brought sufficient provisions.”
    Although the lead man likely couldn’t pierce the interior shadows, he leaned over the horse’s head and saluted the house. “My thanks, lady. We have vittles aplenty. But the horses could use some fresh water.”
    “I’ll walk you to the stables.” Gordon bowed a second time to Catherine. “Your pardon, ma’am, but I must interrupt this wonderful repast and see to the matter at hand.”
    “I’ll place a cloth over your plate until you return,” Catherine answered weakly.
    The governor’s steward continued, “Your lieutenant has sent the provisional bills of lading for your inspection, Captain. If you don’t mind, sir, I request that you review them and formulate your response without delay. We’re due back forthwith.”
    The men and the noise moved down the lane. Catherine felt the sharp pain of departure twist slightly in her heart at the words bills of lading . They held the tone of sea journeys and danger and the conflict beyond their sheltered haven. All those things she would keep at arm’s length for those she loved.
    Catherine watched her daughter return to the table and saw how her features showed no hint of what had just transpired. In fact, they revealed little save a determined calm. But Catherine could see Andrew also watching their daughter, obviously sensing the same things as Catherine. Their daughter was here with them for only a brief time.
    Father John seemed utterly untouched by the coming separation. Instead he grinned as he dipped his biscuit into the gravy. “Hussars and the governor’s own man, redcoats saluting and horses stamping.
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