Cross the Ocean Read Online Free PDF Page A

seats beside him at the dining table.
    “Welcome back, children,” Blake said.
    “Good to see you father,” William said. He shot his sister an angry face.
    Melinda said nothing.
    “You look lovely, dear,” Blake said to Melinda. “How was your trip?”
    “Fine.”
    Blake had no intentions of revealing how anxious he was for news. But Melinda was stewing about something. They ate in silence. Blake watched William mouth something to Melinda. The stubborn girl narrowed her eyes.
    “Is something amiss? Is there something you wish to discuss, Melinda, William?” Blake asked.
    William colored. “No, sir.”
    Blake stared at his daughter. “Well, Melinda?”
    No reply.
    “I assume your sullen behavior has something to do with your visit with your grandmother,” Blake said as he stirred his gruel.
    Melinda sat silently until tears began to streak her cheeks. Her silverware hit the table with a sharp rap and she turned to him, on him. “How could you, father? How could you?” she hissed.
    Blake shook his head. “How could I what? What will I be blamed for now?”
    “All these years, mother loved you faithfully,” Melinda trailed off. She stood abruptly and hurried to the door.
    The hairs on Blake’s arms stood. “What are you trying to say, my dear? That I somehow am the cause of your mother’s betrayal?”
    Melinda turned in a flurry. “You took everything from her. And she did nothing but give. I hate you.”
    Blake threw his napkin down. “I will not stand for this kind of behavior. Apologize this instant.”
    “I will not apologize. What will you do, father? Discard me, disown me?” Melinda’s eyes narrowed.
    “Find someone else to take my place?”
    “Make your meaning clear, girl,” Blake shouted. In that instant he knew what she spoke of and wished he had not pressed her for an answer.
    “Helena. Does that name mean anything to you, father?” Melinda said.
    “Melinda, hush,” William shouted.
    Blake swallowed. Visibly, he knew. “I suppose your mother filled your head with….”
    “No,” Melinda interrupted. “Mother would let us think the worst of her before she would slander you.
    But Grand mama, as you know, feels no such compunction.”
    The room was silent. Blake had no revelation to expunge himself with. “These are not the things you should know of,” he said.
    “But we do,” Melinda whispered.
    Blake stared past her. “Many men, most, I dare say, keep or have a companion of sorts.”
    “A companion, father? Companions are spinster aunts. Helena is no companion. I’ve met her, you know,” Melinda said.
    “Where?” Blake said as he stood, astounded. “I’m sure you’re mistaken.”
    “No, no. She introduced herself to mother and I when we were at the dressmaker’s last year. I didn’t know of course. And mother withstood the stares as your companion greeted us,” Melinda said.
    Blake paled, shoved his hands in his pockets and turned to the window. But Melinda was not through.
    “If most men have such companions then you are saying when my husband, whomever he may be, chooses his, I should shake hands and smile?” Melinda asked.
    Blake turned around. “Your husband will never betray you. I won’t stand for it.”
    William hurried to his sister and nearly pushed her out the door.
    Melinda stood her ground long enough for one final barb. “Neither would mother.”
    Blake sat down slowly in the silent, gilded room. Melinda’s announcement shocked him. He was as embarrassed for himself as he was angry with Helena. The thought of Melinda’s future husband being unfaithful hit him in the pit of his stomach. Like too much goose pudding or a cheap bottle of port. Leave it to Lady Katherine, Ann’s mother, to reveal all. Although proper to a fault, his mother-in-law had never liked him. The signs were subtle but clear. He had never wondered why, until now.
    A few moments later, Melinda appeared at the door of the dining room. Quietly dignified ... like her mother.