Embers of Love Read Online Free PDF Page A

another female. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
    “Likewise,” she said, uncertain if the nod of her head was the proper greeting.
    Deborah didn’t give her time to consider the matter further. “We were hoping you might have something cold to drink.”
    “I surely do. Mrs. Greeley made two pitchers of lemonade, as well as some sweet tea. Which do you prefer?”
    “Oh, lemonade would surely be perfect,” Deborah declared.
    “Why don’t you two have a seat, and I’ll bring it right out to you.”
    Deborah nodded and led Lizzie to an area just beyond the counter, where several small tables and chairs had been positioned. “The men often gather here for coffee and checkers. Sometimes they even have a meeting or two.”
    Lizzie took a seat on the obviously handmade chair. She worried that the unfinished wood would snag her skirt, but noted that Deborah seemed to give it little thought. Deborah had been right; this was quite different from what she had known back East.
    “As you can see, the store has an ample supply of cloth goods, foods, and household supplies. My mother wrote to tell me that they recently opened a hardware store across the street to handle some of the larger tools and building materials. Down the street is the church and school. There’s a livery and blacksmith, as well as a new doctor’s office and infirmary. According to my mother, Mrs. Perkins finally convinced Mr. Perkins to hire a quality doctor since a great many women have died from childbed fever or in childbirth itself.”
    “How sad that they should have died when such progress has been made. Remember the lecture we heard just before graduation? Mrs. Lyman was the speaker.”
    Deborah nodded. “Yes, I know she was especially encouraged that medicine was making abundant improvements, especially in women’s needs. But a doctor will be very valuable to the men in this community, as well. There are frequent accidents. A doctor will be a blessing.”
    “Here you go, ladies.” Mr. Greeley reappeared with two glasses of lemonade.
    Lizzie immediately sampled hers and smiled. It was just right – not too tart. “It’s very good.”
    “Mrs. Greeley will be pleased to know you enjoyed it.”
    “Just put it on our account, please,” Deborah instructed.
    “Oh no, Miss Deborah. This one is on the house. We’re just pleased as can be to have you home. Bet your mama is fairly dancin’ a jig. She’s talked of nothing but your return.”
    Lizzie marveled at the easy manner in which they fell into conversation. There were no formalities, yet there was a certain genteel respect that she found rather comforting.
    “I finally found him,” G. W. declared as he and another man bounded into the commissary. Lizzie looked up just as Rob Vandermark caught sight of her. He grinned from ear to ear and stepped forward in three bold strides to take hold of her hand. Bowing low, he drew her fingers to his lips.
    “Why, if you aren’t the purtiest gal! Hair the color of corn silk and eyes bluer than a summer sky.”
    “This is my brother Rob,” Deborah announced. “He’s the poet in the family.”
    Lizzie nodded, but found herself at a loss for words. Rob seemed more than a little delighted as he turned to face his sister.
    “For once you’ve brought me somethin’ worth my time,” he declared, then looked back at Lizzie and gave her a wink.
    G. W. frowned and Deborah shook her head. “Rob is also the Romeo of the family.”
    “She calls me that all the time,” Rob said, laughing. He tucked his thumbs in his suspenders. “Guess she can’t help it, what with havin’ such a handsome brother. Can’t fault me for lookin’ for my Juliet.”
    Lizzie could scarcely take it all in at once. Rob was rather like a whirlwind compared to G. W.’s soft-spoken, easygoing manner.
    “Rob, this is Miss Elizabeth Decker. Lizzie to her friends.”
    “Miss Lizzie,” he said, turning back to her with a beaming smile. “I certainly hope we