Longings of the Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

ye’ve allowed me to come to work for ye. Ye’ve rescued me from what I’m certain would have been a terrible end. I’ll do a fine job for ye.”
    “I’ve no doubt of that. Grace Williams recommended you and I trust her judgment implicitly.” Mrs. Atherton turned toward Hannah. “Deidre, this is Hannah Bradshaw. She was our housekeeper until she married this fine gentleman, John Bradshaw.”
    Deidre offered Hannah a cursory nod and then reached out to John and took his hand. “It’s a pleasure.” Her voice changed, reminding Hannah of bells in a soft breeze.
    “John manages our machine shop and oversees quite a lot of the business for my husband.”
    “Welcome,” John said. “I’m sure you’ll be happy here. The Athertons are fine people.”
    “I can see that.”
    Hannah bristled at Deidre’s notably sweet tone and overly friendly manner toward John. She didn’t like her.
    “Sadly, John and Hannah won’t be living here much longer. They’re planning to move to a place of their own.”
    John disengaged his hand. “Figured I’d have a go at my own farm.”
    “Sounds like a grand idea.” Deidre’s eyes remained on John. “I hope ye do well.”
    “God willing, we shall.” John smiled.
    Hannah thought his smile a bit too broad.
    “There’s a piece of land just north of here. I’m going to have a look at it this afternoon.”
    “Once you’ve moved, William and I will miss having you here. But we’re delighted you’re making a new start. I’m confident this venture will be a success.” Mrs. Atherton glanced at the new housemaid. “Well, Deidre and I have some things to discuss, and I’ve promised to show her around. She’ll start working with Lydia right away.” She placed a hand on Deidre’s back, and the two moved past Hannah and John, strolling toward the garden.
    Trepidation felt like a strap tightening around Hannah’s chest. Shaking loose the sensation, she looped an arm through John’s, and the two walked toward the barn. “I wish I could go with you.”
    “And I’d value your presence, but Murphy Connor is the one who put me on to the property, and he’s an Irishman who believes women should stay at home.” He grasped Hannah’s hand. “If I think it’s the place for us, I’ll take you there tomorrow.”
    “All right.”
    John looked more closely at Hannah. “Is something troubling you?”
    Hannah clasped John’s hand and stopped, facing him. “I know we’ve planned and dreamed of building a place of our own, but I must admit to feeling a bit frightened. I know the area and it’s quite isolated. Most anything could happen—snakebite, or a raid by the Aborigines. And there are escaped criminals about. I don’t know that I’ll feel at ease there on my own.”
    “Hannah, I had no idea. But you need not worry. I’ll be there. I’d die before I let anyone harm you.” He caressed her upper arms. “It’ll be fine. You’ll see. Very few of the farmers have had trouble.”
    “I know. And I believe this is the right thing to do, but I still can’t help but be a bit anxious.” Sorry that she’d said anything to dampen John’s spirits, she assured him, “Don’t worry about me and my qualms. I’m positive I’ll feel fine once we’re settled.”
    Gently, he kissed her forehead. “I’m sure you’re right.”
    Leaving behind the morning light, John and Hannah stepped into the barn where the heavy smell of hay and manure greeted them. He led the way to a stall in the back. “It sounds like fine land. Connor said it borders the river and that it isn’t too far from the township. And he said there’s good grazing.”
    Hannah rested a hand on the stall gate. “I can scarcely imagine what it will be like to live on a place of our own. Two months ago we were prisoners with no prospects at all.” She leaned against John, hugging him with one arm.
    He gave her a squeeze. “God has been gracious.” He grabbed a halter from a hook on the wall, opened the stall,