Songs of the Shenandoah Read Online Free PDF Page A

flashed a puckish grin and looked back at the window. “That was always my preferred way of coming inside this house.”
    Clare, who had seen some pictures of Davin through the years, still was amazed at what few semblances remained of the gentle-spirited, frog-chasing boy who lived here eleven years ago. Instead, before them stood a man, distinguished in his stature and grooming, his brown eyes glistening with confidence.
    Davin clapped his tall black boots together to free the clumps of snow and patted away the frozen dust from his clothing. He stepped forward and kissed Clare on the cheek and held her tightly. “Now, now, sister Clare. You knew I would come home, didn’t you?”
    Clare couldn’t hold back the tears that flowed freely down her cheeks and onto his. He was so strong in her arms. “If you had any idea of the suffering you put me through, young man.” When he had left home at the age of eleven to seek out Seamus in San Francisco, Davin left no note of his whereabouts. For a long time Clare had believed him lost.
    Finally she stepped back and laughed, wiping the tears. Caitlin and the others took turns exchanging hugs and handshakes. During this moment of festive greeting, Clare happened a glance at Muriel. The young woman observed Davin with tender fascination. Clare’s heart went out to the girl as she was as plain looking as she was kind.
    Andrew drew a chair close to the fire and motioned for Davin to sit.
    â€œMay I put together a plate of food for you?” Muriel asked.
    â€œOh?” Davin said. “Is that not Cassie’s job?”
    Caitlin dragged a chair close to her younger brother. “Cassie hasn’t worked here for several years. She’s married to Reverend Bridges, who is pastor of one of the largest black churches in Manhattan.”
    â€œAh, I see.” He glanced dispassionately at Muriel. “Is this the new girl?”
    Andrew had come alongside Muriel. “This . . . new girl is studying to become a doctor.” He nodded to her. “You sit yourself down. I’ll get Davin some food.”
    Davin patted his stomach. “Much appreciated.” He watched Andrew walk away and then turned his gaze back to Muriel. “He did mean nurse, right?”
    Muriel’s expression transformed from admiration to resentment. Davin had ignited a spark they had yet to see burn in their boarder. Before the girl could respond, Clare spoke. “So Davin, tell us of your grand adventures out West. Don’t leave out the smallest of details. We want to know all about your gold discovery.”
    Davin rubbed his hands together. “Yes. I suppose you would.”
    â€œHave you left any in California?” Caitlin prodded. “Or did you take it all?”
    â€œMost.” He removed his hat, set it on the floor beside him, and eyed his rapt audience. “All right if you must know.” He crossed his arms. “It all started on Ashlyn’s claim. Well, actually her father’s.”
    â€œOh, I didn’t know.” Clare looked to Ashlyn who shifted in her seat.
    â€œThat mine unfortunately didn’t have much life in her once we got there.” Davin leaned back in the chair. “We pulled maybe enough to purchase our next claim. And then the next one after that. Of course, I didn’t have much need of money when I was young. It was all entertainment. Enough to keep fed and help a few out along the way.” He gave Seamus a glance.
    â€œBut then a few years ago, I met up with my partners. My friend Tristan Lowery—”
    â€œOf the Lowery family, here in New York?” Clare asked with surprise. “I heard they made a fortune in gold. I was unaware you were connected with them.”
    Andrew returned with a plate of food, which was both overflowing and hastily put together.
    â€œYes.” Davin looked over the food carefully, then picked up a fork and poked it into a large pile of