Surrender the Wind Read Online Free PDF Page B

Caroline. It is but simple facts she discloses, and her urging for me to convince you is profound.”
    “Is it?” Seth moved back to the chair but remained standing.
    “Indeed so. A letter is enclosed to you as well.” Stowefield handed it to Seth. He stood up and moved toward the doorway. “I’ll provide a few moments for you to read it. Perhaps later you’ll have an answer for me.”
    Seth waited while Stowefield left the room. The door clicked shut. Upon Seth's neck, the heat of the evening sun poured through the window. The letter lay in his calloused hand. He stared at it a moment, at his name scrolled in a feminine hand on the front. He broke the seal and unfolded the pages.

    My Dear Brother:
    I pray Mr. Stowefield has been able to find you. I hope you will listen to his advice with an open mind. Before Grandfather died, he begged me to write to you and ask that all injuries be forgiven. He lived this last year in relentless anguish and rued the past.
    I married a good man, but he has left me a widow, with a young son, age two years. He's a fine boy and brings me joy.
    I am sure Mr. Stowefield informed you that our grandfather remarried several years ago. His widow is cold in manner and never was a mother to me. I never see her, and I believe she is a sick woman. Her son says if you are alive, the government would refuse to acknowledge you as heir and brand you a traitor and rebel. I do not believe this, dear brother. He says you are undeserving under the grounds of treason for having fought in the Revolution. Mr. Banes has assured me otherwise.
    Therefore, my dear brother, I beg of you to come to Ten Width. Come at least for a time, and then, if it is your wish to return to Virginia, I shall understand.
    My friend, Juleah Fallowes, Mr. Stowefield's niece, has stayed with me following the days after Grandfather's death. She has provided a shoulder for me to cry upon. Without her, I’d be alone in the house except for two servants and my little lad. I cannot bear the sorrow here.
    So much has happened in my short life. Things I cannot tell you until I see you again. You must send me word of your decision, and hopefully your arrival.
    Your devoted sister, Caroline

    When Mr. Stowefield returned, Seth sat in the chair with the letter in his hand. Contemplative thoughts stirred his mind and he felt them expressed upon his face. The setting sun spread the copper light of twilight inside the room, and for a moment, he watched it play over the wood furnishings.
    “Mr. Stowefield,” he said. “I need time to think.”
    “I understand that principle, sir.” Stowefield tucked his spectacles inside his waistcoat pocket and sighed. “But if you think too long and hard on the matter, you’ll find a way to talk yourself out of it.”
    “Wisdom demands caution, sir,” Seth replied. “A man who makes his steps too hasty and bases his decisions on feelings may fall into a pit.”
    Stowefield chuckled. “You’re a farmer and a scholar.”
    “I’m not good at either profession. Nonetheless, I thank you for the compliment.”
    “Forgive me for asking, young man. But doesn’t it feel grand to have become so wealthy?”
    “No, I feel doubtful.”
    At once Stowefield's brows shot up. “That's most incredible, sir.”
    Seth stood and picked up his hat. “I must be leaving. Direct me to a cheap inn if you know one.”
    Stowefield threw back his shoulders. “I’ll do nothing of the kind. My house is large and I’d be honored if you’d be my guest.”
    “I cannot impose upon you.”
    “Why waste your money on an inn? You’ll not find a finer table than mine, nor better conversation.”
    Though reluctant, Seth agreed to stay. Partridge told him she was pleased to wait upon him, and showed him upstairs before dinner. The glow of the candle fanned out before them as they climbed the staircase. The room stood at the far end of the house.
    “Have you a good coat with you, sir?” Partridge's voice was motherly, her