Sweet Deception Regency 07 - The Divided Hearts Read Online Free PDF Page A

of her first view of Newport erased Nathanael
Bellingham from her mind and Judith bubbled over with questions
about the houses and buildings.
    “As you can see there’s a great deal of new
construction. Newport may never regain her preeminence as a port
but she’ll always be a beautiful city,” Simon said, the deep timbre
of his voice rich with pride.
    Now that she was actually in Newport, Judith
remembered much of the history of the town that she had learned
over the years from her father. Prior to the War of Independence,
all the profitable sea lanes led to Newport. The city prospered
through its involvement in the triangular trade of molasses, rum
and slaves. When the British occupied the city, many of the
citizens left. Many never returned. Judith’s grandfather had been a
shipbuilder before the war. Afterward he became a merchant in
partnership with his son Simon who doubled the business as more and
more markets opened up.
    “Will we be driving through the main part of
town?” Judith asked, craning her neck for a better view of one of
the buildings.
    “You’ll be seeing all the sights soon
enough,” Simon said as he patted the excited girl’s hands. “It’s
only a few structures compared to London and I’m sure you’ll be
bored with it all.”
    “No, I shan’t,” Judith promised. “Besides
I’ve come to visit you and see my birthplace. That’s excitement
aplenty.”
    Judith was delighted with everything they
passed and when they pulled up in front of Simon’s house, she sat
in the carriage examining the wood-framed house with the gambrel
roof.
    It was a large house, the clapboard painted
a uniform soft brown. The many-paned windows were trimmed simply
and painted brown to match the house. In startling contrast, the
paneled double doors shone a brilliant white. Above the door was a
plain triangular trim with the only ornamentation, a deep-set
floral carving, in the center.
    “What are the flowers?” Judith asked,
squinting up at the door.
    “It’s called the four lily motif. The early
settlers were much taken with the lifeless looking bulbs out of
which came the most exotic blooms. For them it represented rebirth.
You’ll see the lilies everywhere,” Simon laughed. “That and shells
are very popular in Newport.”
    “It’s much different than I expected.”
    “I hope you’re not disappointed,” he said,
jumping down to stand beside the carriage. He stared at the house
trying to gauge his daughter’s reactions. “This was originally
called a stone-ender house because of the double fireplace set in
the end wall. When I brought your mother here, there were only two
rooms on the main floor, divided by a movable partition.
Unfortunately Elizabeth was not accustomed to living in such
primitive conditions. About ten years ago I added a new wing to the
place which doubled the size of the house. So now I’ve plenty of
room for you and any assorted orphans you may pick up during your
stay.”
    “Surely you’re not giving me license,
Father,” Judith teased, taking Simon’s hand as she descended to the
cobblestones.
    “Heaven forbid!” he shouted in feigned
horror. He was silent as he looked down into his daughter’s face,
his forehead furrowed in question. “It’s not the kind of place
you’re used to, Judith.”
    Judith caught the apprehensive tone in
Simon’s voice and chuckled to reassure him. “Never fear, you old
fusspot. I like the look of your house. It fits well with the tang
of salt in the air and the clean smell of everything. I shan’t miss
the sooty air of London.”
    “Well, come along, child. Let’s not gawk on
the doorstep,” Simon said, his voice raspy with unaccustomed
emotion. If only her mother had been so generous in her judgment,
he thought wistfully. But then of course Judith was only here for a
visit. Perhaps Elizabeth could have borne it, if she hadn’t felt
trapped. Opening the door, he led her inside.
    Judith understood why her father was always
anxious