The Bearwalker's Daughter Read Online Free PDF Page B

she said, neglecting to mention her petrification at the thought of seeing Jack again. To her chagrin, she was equally enthralled and afraid of making a spectacle of herself.
    “Most folks have eaten and gone on home.” Neeley laced up the crimson bodice at Karin’s chest, tugged it snugly and smoothed the peplum skirting that fell around her hips. “Some men hung on here. They’re having a lively discussion.”
    “What about?”
    “The big race tomorrow.”
    “Of course. Horses.” Karin tried to appear casual. “How’s Mister McCray this morning? Is he on the mend? Has he risen?”
    Weighing her with a speculative look from beneath hooded eyes, Neeley said, “He’s dressed, eaten, and visiting with the men. My herbs and your skill at surgery must have stood him in good stead.”
    “I expect so,” Karin hastily agreed, wondering if that audacious kiss had spurred on his healing as well.
    “My, aren’t your cheeks abloom and your eyes bright. This wouldn’t have anything to do with Jack McCray, would it?”
    “Absolutely not.”
    Amusement hinted at the older woman’s thin lips. “I wouldn’t blame you for fancying him.”
    “But I don’t.”
    “Most girls would.” Neeley took the wooden-handled brush from the washstand. “He’s handsome, and unlike the men you’re accustomed to.”
    Karin shook her head. “He’s not at all suited to me.”
    “That so?” Neeley arched one gray brow. “How do you know so much of him? The fellow’s a right mystery.”
    Karin chewed her lower lip, fearful she’d been found out. “He is. I don’t.”
    “Then keep still ‘til you do.” Neeley was thoughtful. “I reckon God sent him to us for a purpose.”
    Covered with goosebumps from more than the draft, Karin sank onto a stool. She wasn’t about to share her discovery of Jack’s purpose in the night, nor had he explained the secrecy behind his coming. Trepidation churned in her along with nervous excitement while Neeley brushed her hair.
    The old woman pinned the rippling lengths up on Karin’s head, curling tendrils around bent fingers to frame her face. She nodded in approval. “Never mind putting on your cap. It spoils my work. Come eat your breakfast and see what our visitor thinks of you.”
    Leaping up off her seat, Karin declared, “Grandpa would have forty fits and so would Joseph if Mister McCray takes any notice of me at all.”
    Neeley waved away her protest. “Joseph’s a good man, but must come to see the truth of things.”
    Karin regarded her blankly. “I’ve no notion what you mean, but I promised Uncle Thomas I’d think on wedding him.”
    “Did you, indeed?”
    Sometimes Neeley had the most maddening way about her. “I care for Joseph dearly.”
    With a sage eye, she said, “As a brother, eh?”
    “Respect and affection are a sound basis for marriage. Love will follow, will it not?”
    “Is it me yer asking, or yourself, gal?”
    “Both, maybe,” Karin admitted, “though I do wish you would let me make up my own mind.”
    Laying a gnarled hand on her arm, Neeley said, “You haven’t got a mind of your own. Leastways, not one you’ll own up to.”
    “Neeley—”
    “It’s the God honest truth, lass, and high time these hardheaded McNeals gave you a bit more rein. They’ve kept you on a tight lead far too long, and in the dark.”
    “What are you on about now?”
    That pensive look returned to Neeley’s pale blue gaze. “You’ll see. And I shan’t be surprised if Mister McCray has a hand in showing you the way.”
    Not if Karin had any say in the matter. She could only think the mounting years had addled Neeley’s good sense. As to her own fleeting reason, she simply must recover it.
    Draping her wine-colored cloak around her shoulders, she accompanied the irksome woman into the main room. As Neeley said, most of the folks who’d spent the night had gone home to their chores. A handful of men sat on chairs and stools near hearth, their easy conversation