The Promise of Morning Read Online Free PDF

like a bear standing on hind legs.
    Pleased to have another delay, Matthew reined the horse to a stop. “Morning, Mr. Beldon. You’re out early.” Even at a distance he could sense the power in the big man.
    Beldon tipped his beaver hat. “Mrs. Craig. This cold air has put roses in your cheeks.”
    “It’s cold indeed. Surely you’d be more comfortable indoors next to the fire.”
    “That I would.” A bland smile rested on his lips. “But I saw you folks pass by a few minutes ago and wanted to have a word with your husband.”
    Ellie poked Matthew in the ribs. “Stop dallying,” she said under her breath.
    Marcus Beldon faced Matthew. “I hope you can make time in the next few days to meet with me. I have some questions.” He paused. “About the community. I’m sure you know most of what goes on around here.”
    Matthew nodded. “I’d be pleased to do that. Where do you suggest?”
    “Why not right here?” Beldon gestured at the building behind him. “There are two fairly comfortable parlors off the reception room.”
    “I’ll be back later in the week. I’ll see you then.”
    Beldon pulled his hands from his pockets and rubbed them together. “Excellent. I will make it a point to be available.”
    Matthew pushed down a surge of irritation at the man’s condescending tone. What could Beldon want from him that he couldn’t learn just as easily from the hotelkeeper?
    Ellie nudged him again.
    “If you’ll excuse us?” Matthew lifted the reins. “I want to get the baby out of the cold.”
    “But of course.” Beldon raised his hat. “Mrs. Craig. A pleasure to see you.”
    Ellie nodded, but anything she might have said was buried in the rattle of the harness as Matthew urged Samson toward Arthur and Ruby’s farm. The horse’s hooves tossed up chunks of muddy ice, splattering the front panel of their wagon.
    Ellie snugged the lap robe around herself and Julia. “I’m worried about what to say to them. Did you bring the letter?”
    “Certainly did.” Matthew touched the front of his thick woolen coat. “Right here in my pocket.” He patted her knee. “I’m worried too. I switch between anger and puzzlement.” They rode in silence for a few moments. “Perhaps there’s a good explanation.” He couldn’t imagine what it might be, but he could hope.

    Once past Ben Wolcott’s land, Matthew slowed the wagon and turned onto the lane that led to the Newberrys’. Shifting Julia on her lap, Ellie reached out and gripped his hand. He felt her fingers tremble. “Do you want to go home?” he asked. “I can talk to them.”
    She straightened. “No. This is something I must do.”
    The wagon rolled around to the rear of the tidy whitewashed house. Bleached linen curtains at the kitchen window were drawn open, revealing Ruby’s back as she stood at the stove.
    According to their custom, Matthew tapped on the back door, opening it at the same time. A cloud of soapy-smelling steam enveloped them when they walked inside.
    Ruby turned from the wash boiler, eyes wide. “Matthew. Ellie.” She looked at her niece. “It’s Monday. Why aren’t you home tending to your family’s washing?”
    “We have something that couldn’t wait.”
    Ruby hurried over. “Well, take off your things and sit down.” She took Julia from Ellie’s arms. “Yesterday you were worried that she’d take a chill sitting in your kitchen, and now you’re out running her around the countryside in the cold. Her little cheeks are like ice.” She moved a chair close to the stove and settled the baby on her lap.
    Ellie glanced at Matthew and held out her hand. Without a word, Matthew reached into his pocket and gave her the letter.
    “What?” A puzzled expression crossed Ruby’s face.
    “We got a letter from your pa,” Matthew said.
    “Forevermore! He never wrote me. Why’d he send you a letter?”
    Ellie removed Julia from Ruby’s lap and handed her the folded pages. “Read it.”
    The only sound in the kitchen