Undaunted Love (PART TWO): Banished Saga, Book 3.5 Read Online Free PDF Page B

she’d be terrified of what will become of her now that she doesn’t have a husband again,” Sophie said.
    “Why? You do fine on your own,” Savannah said. She smiled to the maid who delivered fresh tea and poured cups for all of us.
    “That is my point, Savannah. My husband left me plenty of money, and my tastes were not of the exorbitant kind. She doesn’t appear to have the sense to know she must curtail her ways.”
    “I’m sure Da left her plenty,” Colin said. “He’d want to look after Melinda.”
    “Did you see your sister?” Sophronia asked.
    “No, she wasn’t there. I thought it was because she was so young, Mrs. Smythe didn’t want to expose her to the ceremony.”
    “Hmm … Well, I’m sure we’ll know in time.” She pinned a stare on Colin, her aquamarine eyes shining with curiosity. “Are you returned to take the helm of your father’s blacksmithing shop?”
    “It’s what I should do,” Colin said.
    “Hmm … I wouldn’t spend too much of my life worried about what I should do, young man. I’d determine what it is I want to do, and then endeavor to do it. Life’s too short for the shoulds in life.”
    Colin shrugged with feigned nonchalance. “It’s what my da would have expected of me.”
    “Humbug. Your father would want you and your siblings happy, wherever you live and whatever you do. He wouldn’t want you to martyr yourself to a forge you had no desire to run.”
    “I need to honor him in this way,” Colin murmured.
    Sophie began to speak but settled back in her chair when she met Aunt Betsy’s severe stare. Aunt Betsy said, “I knew Sean well. I know what he suffered after the death of your mother, and I’m confident he would want both of you to follow your dreams. If you have no desire to live here in Boston, Colin, then don’t,” Aunt Betsy said.
    “It’s not that simple, Aunt,” Colin said.
    “I don’t understand why not,” Savannah said. “I’d think you’d have the sense to find your happiness and fight to keep it.”
    “That’s your battle, Sav, not mine,” Colin said. “The truth is that, if I’d been here, there’s a good chance Da wouldn’t have died. That he wouldn’t have had to work so hard.”
    “Don’t even think of giving that woman’s words one moment of credence,” I hissed, my face flushing with anger. “She only speaks words of poison to induce pain and promote disharmony.”
    “There’s truth in her words, Rissa. You know I’ve wondered the same,” Colin said.
    “It’s just as likely your father would have died at the same time whether or not you were sweating away next to him in the forge. The only difference is you would have had the distinction of watching your father die without the ability to render any true aid. Would you then feel you had done your duty as a son? Would you feel free to live the life you desired?” Sophronia demanded.
    Colin rose and paced about. “I just buried my father today. Talk of what is to be done with the forge is premature.”
    Sophie sighed. “My boy, it’s premature to anyone with a modicum of decency. However, we all know your stepmother hasn’t a decent bone in her body. She’ll do what she sees fit with what has been bestowed upon her. I suggest you learn quickly what your father’s true wishes were, not what she wants you to believe they were.”
    “Sophie?” I asked.
    “I’ve heard rumors that she has debts due to her delusions about her grand house in the South End. Debts your father was attempting to repay at the time of his death,” Sophronia said, her words sending a chill of foreboding down my spine.
    “She wouldn’t do anything precipitous with her means of income,” I said.
    “We know she shows the world the appearance of an eminently ridiculous creature but do not underestimate her.” Sophie shared a fierce look with me.
    I nodded. “No, never underestimate what she will do to obtain her desired goal,” I whispered.
    ***
    AFTER A LIGHT DINNER,