Where The Heart Is (Choices of the Heart, book 1) Read Online Free PDF

child.”
    So Kendra had been a mill hand. Of course, she would have been let go as soon as her pregnancy became known. Chelle’s sympathy for the girl deepened. “I can’t imagine that he would. And I suppose the baby’s father is nowhere to be seen.”
    “Not exactly. David Phelps is the baby’s father. He and Kendra were both let go when word got out that she was pregnant. David went to his uncle in York to work in his warehouse, and he asked Kendra to marry him and go with him, so we’ve heard, but she wouldn’t. I don’t know why. So folk are doubly hard on her, and Drew takes advantage of it.”
    A lonely, difficult path, chosen of Kendra’s own accord. Had she discovered that she and David didn’t love each other enough, just as Chelle had discovered with Rory? If so, Chelle couldn’t find it in her heart to judge. “She has courage. I’ll give her that.”
    “Aye. It’s made things hard for her, losing Kendra’s wages, but so far they’ve managed. Her father died years ago. Kendra does washing and mending for a few families that aren’t as narrow-minded as most. Her mother works at the mill, too.” Jean paused in the middle of wiping drips of jam from the table. “I can see what you’re thinking, Chelle. You’re sorry for Kendra, and so am I, but she made her own choice.”
    “Yes, and I respect her for it. I intend to be her friend if she’ll let me.”
    Jean shrugged. “She could use a friend, that’s for sure and certain, but be prepared to be tarred with the same brush if you befriend her.”
    Chelle tilted her chin. “I suppose you’re right, but that’s a chance I’m willing to take.”

Chapter Four
     
    Martin glanced out the kitchen window and nearly dropped the plate he was drying. A buggy was pulling into the twilit yard, with Hugh and Margaret Paxton, parents of his dead wife, on the seat, sitting as rigid and unbowed as they’d been at Eleanor’s funeral.
    Martin had only seen them once or twice since then. They’d visited rarely enough while their daughter was alive. He’d never really felt acquainted with the Paxtons, but he knew them well enough to surmise that this was more than a social call. With a tense knot forming in his stomach, he answered the door. “Hugh. Margaret. Come in.”
    Eleanor’s father nodded and stepped inside, with his wife behind him like a drab gray shadow. Hugh Paxton looked like the church elder he was, tall and spare, with a thin-lipped mouth and small, pale blue eyes that didn’t warm when he smiled. Eleanor had inherited her generous curves from her mother, but Margaret’s generosity ended with her figure. She and Hugh were well-matched. Martin could never fathom how they’d produced a daughter like Eleanor, with her easy laughter and love of music and dancing.
    “Now then, Martin.” Hugh cleared his throat. “We’re glad to find you in. We’d an errand to run at the Mallonby store and we decided to stop here on our way home. We’ve meant to call for some time.”
    “You’ve something particular on your mind, then, I’ll warrant.” Martin gestured toward the sofa facing the hearth. “Come and sit down.”
    Margaret’s gaze darted around the room as she perched on the sofa next to Hugh. Martin kept the place clean after a fashion, but not as clean as Eleanor had. Her mother made it plain that she noticed, without saying a word.
    Hugh cleared his throat again. “You’re right, Martin, we do have something in particular to discuss. Leah’s nine months old now, so you’ll be lookin’ for a place for her soon. We’ve been talkin’ it over, and we’ve decided we’re willing to take her ourselves rather than see her go to strangers.”
    Now there’s a twist . As far as Martin knew, Leah’s grandparents had never visited her at the McShannons’, and they certainly hadn’t broached the subject of raising her before.
    When he and Eleanor were courting, her parents had taken little interest in getting to know him. His