Read Online A Hearth in Candlewood by Delia Parr - Free Book Online Page A

finishing the last of the harvesting and such. Besides, I’ve known both of the Leonard boys all their lives. They wouldn’t cause their mother any trouble in town.’’
    Emma adjusted the poultice Mother Garrett had fixed for her. ‘‘I hadn’t thought about either of them being about town. I’m more concerned about the gossipmongers who will find plenty to chew on when they see Widow Leonard. Once they discover she’s living and working here at Hill House, they won’t be satisfied until they learn every lurid detail of why she’s no longer living with one of her sons.’’
    She paused and locked her gaze with his. ‘‘You’ve spent a lot of time with her. I was wondering . . . that is, has she shared whatever it is that has caused such a rift between her sons? Not that I’m asking you to break any confidences,’’ she added quickly. ‘‘If you don’t want to discuss it, I certainly understand.’’
    He blushed. ‘‘We’ve talked some about it, but mostly we’ve been talking about me, or should I say Mrs. Glenn. Letty and Frances were friends growing up, you know. Their families both left New Jersey to move here together.’’
    Emma sat up straighter. ‘‘No, I didn’t know,’’ she said, although she did vaguely recall the gossip ignited by his marriage to a woman some twelve or thirteen years his senior.
    ‘‘I’m hopeful she’ll seek our advice, if she needs it. Until then, I’m very grateful you’ve made a place for her here. It’s almost like having Letty back with me.’’
    No sooner did the front bell ring, startling both of them, than Liesel charged down the hall past the parlor to the front door. After a brief but muffled conversation, Emma heard two sets of footsteps approaching: one light, the other heavier. To her surprise, Liesel led Zachary Breckenwith into the parlor.
    An uncommonly tall man, he was impeccably dressed in a dark serge suit, as usual, and carried himself with a confidence that stopped just short of arrogance. Although they were nearly the same age, he looked a good bit younger. While her own blond hair was streaked with white, there was not a single strand of gray in his dark hair, and she suspected it was because he simply did not allow it. Not wanting to appear weak, Emma sat up straight, tucked the poultice under the cushion, and carefully avoided touching the lump on her head. She was also vain enough to quickly smooth her hair and be grateful she had chosen a winter green linen gown to wear on her outing today, rather than one of her usual cotton work dresses.
    ‘‘Since you weren’t able to keep your appointment this morning, Mr. Breckenwith asked to see you,’’ Liesel announced.
    ‘‘Assuming you’re feeling well enough,’’ the lawyer said, and his dark eyes shimmered with concern. ‘‘I understand you had a fall of some sort.’’
    ‘‘I’m feeling much better. Thank you. But I didn’t expect you to come all the way up here,’’ Emma replied.
    ‘‘There’s important business we need to discuss,’’ he said curtly.
    ‘‘If you’ll both excuse me, I think I’ll just take myself to the kitchen for a cup of coffee,’’ the minister suggested.
    When he started to edge forward in his seat, the lawyer shook his head. ‘‘Please stay here. I’d prefer to meet with Widow Garrett in her office.’’
    Irritated by how adroitly her lawyer placed himself in control, considering he was in her home, Emma got to her feet. When she did not experience a wave of dizziness, she managed a genuine smile. ‘‘Liesel, bring Reverend Glenn a cup of coffee, won’t you?’’ She turned her attention to her lawyer, determined to be hospitable despite her annoyance with him. ‘‘Would you care for some refreshment? Coffee? Tea?’’
    He held up his hand. ‘‘Thank you, but no. I promised Aunt Elizabeth I’d be home in an hour for dinner, which reminds me: Since I mentioned I was coming here, Widow Garrett asked me to let you know she