Read Online A Hope Beyond by Judith Pella - Free Book Online Page B

response?”
    Hampton took Joseph’s smile as an indication of acceptance and grinned. “She didn’t refuse it, if that’s what you’re wondering. In fact, she was the one to suggest the seclusion of the summer porch. She’s very determined when she sets her mind to something.”
    Joseph laughed out loud at this. “That she is. But I have to say that I’m surprised. She has adamantly refused to consider my suggestions that she accept your courtship. I don’t tell you this to cause you grief, but only to offer you my insight on the matter.”
    Hampton nodded. “I, too, must share an insight that might well clarify the entire situation for you. Carolina admitted her interest in me. We talked all the way home from the party, and she said that her family was most important to her, but that you held her heart above all others.” In fact, that ride home had passed in all but total silence. Nevertheless, Hampton continued. “You see, Carolina knows that it would grieve you to lose another family member just yet. She told me that with Maryland’s death and her mother’s sorrow over the loss, she couldn’t possibly consider marriage.”
    “She said that?” Joseph seemed genuinely puzzled.
    “That and so much more. I would like to say that she declared her love for me,” Hampton said in a tone of false humility, “but she would not speak on the matter, especially with her slave occupying the same coach. Her eyes suggested to me, however, that she would do so in a minute, were her family obligations not so strong.”
    “I had no idea.” Joseph got up and paced the Persian carpet in front of the fireplace.
    “That is why I made the suggestion I did. Perhaps if Carolina knew that her husband would assume responsibility of Oakbridge and that she wouldn’t be taken away from those she loved, she would open her heart to me and agree to marriage.”
    Joseph stopped pacing and looked Hampton in the eye. “The idea is not without appeal to me, Hampton. You’ve served my family well and have been a worthy adviser. I will take this matter under consideration, on that you may be certain.”
    Hampton got to his feet and reached out to shake Joseph’s hand. “You won’t be sorry, sir. Carolina is a wonderful young woman, and I know that your decision might well make all the difference in the world.” Pulling out his watch fob, Hampton grimaced. “I must hurry now, or I’ll never make the train to Baltimore.”
    “I’ll look forward to your return,” Joseph said in a thoughtful tone that suggested his mind was already considering Hampton’s suggestion.
    Smiling to himself, Hampton bid Joseph good-bye. Too bad Carolina was conspicuously absent. It was of no matter, he reasoned. Soon, if things went his way, she’d be answering to him for every detail of her life. Even the gray, snow-laden skies couldn’t discourage him as he bounded into the Adams’ carriage. The trap was laid. Now it was only a matter of time until the bait was taken.

8
Deciding the Future
    Carolina sat beside Penny, faithfully rereading her favorite Bible story. Joseph and the coat of many colors fascinated Penny, and Carolina didn’t mind one bit the fact that she’d already read the story three times that week.
    “Miz Carolina?” Miriam peeked her head through the open door. “Yo papa says to come quicklike to the li’bry.”
    Carolina nodded and handed Penny the Bible. “You can read on for yourself. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” She tousled the sandy brown curls on Penny’s head, then planted a kiss on her little sister’s forehead. The frail girl beamed up a smile and yawned.
    “I wanna rest just a little,” she said in tones that seemed so old for a child. Not mature, but rather aged and brittle.
    Carolina nodded, sadly realizing her sister’s condition might never improve. Penny’s heart was not even strong enough to allow limited moments of play, and Carolina noted that she slept more and more often of