Read Online A New Dawn Over Devon by Michael Phillips - Free Book Online Page A

always remember you. We could never think of Heathersleigh Cottage and its beautiful growing things everywhere without thinking of you along with it.”
    As the girls rode away from the cottage an hour later, Amanda remained quiet. After some time Catharine glanced toward her and saw that her older sister was crying.
    â€œAmanda dear,” she said, “what is it?”
    â€œYou can’t know the grief I feel, Catharine,” replied Amanda, “what it is like to realize I have spent a lifetime seeing only through the eyes of self, and how much hurt I have caused. It’s so hard, like nothing I have ever known. Even such a simple thing as watching how close you and Grandma Maggie are—I am not envious, I think it’s wonderful . . . but it brings a stab to my heart to realize all I threw away. And I feel such guilt that I will never see Grandpa Bobby again. The rest of you were all here when he died, to spend his last days with him. But I was on another continent, not even knowing. What grief it must have caused him to die never seeing me again. Now it’s too late. It is something I can never undo.”
    Catharine remained silent. There was much she wanted to say. Yet she knew that Amanda was right. She herself couldn’t fully understand. She had never faced what Amanda was feeling. Therefore, she would give her no advice without considering her words carefully.
    â€œI’m so sorry, Amanda,” she said, reaching across a tender hand.
    â€œI know, Catharine,” replied Amanda, forcing a teary smile. “Thank you. But sometimes I don’t know how I will ever be able to forgive myself.”
    â€œI’m certain the Lord will show you when the time comes.”
    Amanda nodded. “You know,” she said, drawing in a deep breath, “I think I need to be alone for a while. Maybe I’ll just . . . I don’t know, ride into the village or out into the country. I need some time to think.—Do you mind?”
    â€œOf course not,” replied Catharine. “I’ll see you back at the Hall.”
    â€”———
    Elsbet heard footsteps approaching at the end of the street outside. She set down the cooking fork in her hand and hurried from the stove. She opened the door with an eager smile to greet her father.
    The sight that met her eyes was not what she expected. He was running along the street faster than she had ever seen him move, with a frantic look on his face, an expression one did not see on a strong man who knew how to take care of himself.
    He called out the instant she appeared, “Get away, run Elsbet—run from the house!”
    She stood in the doorway confused.
    â€œGet away . . . run,” he panted as he lumbered toward her.
    In fearful uncertainty she backed inside and stood waiting.
    Seconds later he bounded up the three steps and yanked the door closed behind him in exhaustion.
    He stumbled into the room, glancing about desperately. All the while the bewildered girl stared up at him silently.
    â€œIt’s too late to get away now,” he gasped. “They will see you—into the garret with you.”
    He now turned toward her, trying to calm himself. He stooped and gazed earnestly into his daughter’s face. His eyes flashed with unmistakable terror.
    â€œElsbet,” he said, still breathing heavily and looking into her face seriously, “I want you to get into the garret . . . quickly!”
    With big eyes, at last growing afraid from what she saw in her father’s eyes, she nodded.
    â€œGo, now,” he said, rushing her to the ladder, “—that’s a good lass, up you go. Close the door behind you and don’t make a sound . . . not a peep, do you hear, Elsbet—not a peep.”
    Within seconds she had scrambled into the loft. With a great heave, Sully shot the ladder into the opening behind her.
    â€œLower the door,” he