Read Online A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino - Free Book Online

without its trials, but somehow he had thought it would get easier. Mary always said she would not settle for a marriage of convenience and here she was, going headstrong into one. Would she someday be filled with regret?

6

    As he left the Langton estate, Barnabas decided against going directly home. He’d made his decision to take a wife, but in the wake of that, he felt no better. He nudged Baldy left when he reached the smithy and rounded the corner down Dag Lane. He passed the Horton House and mill and rode on until he found himself at the door of Thomas’s house. Thomas, the brother with his feet securely on the ground. The brother who would know the right thing to say to him. Jeremy would give his life for anyone, but he was a dreamer.
    He pounded on the door, until Thomas finally appeared. “Well, well. Is it old Barn? What brings you my way? Are you all right? Come in.”
    He stepped in the doorway. “You’ve known the void I have felt since Ann died. I try for the boys to stay on course, and I still open the bakeshop. But I have done something that troubles me and I need to talk to someone. Could I have your ear?”
    â€œWhat say you we go down the lane to the inn? Jeremy will be there. Mayhap the three of us could talk?”
    â€œI had thought to speak just to you, but mayhap it would be a good thing to get both views.” He waited while Thomasshrugged on his coat and informed his wife and daughter of their plans. Both Thomas’s wife, Mary Jane, and their little daughter, Mary Belle, came out to give Barnabas a hug. Belle clung to his legs. He bent and gently peeled her away, giving her a quick hug before handing her to her mother.
    The two trudged to the inn in silence, horses left behind.
    As they drew near, Thomas turned. “I know it’s been hard, Barn. Do not think for a moment that Jeremy and I do not understand. We are here for you, whenever you need us.”
    â€œThank you. I do know that.”
    They went inside and found Jeremy at a table.
    He looked up as they approached. “Heigh-ho, look who joins me.” He stood up and clapped both brothers on the shoulder.
    â€œIn truth, I did not plan to, but when Barn showed up at the door, I thought we should.” Thomas gave Jeremy a broad smile.
    They pulled out chairs and settled into them. Jeremy gave a nod to the pretty maidservant, and she brought a large platter of crusty bread, with carp and hunks of cheese. She beamed at Jeremy, and Barnabas knew what Molly was thinking. The three of them had the Horton ruddy complexions and ready smiles, and their mere presence filled the room. She frequently said when the Horton men came in, business always picked up.
    Molly set the fare down and nudged Jeremy. “Do you think that be enough? I wasn’t planning on a third brother here.” She nodded toward Barnabas with a grin.
    Barnabas held up a finger. “Aye, we’ve plenty. I won’t be eating.”
    Thomas looked at his brother intently. “We know you expect a joke from us, and most assuredly we do not let the opportunity slip by often, but, Barn, what’s on your mind?”
    â€œI have asked Mr. Langton’s permission to court his daughter.” He put it out there simply and watched their reaction.
    Both brothers stared at him, mouths agape.
    â€œI encountered her at Webb’s shop and it occurred to me that she would make a wonderful mother for Joseph and Benjamin. I have been at a loss at how to manage them, and it seems everything I do is wrong. The day I met her they were misbehaving, but she helped me in such a gentle way. I know they miss their mother. I know Miss Langton cannot replace Ann. Not for me or the boys. But my children need a mother and I need a wife.”
    Jeremy finished chewing and swallowed hard. He leaned forward. “It’s not wrong, Barn. It’s life. No need to explain.”
    â€œI know, but her father has not given his consent