Read Online Adam's Promise by Julianne MacLean - Free Book Online Page B

the steep, grassy hill to Fort Cumberland. They dismounted outside the main entrance and led their horses into the courtyard.
    A voice rang out. “Miss Oxley!”
    Madeline turned and recognized the caller. John Metcalf, a young man who had traveled on the ship with her from Yorkshire, was approaching, ax in hand. He had come alone to Nova Scotia to rent land until he could earn enough to buy his own and send for his brothers. This morning, he looked as if he’d been hard at work, splitting wood and perspiring in the sun.
    Madeline smiled and walked to meet him halfway. Adam waited near the barracks.
    â€œHello, John. It’s good to see you. Have you been settling in?”
    â€œYes, Miss Oxley. Though I haven’t found a place to call my own just yet.”
    She remembered his optimism on board ship, speaking ambitiously about the fertile soil in Cumberland, and how he planned to acquire enough landto someday make something of himself. “I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for soon enough, John. Have you been to see the marshes?”
    â€œYes, and it’s fine land, but I knew it would be.” He peered over her shoulder.
    Curious to know what had caught his attention, Madeline turned. There was Adam, standing by the barracks, watching their conversation. When he noticed her looking at him, he glanced the other way.
    â€œSo you didn’t marry him after all?” John asked quietly.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWere you very disappointed?”
    Madeline cleared her throat. She didn’t want to talk about this—not with John Metcalf, not with anyone. “I barely knew him.”
    â€œHe’s older than I thought he’d be.” After a pause, John settled his gaze upon her again. “Will you return to Yorkshire?”
    â€œNo. I haven’t decided what I’ll do exactly, but I do hope to remain here. For the time being anyway.”
    Madeline couldn’t help thinking that after spending the morning with Adam, so full of knowledge, wisdom and experience, John’s eyes looked particularly youthful.
    â€œSo, what are you doing at the fort this morning?” he asked.
    â€œI came to see the Ripleys.”
    â€œAh…”
    Did she detect a hint of disappointment in his tone? She was probably imagining it. He couldn’t possiblybe hoping she was here to see him. Men never had hopes about her.
    â€œThey’re staying in there.” John pointed toward the barracks where Adam stood.
    â€œThank you, John. I must go now. It was nice seeing you again. Good luck finding land.” She returned to where Adam was now leaning against the barracks.
    â€œAn acquaintance from the ship?” he asked, still watching John.
    â€œYes. His name is John Metcalf.” Why did she feel uncomfortable answering that question? Was it her own foolish sense of loyalty to Adam? Did she feel she should not be talking to single young men?
    â€œDid he bring a family with him?” Adam asked.
    â€œNot yet. He plans to send for his brothers as soon as he finds property to lease.”
    Adam watched John intently for a few more seconds, then escorted Madeline to the barracks.
    They knocked on the Ripleys’ door, which almost immediately opened before them. Adam removed his hat and held it under his arm.
    â€œMadeline! How wonderful to see you!” Mrs. Ripley pulled Madeline into her arms, then stepped back. “Is everything all right?”
    â€œOf course. Mr. Coates was very kind to bring me to visit you today.”
    He bowed at the waist and settled his tricorn hat back on his head. He was so gentlemanly, so courteous and elegant. And how handsome he looked in his hat.
    â€œI shall be in the courtyard, Miss Oxley.” Then he left them.
    With his departure, Madeline felt the same way she felt when she was in her garden and a cloud moved in front of the sun.
    Mrs. Ripley closed the door behind him and sat down on one of the