Read Online Behind His Blue Eyes by Kaki Warner - Free Book Online Page B

fade. “Are there any questions I might answer for you?”
    â€œMr. Hardesty was very thorough and—”
    A fluttery motion with one hand cut her off. “I hate to be so forward about this, Miss Pearsall. But until the issue is settled, the railroad can’t proceed, and—” She must have sensed Audra’s resistance, because she caught herself, then appeared to deflate when she released a deep breath. “Forgive me. I shouldn’t be pressing you about this so early in the morning. It’s just . . .” She hesitated, then seemed to reach a decision. “Will you join me for breakfast, Miss Pearsall? I promise not to badger you, but I would love to hear your side of the issue.” This time the smile was warm and genuine.
    Audra glanced at Winnie and Curtis, unsure what to do. Not all restaurants openly welcomed people of color, and without Audra there to smooth the way, it might create an unpleasant situation.
    â€œWhere’s Mary?” Father asked. “She said she would bring the papers.”
    Winnie patted his arm in reassurance. “Not to worry, Mr. Percy. She be along soon.” Turning to Audra, she said, “We fine eating with Mr. Percy upstairs, if Mrs. Rylander, here, don’t mind sending up some plates?”
    Mrs. Rylander nodded. “Of course. If that’s what you prefer. But we have a table by the window with a lovely view of the creek that might be more pleasant, Mrs. . . . ?”
    Winnie straightened, her chin coming up a notch. “Abraham. Winnie Abraham.” With great dignity, she extended her hand.
    Without hesitation, Mrs. Rylander took it.
    â€œAnd this here’s my husband, Curtis.”
    Mrs. Rylander shook his hand, too. “Mr. Abraham.”
    Any reservations Audra might have felt about the woman immediately dissipated. Slipping an arm around Father’s shoulders, she concluded the introductions. “And this is my father, Percival Pearsall.” Relieved to see kindness rather than pity in Mrs. Rylander’s expression, she smiled. “And I think he would enjoy the window table immensely.”
    â€œWill Mary be there? She’s not usually so late.”
    â€œShe on her way, Mr. Percy.”
    Soon they were all seated—the Abrahams and Father at a corner table by the window, Audra and Mrs. Rylander at a smaller table nearby. Before their coffee had arrived, she and Lucinda Rylander were on a first name basis.
    â€œWho is Mary?” Lucinda asked, pouring cream into her cup.
    â€œMy mother. She died twenty years ago. But Father . . . is unwell.”
    â€œI’m sorry to hear it.”
    â€œHe’s gotten so much worse over the last year. That’s one of the reasons we came here. I’d like for his last days to be peaceful ones.” Audra explained about Father’s tendency to wander, and that because of it, she had grave concerns about having a rail line pass so close to the cabin. “If I were to accept Mr. Hardesty’s generous offer, I would have to move to a place more suitable for Father. And with the added expense of rent, any money received from granting the right-of-way would soon run out.”
    Lucinda listened without interruption, her elbow propped on the armrest of her chair and one long finger gently tapping her lower lip. Audra could almost see ideas and solutions bouncing behind those intense green eyes.
    â€œAnd what if he were to offer you rent-free housing, as well?”
    Audra hesitated. She knew she was being prideful and hardheaded, but the idea of becoming an object of charity, or being beholden to strangers—especially Ethan Hardesty—was repugnant to her. She treasured her independence and guarded it zealously. That was the reason she had refused Richard, being unwilling to marry a man she didn’t love just for the sake of security.
    She had managed so far. God willing, she would continue to do