Read Online Black Noon by Andrew J. Fenady - Free Book Online Page B

settled and comfortable until you’re well. You’re not ready yet. You know what happened when you went out to the sermon . . .”
    â€œJonathon, I’ll make you a promise if you want to hear it.”
    â€œWhat is it, Lorna?”
    â€œI’ll get well soon. I promise.”

CHAPTER 20
    The streets of San Melas were silent. After sundown the boardwalks were unpopulated. Only the whisper of a vagrant desert wind wafted through the village structures. The light of oil lamps filtering through the curtained windows disclosed the silhouettes of citizens at supper.
    Inside the Hobbses’ house, in the dining room adjacent to the parlor, sat Caleb, Deliverance, and Joseph, at a table illuminated by two ornate candles.
    Bethia, carrying a tray, made her way down the stairs, followed by Keyes, voicing his thanks.
    â€œBethia, Lorna and I do appreciate your bringing supper upstairs. The boiled New England meal was delicious . . . and we did want to be together.”
    â€œMore than happy to oblige, Reverend,” she acknowledged and walked toward the kitchen.
    â€œAnd thank you, Caleb.”
    â€œOf course, m’boy. But we did miss you.” Caleb was lighting his pipe. “Won’t you sit with us for a while?” He pointed to an empty chair next to Deliverance. “It’s early yet.”
    â€œThank you.” Keyes nodded, pulled out the chair, and took a place at the table. “I did want to come down and say good night. I see you had supper by candlelight.”
    â€œYes,” Caleb blew out a perfect smoke ring. “Thanks to Deliverance. And aren’t they beautiful?”
    â€œBeautiful,” Keyes repeated. He looked at Deliverance. It was not easy to determine whether he was referring to the candles, or the candle maker.
    Deliverance’s serene face was aglow, her silver-blue eyes reflecting the glimmer of the candle’s flame.
    There was a moment of silence.
    â€œMr. Bryant came by to express his thanks to you,” Caleb broke the silence, “but we didn’t want to disturb you and Lorna at supper. We told him we’d convey his message.”
    â€œHow is Ethan doing?”
    â€œQuite well, considering. Jon, how about another sip of brandy, a . . . what is it called . . . a nightcap?”
    â€œNo, thank you . . . but it is a beautiful night. The desert can be . . . enchanting, after the sun goes down.”
    â€œYes,” Caleb said, “and it’s been a long day and very rewarding, thanks to you.”
    â€œHow is the missus feeling?” Joseph asked.
    â€œAs well as could be expected.” Keyes took a breath. “She . . . she’s anxious to . . .”
    â€œTo leave San Melas?” Caleb finished.
    â€œTo get settled in Saguaro.”
    â€œOf course,” Caleb nodded, “but your wagon is still being repaired . . . wheels and the axle . . . and Mrs. Keyes is still in some need of repair. We wouldn’t want her to go through what happened before . . . in her weakened condition. She’s got to gain strength.”
    â€œI did mention that to her.”
    â€œâ€˜Therefore, shall the strong glorify thee,’ the Book says,” Joseph quoted.
    â€œYes, well, I’d better be getting upstairs. Lorna will be waiting.” He rose. “Good night . . . and thanks again for that supper.” His glance went again to Deliverance as he touched her shoulder, “Good night, Deliverance.”
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    Lorna’s hands held the open Bible. She placed it on the bed beside her as Keyes entered.
    â€œDid you say your good nights, Jonathon?”
    He nodded, then looked at the open Bible.
    â€œMy favorite passage.” She spoke without looking down at it. “‘The voice of my beloved! Behold he cometh . . . leaping upon mountains . . . skipping upon the hills.’ Remember? The Song of Solomon . . . our song.”
    â€œYes, I remember,” he said