Read Online [Canadian West 01] - When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke - Free Book Online Page A

there's no mistake, Jon," I said evenly. "It
sounds delightful."
    "You mean you'd consider-"
    "Of course."
    "Lacombe, eh?"
    "No, actually it's called Pine Springs."
    "It's way out in the country!"
    "Sounds delightful," I said again.
    "It's backwoods, barely opened up. I'm sure there's been a
mistake. I'll talk to Thomas."
    "No, Jon, please," I said quickly. "I want to take it."
    At the startled and hurt look in Jon's eyes I hurried to explain. "Oh, I'll hate to leave you, and Mary, and the children.
I've learned to love you all so, but really, it'll be good for me.
Can't you see? I've been so sheltered, so-so coddled. I'd like
to find out if I can care for myself, if I can stand on my own
two feet."

    "You're sure?" Jon looked at my carefully groomed hair,
my soft hands and manicured nails, at my stylish clothes.
    I understood his look. "I'm sure," I said emphatically.
    "Well, I don't know what Mother will think. You were supposed to be under my protective wing."
    "Mother won't need to know-yet."
    "But-"
    "She'll know that I am on my own, certainly, but as to the
distance between us, that would only worry her unnecessarily."
    "I'm still not convinced, but if you think-"
    "Oh, I do. I really want to try it, Jon."
    Jon's newspaper went back up to indicate that he considered the issue closed. I sat very still and fingered the ticket to
Lacombe.
    "Say, I just thought of something," said Jon, coming out
from behind his paper again. "Pine Springs-that's Wynn's
country."
    "Who?"
    "Wynn, the fellow that you saw me talking to the other day
when you did your shopping. Remember?"
    Did I remember! I tried to sound very nonchalant. "Oh,
yes, I believe I recall the one you mean. He's not from Calgary"
    "Not really. He comes and goes. He was in that day visiting his brother Phillip. Phillip's been in the hospital here."
    "Oh, I see."
    I could feel the excitement flowing through my veins,
warming my cheeks. I was glad that Jon was behind his paper
again.
    I gathered up my short letter and my now-welcome train
ticket and muttered something about beginning my packing,
then headed for my room.
    So Jon's friend Wynn was from Pine Springs. Perhaps
when I reached Pine Springs I would have the pleasure of
meeting him. Jon had not introduced me to him, even though
he had been given the perfect opportunity. If l understood my
brother's little code, this meant that Wynn was single. I
smiled softly.

    You silly goose! I scolded myself'. You're acting in a manner
that even Julie would declare to be childish. Stop this nonsense this minute! I honestly don't know what has come over
you.
    Still, I couldn't help but whisper as I fingered the train
ticket, "Thank you, Mr. Thomas Higgins."

     

Chapter Eight

The New School
    The time drew near for my trip to Lacombe, and I felt both
excited and sad. I would miss my newly found family: =Ion and
Mary had become very dear to me, and the children were all
so special. William hovered nearby to see how he might help,
and Sarah looked ready to cry the entire time that she
watched me pack. Kathleen insisted upon helping me fold the
green emerald velvet as I returned it to its tissues; she expressed her sorrow that I hadn't even worn it during my stay.
    I held Baby Elizabeth for the last time, and she gave me
the most endearing smile. I kissed her soft dimpled cheeks and
a tear or two trickled down my own.
    Mary was forever reminding me that I would be welcome
in their home at any time. "Please," she begged. "come whenever you can, even if it's only for overnight."
    I promised that I would try.
    "And should you find-"
    "Everything will be fine, I'm sure." I knew that she was
giving me an invitation to flee back to her if I found my situation unsuitable. I appreciated her concern, but I didn't want
to be a baby. I suppose, too, that I wanted to show Mr. Higgins
a thing or two!
    "But you never know what kind of a family you will be
hoarding with," Mary suggested, her voice