Read Online Forget Me Not (The Heart's Spring) by Amber Stokes - Free Book Online

They’ve got a grand view o’ the valley.”
    “Mind if I ask why you chose to come here?”
    The man now pointed to the ground. “Down there is me chance for a better future. Ye must feel the same, if yer here.”
    Nodding, unwilling to explain further, David resumed walking and then ducked beneath the wooden beams framing the mine’s entrance. He picked up a pack with the equipment he’d need, just where his new boss said it’d be, and hefted it over his shoulder. A sudden apprehension seized him as he thought of going down into the mine. Returning to their previous topic, he asked the man, “Do you think the Cornish would accept me?”
    “You’re white, aren’t ye?”
    David preferred to ignore the wealth of prejudice in the man’s tone. “But I’m not one of them.”
    “Talk to Mee-gall—that’s what we call ‘im. He’ll help ye. He’s a good friend.” His words were simple, but full of gratitude. David liked the sense of camaraderie between the miners. Although this must make it that much harder when one of them is lost forever in the darkness of the earth. He shuddered.
    “Come on.” The miner led the way, and David had no choice but to follow. “It’s time for us to give the others a break. Can’t be down there for too long.”
    David could only imagine why, but soon he would know for sure.
    ***
    Elizabeth was sure someone had called her name. Turning to scan both sides of C Street, she frowned. No one looked familiar, and the only person who knew she was in town was Annabelle, who apparently had no desire to leave the house.
    Giving the busy dirt road one more glance, she gave up and continued her walk. Maybe she would recognize Jacob’s store, even though she had no idea what it looked like. Surely a quick peek inside each shop would be enough to spot her brother. Her heart would recognize him. Unless he was in a back room, or on a break, or…
    “Elizabeth!”
    There it was again. Maybe someone was looking for a different Elizabeth. There had to be more than one Elizabeth in a town this big, right? Shaking off the bit of fear that had gathered around her mind, she came to another street heading downhill. Should she go a little farther? It did seem to be getting darker, which was disconcerting.
    Suddenly, a hand landed on her shoulder. She screamed as she came face to face with a man she had never met.
    “Elizabeth. What are ya doing here all by yerself? Don’t ya know it’s dangerous?”
    The rapid beating of her heart slowed to a gentle pound. “Joe, ya startled me.” Squinting up at him, her forehead creased. “Why, you look so different! What happened to your beard?”
    One corner of his now-visible mouth lifted. “Do ya like it?”
    Tilting her head, she studied him. Without thinking, she raised her hand, but she caught herself before she actually reached out to touch his clean-shaven cheek. Blushing wildly, she turned her face away, and said, “You look very nice.”
    Joe’s laugh was hearty. Elizabeth glanced up, unable to stop her smile. Her gaze met his, and she was sure her face glowed redder than a flaming hot poker as she stared into his brown eyes, the color of golden soil. Homesickness rushed over her, and once again she turned away.
    A gentle hand came to rest on her upper back. “You okay?”
    “Yes,” Elizabeth replied quietly. Her response could barely be heard above the din of the town.
    “How ’bout I take ya back to Jacob’s place?” Offering his elbow, he added, “It’d be an honor, ma’am.”
    The fire in her face descended to her heart, and she swallowed, ignoring his proffered arm. “Do you think I’ll get to meet my brother anytime soon?”
    Joe sighed. “If he listened to me at all, he’ll be home before dark.”
    “Did you speak to him today?”
    “Yes.”
    Satisfied, she allowed Joe to place her hand in the crook of his arm.
    As they walked back down C Street, Elizabeth found herself continually glancing at Joe, longing to catch his gaze