Read Online Heart of the Sandhills by Stephanie Grace Whitson - Free Book Online Page B

Gen’s letters of late had made Aaron uneasy. They might be leaving Minnesota, she said . . . but they still longed to see the children. Oh, how he hated being included in that oft-spoken phrase. The Children . Within him, Aaron knew he had not been a child for a very long time. He had ceased being a child the night Daniel Two Stars appeared just in time to save Genevieve from being attacked by his drunken friend Otter. No one knew Aaron understood exactly what had happened that night—what had nearly happened to Gen—but he did. And understanding what could have happened, and knowing he was absolutely powerless to do anything about it, had caused Aaron Dane to grow up in a matter of minutes.
    Now, as he stood looking down into the innocent blue eyes that betrayed the inner workings of Miss Amanda Whitrock, hearing her taunt him with the name Stephen Bannister, Aaron rediscovered his maturity. “Well then,” he said, “that’ll be great. I was worried we might not have room for you in Grandmother Leighton’s old carriage. Meg wants to go, but she’ll have to lie down on one of the seats. She isn’t strong enough to sit up for that long yet. If Stephen can bring you, that’s great.” He stepped away from Amanda and tipped his hat. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    Aaron was not certain, but he thought he felt two brilliant blue eyes boring holes into the back of his best jacket as he walked back across the street, through the massive ornamental iron gate, up the path, and into Leighton Hall. When he closed the door behind him, he peeked through the lace panel just in time to see Amanda spin around and flounce up to her own front door. With a contented smile, Aaron climbed the winding staircase to the second floor where he soon had Meg howling with laughter as he described an imaginary encounter between Stephen Bannister and a Dakota Indian.

    “Look at that,” Elliot Leighton said, nudging Jane and nodding to where Amanda and Aaron stood on the platform saying their good-byes before Aaron headed west. ‘Already an expert at feminine wiles.”
    Amanda stood looking up at Aaron with an expression of devotion . . . but all the while her hand was on Stephen Bannister’s arm. She nodded her head and gave Aaron a brilliant smile. She even gave Aaron her hand long enough for him to squeeze it. But the minute he let go she clung to Stephen and let herself be led away.
    Aaron watched while Stephen helped Amanda into his carriage. He was rewarded when Amanda blew a kiss. But she did not protest when Stephen whipped his magnificent team of matched bays into a prancing, dancing display of elegant gaits as they pulled away. Remembering the team of oxen that had pulled his wagon at Lac Qui Parle Mission, Aaron slouched and headed back to where the Leighton’s carriage waited.
    “I’ll miss you, sis,” Aaron said, gently kissing Meg on the cheek.
    “You won’t forget to give Gen my gift,” Meg prodded.
    “It’s right here in my carpetbag where I can keep it safe,” Aaron said gently. He reached for Meg’s hand and poised his bag on the edge of the carriage. “There. Feel that bump? That’s it.”
    Meg smiled bravely. “Tell them—”
    “Yes,” Aaron interrupted. “I’ll tell them you’ll be coming next summer.” He lowered his voice. “And you see that you work hard for your tutor so you are ready.”
    Meg ducked her head and swallowed hard. “I will. I promise.” The train whistle blew and she lifted her head. “I guess that means you’d better go.”
    Aaron kissed her cheek. “I’ll write.”
    “I’ll answer,” Meg said. “Betsy promised she would help.”
    After a flurry of hugs from Hope and Jane, Aaron mounted the steps to the train. Elliot followed. He sat down beside the boy and pounded his knee. “Cheer up,” he said, “Meg’s going to be fine. She’s weak, but she still has the same spirit. She’ll adapt. And you’ll be back long before anything serious can happen between those