Read Online The Critchfield Locket by Sheila M. Rogers - Free Book Online Page A

for Kate to take a seat on the settee, and then sat herself down right next to her. After a brief moment, Kate was able to collect her thoughts.
    “I had a new dream last night. This time, I had embraced the same man from my nightmares, the one who appears to be dead. I called him James…”
    “Oh dear!”
    “I thought that this is something I should tell Nicholas about, however…”
    “However?”
    “Last night, as Nicholas was telling me goodnight, there was a brief moment where I believed…”
    “Yes?”
    “Well, it seemed as though he was about to kiss me.”
    “Oh my!”
    “Rose, what should I do?”
    Kate was holding tightly to Rose’s hand, and nodding her head.
    “Now don’t you worry, we will figure all of this out. We should start by addressing each item separately. First, do you have feelings for Nicholas?”
    “I, I am not sure of my feelings. He is a very kind man, and I do so enjoy the time I spend with him.”
    “I see. Now for the second issue. What sort of embrace would you say you had with James?”
    “I know it was a dream, but it seemed more like a memory. Our embrace was loving, yet not like that of lovers.”
    “I see… I think you should tell Nicholas what you think you know regarding James, as it may be important in helping you regain your memories. As for what nearly happened between you and Nicholas last night, I say to think on it no more. You were both tired, so perhaps it was just an involuntary reflex.”
    “Yes, I believe you are right on both accounts. That leads me to my last dilemma. Nicholas has been very kind to take me in, but I feel I should be doing more to support myself. I cannot go on living with Nicholas indefinitely, depending upon his generosity to get by. After all, he is not responsible for me just because I was found on his doorstep.”
    “True as that may be, I know Nicholas does feel a sense of responsibility where your welfare is concerned. You should discuss this matter with him. If you do not, you may hurt his manly pride.”
    “I did not even think of that…”
    “Perhaps if you came to assist me in my work, you would have more to occupy your days with while at the same time, you would earn a small wage, freeing you from being totally dependent on Nicholas.”
    “Are you sure about that Rose? What if I am slow to learn and frustrate you beyond belief?”
    Rose pondered that thought for a moment then threw her head back in laughter.
    “My dear, I have every confidence in your abilities and I have two children who have taught me the meaning of patience.”
    Kate felt herself finally relaxing. Everything will work out fine.
     
    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     
    Nicholas went about his morning as usual. Even still, he found himself replaying the events from the night before, over and over in his head. Was he drawn to Miss Dornacher? He hardly knew her, yet when he was around her it seemed perfectly natural, as if they had known each other for years.
    Shortly before lunch, there was a light knock on the open library door. He moved his gaze from the papers on his desk to the doorway where Kate was standing. He thought she looked lovely in her new dress, that the blue color suited her well. He motioned for her to come inside as he got up from his seat. As she slowly approached his desk, Nicholas noticed she was biting her lower lip.
    “Mr. Bennett, I need to speak with you…”
    “Katherine, you are speaking to me, and I thought we were beyond such formalities.”
    “Yes… you are correct on both points… Nicholas.” Kate felt a slight heat creep across her cheeks when she spoke his name. “I had another dream last night. In this one, I am with the man that has plagued my nightmares, but this time he was alive and I called him James.”
    “I see. What else can you remember about this dream?”
    Kate fidgeted with her hands for a moment. Why was she so uncomfortable all of a sudden?
    “We, that is, James and I, had embraced then he