Read Online The Smuggler and the Society Bride by Julia Justiss - Free Book Online Page B

past the kiddleywinks—the local beer halls—down by the harbour, where the miners congregate. ’Tis a hard life, and many seek to soften its edges with drink. Men whose wits—or morals—are dulled by spirits are unpredictable and possibly dangerous.’
    â€˜I shall go at once, then, and take care to avoid the harbour.’
    â€˜Could you discharge some small commissions for me? I’ve an order to deliver to the draper and several letters waiting at the post.’
    â€˜Of course, Aunt Foxe.’
    â€˜Enjoy your ride, then, dear. I will see you at dinner.’
    Honoria set off a short time later in high good spirits. Her aunt’s equally spirited mare, once given her head, seemed as delighted as Honoria to begin with a good gallop. Urging the animal on, revelling in the sweet, sun-scented air rushing past her, Honoria savoured the simple joy of being young and outside on a glorious early summer day as if she’d never experienced it before.
    Perhaps, in a way, she hadn’t. Until a month ago, a carefree canter through the countryside had been so ordinary an event she would never have thought to take note of it. How shortsighted she had been to prize it so little!
    She slowed the mare to a trot along the route the carriage had followed yesterday, her anticipation heightening as she approached the village. Though she tried to tell herself she was only mildly curious about him, she found herself hoping that during her time in Sennlack, she would encounter one charming Irish free-trader.

Chapter Five
    A short time later, Honoria pulled up the mare before the vicarage. She was about to ring the bell when she spied Father Gryffd in the distance, descending the church steps.
    â€˜Miss Foxe, how nice to see you,’ he said, walking over to meet her. ‘Won’t you step in to the vicarage and let me offer you some tea?’
    â€˜Thank you, Father, but I have several commissions to complete for my aunt. I wished to inquire about primroses. After speaking with Mrs Dawes, I believe Eva Steavens may have found the flowers near your brook.’
    The vicar nodded. ‘I seem to remember a riot of them blooming there when I walked by last week.’
    â€˜If there are enough, would you permit me to carry some home?’
    â€˜Of course. Help yourself to as many as you wish. I must say, I am glad you stopped by. Might I walk along with you for a bit? It so happens that I’ve been thinking about you.’
    Dread twisted in her gut as the prospect of discovery flashed through her mind. ‘Of course,’ she managed through a suddenly dry throat.
    He fell into step beside her. ‘I have a project in mind I’ve been thinking of implementing for some time. If you could lenda hand during your stay with Miss Foxe, I might be able to begin it.’
    Relief washed through Honoria. ‘What sort of project?’
    â€˜Since the old master retired, there’s not been a school in the village. Some of the boys attend grammar school in St Just, but there’s nothing for the girls. I’ve been wanting to establish one in which they might be taught to read and write and do simple sums. Despite what some might think, with mines and manufacturers hiring both sexes, it’s as necessary for females as it is for the boys to understand the words on an employment list or to total their wages correctly. And to read their Bible, of course, should they earn enough to purchase one.’
    â€˜Why, Father Gryffd, I believe you are a Methodist!’
    A light flush coloured the vicar’s cheeks. ‘I had the honour of hearing a disciple of Charles Wesley speak once, and was much struck by his message to do as much good to as many as one can. A directive I have tried to implement.’
    â€˜Establishing a school for girls would do much good,’ Honoria said, immediately drawn to anything that would better the lot of females. ‘How can I