Read Online While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad - Free Book Online Page A

She forced a sweetness into her voice that made Tessa cock an eyebrow in her direction. “Would you like another piece?”
    “No thank you. I couldn’t eat another bite.” He leaned back in his chair.
    “Let’s retire to the drawing room.” Aunt Sam stood. “Unless, Charlotte, you and Joel would like to continue your earlier discussion outside.” She inclined her head in the direction of the side door, which led from the dining room to the wraparound porch. “Or perhaps you’d care to stroll in the garden.”
    Stroll in the garden? With him?
    “The fresh air would be good for you after your day.” Aunt Sam nodded. “Yes, I think that’s what the two of you should do. Do you mind escorting Charlotte on a walk in the garden, Joel?”
    “Aunt Sam, he doesn’t—”
    Joel nodded slowly, deliberately. “Ma’am, it would be my pleasure. Charlotte, shall we?”
    Charlotte released a long breath. His pleasure? Another strike against him. He lied well.
    Once outside, wearing her spring coat, Charlotte walked beside the tall doctor. Tessa was right. He was handsome—and he was stuck in his ways. Be kind. A gentle answer turns away wrath. Remember?
    The sun hung low in the sky and the air held the crispness of imminent nightfall. They couldn’t remain out here long or it would be dark. Charlotte glanced at a group of sunny buttercups. They’d make a nice bouquet, but Tessa would be furious if she picked them. She stuffed her hands in her pockets. “Did you have a busy afternoon at the hospital after the cooking awards presentation?”
    “It’s always busy, but not more than usual. I had a delivery to make at one of the orphanages.”
    “Was one of the children ill?”
    He waved his hand. “No, no. I took the children some books and some candy. The matron was a friend of my mother’s. My sister and I like to help out when we can.”
    His statement caught her off guard. He and his sister helped at an orphanage? She hadn’t thought of him doing something so benevolent. No one who took time for orphans could be all bad. “Which books did you take the children?”
    He paused and turned to her. “ Anne of Green Gables for the older girls. Have you read it?”
    Charlotte stopped and looked up into his face. “Yes, I did. I rather fancied the thought of being like Anne, but I’m afraid Tessa would take that prize.”
    “I don’t know.” A wide grin spread across his face. “You certainly have Anne’s spunk.”
    She started walking again and, without turning her head, cast a curious glance toward Joel. She liked this Joel. He was softer, more human. She never would have guessed that the man who wouldn’t listen to her in his office took candy and books to orphans.
    Joel broke the silence. “You’ve had quite a day.”
    “Yes, and I’m beginning to feel it now.”
    “So”—he motioned to a bench—“shall we sit down for a few minutes?”
    “I’m fine, really. I didn’t mean I’m unable to walk. I’m not feeling a bit faint anymore.”
    He chuckled. “I know that, but I wanted to speak with you.”
    “Oh.” She lowered herself to the bench, but he remained standing.
    He stopped in front of a lilac bush, its sweet scent filling the evening air. “My sister feels your ideas hold some merit.”
    “But you don’t.” Despite warnings to herself, her words came out clipped. A couple of years ago, Charlotte wouldn’t have spoken up to any man, but not anymore. She might not be eloquent like Hannah or as adventurous as Tessa, but she did believe in what she was fighting for, and that emboldened her.
    “I’m not convinced your plan is necessary.” He propped one foot on the base of a large flower urn. “Contrary to your belief, I do have an understanding of the human body and its nutritional needs.”
    She held her hands out. “But there’s so much new information of which I’m sure you are unaware.”
    “Charlotte, I assure you I keep abreast of all the newest medical