Angel in Black Read Online Free Page B

my pistol, shaking in his boots.”
    His statement made Kat smile again. “Well — I’d better go.”
    They said their goodbyes and left plan-making for another day.
     
    S UNDAY DAWNED GLORIOUS, BUT hot, especially in the rough woolen dress Rina wore. She wore her Sunday best winter and summer, but the woolen garment was warm and scratchy during the summer months, and too light in the bitter-cold winter. Father Murray’s sermon was long, and the small, cramped church stifled the parishioners. She found it difficult to concentrate on his words as his voice droned on. Her thoughts wandered to her secret swimming hole and the cool, clear water she longed to be in. Finally, Father Murray concluded, perhaps realizing the congregation grew restless. Outside in the church yard, he stopped to speak with Rina.
    “Rina, my child — how are you today?” Father Murray’s smiled and enveloped her in a loving hug.
    “Hot,” laughed Rina and returned his hug with great affection.
    “Yes, it is a bit warmer than usual, but a truly lovely day. Have you had any word about Lord Roberts’ health? Has he improved any?”
    “I’m afraid I haven’t heard anything of late, but I am planning to ride over to Windsong this afternoon to see him.” Sadness touched Rina and she whispered, “Father, I fear he will die.”
    “We all must die sometime, Rina. It is God’s will. I know how fond you are of Lord Roberts, and he of you. You helped often, tending his horses.” His words did not ease her concern, so he guided Rina to the church garden hoping to comfort her. It distressed him someone so young bore so much responsibility. Others her age were long married with children, yet Rina never thought of these things.
    As they walked through the small, perfect garden, Rina spoke her thoughts out loud. “Lord Roberts is a good and fair man. He treats everyone with kindness, no matter what blood runs in their veins. Why do the good men have to die, while evil men are allowed to live? It’s not right.” Rina’s fists clenched and unclenched as the fire built inside her.
    Father Murray saw the sheer hatred glowing in her dark eyes and spoke, in a soft, yet firm voice. “I worry about this bitterness you carry in your heart. You mustn’t be so angry, child.”
    “Father, I am sorry, but you, of all people, should know I have good reason for my anger, and to hate that man.”
    “There is no good reason to hate. You must learn to forgive and forget — he will pay for his sins. But it is not for you to judge him,” Father Murray admonished Rina, but knew his words had no effect.
    “Forget?” she asked. “The nightmares don’t let me forget. Eight years have passed and still I remember every detail. I remember the gore, mangled bodies of innocent men, pain and surprise forever etched on their faces. My own father’s and mother’s blood, soaking my dress … I felt the warm stickiness, so stark against the pure whiteness …” Rina paused as if seeing it all again, vivid and frightening, as it was that night.
    “No, Father, I’ll never forget. Forgive? Can I forgive him for the private hell we all live in? Can I forgive him for murdering my parents before me? Can I forgive him his greed? Last winter, he hanged Paul Lanbeth for poaching a rabbit on his private game reserve; one small, insignificant rabbit to help feed his hungry children. Can I forgive him for that? Can I forgive him for leaving a woman widowed, with five mouths to feed? Can I forgive him for all the children who die each year because his greed leaves us less and less to live on? Father, I watched them die because of this one man. No — I will not forget and I will not forgive.”
    The anguish on Rina’s face tore at Father Murray’s heart. She was good and kind, always ready to give and help unselfishly. It saddened him to know as long as Langsford lived, this grief would possess Rina and give her no peace from the bitterness she nurtured within. With tears in