Elizabeth Meyette Read Online Free Page A

bring any news of Jonathon? What are they saying in Williamsburg?” Deidre asked.
    Joanna looked quickly at Emily, and it did not escape Deidre’s notice.
    “Andrew did not tell me anything about Jonathon, nor did he mention what the news is from Williamsburg,” Emily replied rationalizing the truthfulness of her statement with the fact that, indeed, Andrew had not
said
anything to her about Jonathon. He had simply delivered her into his arms.
    “How odd that you spend the whole day with your brother and the topic of Jonathon never arises. It seems to me that all you would wish to talk about is your husband.” Deidre’s attempt to sound innocent was not lost on Emily. Beneath her words hovered a subtle sarcasm.
    “Oh, certainly we talked about Jonathon. We … we discussed what many are conjecturing about him; we discussed where the British are likely searching for him. Yes, yes of course we discussed him,” Emily stammered.
    Joanna broke in and rose, reaching for Emily’s hand.
    “The garden awaits us, Emily. Let us take our stroll now,” she said gently pulling Emily to her feet. “Deidre, would you like to join us?” Joanna added as an afterthought.
    Deidre looked slowly from one woman to the other, and then shook her head.
    “No, you two seem very anxious to be among the flowers. I shall rest here in the sun for a while.”
    Nodding slightly, Joanna led Emily out to one of the paths. With a voice louder than was necessary, Joanna related Will’s antics upon waking that morning, her laughter floating on the breeze behind her where Deidre scowled at the backs of the two women.
    When they were safely out of earshot, Joanna fell quiet and they walked along in companionable silence. Emily’s turmoil was almost tangible, and Joanna sympathized with her. It was obvious Emily had learned something of Jonathon’s whereabouts from Andrew, but she no longer desired to pry. That would make her just like Deidre. She knew Emily would confide in her when she felt comfortable doing so.
    “I thought that Deidre’s difficulties would have transformed her, but I believe I was too optimistic,” Emily said.
    “I wondered at your generosity in offering her a place here. I am not surprised because that is what your heart is like, Emily, but she has caused you nothing but trouble since you arrived in Virginia.”
    “I feel sorry for her, in a way, Joanna. I believe she is still in love with Jonathon. I know they were lovers at one time, and I do not think she ever stopped loving him. My coming to Brentwood Manor complicated the situation for her, because I suspect she believed she would eventually win Jonathon back. In her way, she fought for him, even on our wedding day. When she lost everything to the British, I felt so sorry for her — I have everything and she had nothing.”
    “Well, not everything, Emily. We still do not know where Jonathon is.”
    Emily stopped in the path and looked at her sister-in-law. How difficult it was not to blurt out her story and share the weight of her secret. She searched Joanna’s eyes finding love and compassion, but she could not bring herself to reveal her knowledge. Joanna took her hand, turned and continued walking, bringing Emily along.
    “You need to be very cautious with Deidre. Do not trust her with any information that might put Jonathon in danger,” Joanna said. She looked back at the veranda where Deidre sat watching them. “In fact, Emily, just be very cautious around her in all circumstances.”
    “I will be, Joanna, do not worry. I — I trust you implicitly, Joanna, but … ”
    Joanna gently shook her head and smiled.
    “In time, Emily, in time.”
    • • •
    Deidre watched the two women speaking earnestly as they strolled the path. She, too, had noted a tremendous change in Emily upon her return yesterday. The silly girl was as transparent as glass, and she was certain that Emily had been with Jonathon. Fiery hatred kindled in her belly and crept up to her