Rory's Promise Read Online Free Page B

“And they are eager to have her; they especially asked for a redheaded girl.”
    Rory grabbed the end of her own red braid and shoved it toward Sister Anna's face. “If that's what they want, let's give them two!”
    “They only asked for one girl, I'm afraid. And you're twelve. We want them to have a younger girl.” Sister Anna's voice was resolute and Rory had to fight to keep down the panic in her stomach. “You know our policy—we send younger children so we're sure they will be loved and part of a family, not put to work.”
    “Send another orphan! Lord knows you have plenty!”
    “The Lord's name is not to be used lightly, Rory.”
    “Then He should take better care of his children!” She grabbed at Sister Anna's hand. “I told my mother I would look after Violet. I promised .”
    Sister Anna stroked Rory's palm. “Rory, you've done exceptionally well with Violet. She's healthy and bright as a new button. But at five years old, she's the ideal age to be placed. She needs parents. You should make this easier for her, not harder.”
    Sister Anna's gentle voice washed over her while her calloused hands tried to soothe Rory's. Rory kept her eyeson Sister Anna's hands. How strange that the nun in charge of so much at the Foundling had calluses. But that was Sister Anna—she wasn't afraid of hard work.
    “Rory, you know it would be best for Violet if you let her go,” Sister Anna said smoothly. “If you love her …”
    “No!” Rory shouted, shoving herself away from Sister Anna. “You're a nun. What do you know about love?”
    “Rory!” Sister Anna stepped back as if she had been slapped. Her thin face had red spots high on her cheeks.
    “No, I'm not listening to you anymore. You're trying to trick me.” Rory reached for the door and threw it open. Pausing in the doorway, she cried, “You're a liar and a baby thief! I won't let you take Violet away from me!” She slammed the door before Sister Anna could say another word.
    Standing in the hall was a younger orphan, staring at Rory, her mouth open like a hole in the middle of a doughnut.
    “What are you looking at?” Rory demanded.
    “No one talks to Sister Anna that way,” the girl whispered with a panicked look at the door. She pulled out a rosary and ran it through her fingers as though she could rub away Rory's sins.
    “It's about time someone told the Sisters what's what!” Rory said, defiance in her voice. But as she got her breath back, she began to wonder how much trouble she was in. What would happen if Sister Anna turned against her? Rory might lose any chance to be with Violet.
    Sister Anna's doorknob began to turn. Rory couldn't face her. She flew down the hallway, ran down two flights of stairsto the main hall. It was suppertime and the entryway was deserted.
    The wide double doors to the outdoors beckoned. Rory had never gone out by herself—the Sisters frightened the orphans with stories of truants being snatched off the street by the police. With a toss of her head, Rory pushed open the door. If something terrible happened, it would serve Sister Anna right.

CHAPTER Seven
    R ORY P A USED A T THE TOP OF THE STEPS. T HE L A TE-AFTERNOON sun was bright and for a moment she stopped, blinded. Sixty-Ninth Street in front of the Foundling was busy with people walking home after work. Shaking off caution, Rory marched out alone, leaving the Foundling behind.
    Two Sisters in their outdoor habits were coming up the wide steps. Rory pushed her way past them. One of them, Rory wasn't sure who, called, “Rory! Where are you going? You can't go out now. The truancy police …”
    Rory ran down to the corner and then up Third Avenue as fast as she could, leaving the Sisters’ rules and warnings far behind. Dodging walkers as the sun went down, she hardly knew where her feet were going. The homes along Third Avenue passed in a blur. The low setting sun cast shadows from the houses on the west side of the street and from the trees in Central