Rumors and Promises Read Online Free Page B

it.
    “I thought, dear sister, that when we decided to move you here, we agreed that I didn’t need another mother. God rest her soul.”
    “That’s right. You need a wife.”
    “In due time. I’ve woman enough to deal with at the moment.” Still very much the younger brother, Ian enjoyed teasing her.
    Maggie’s anger dissipated. “I guess I have been rather shrewish lately. I’m sorry.” Her expression grew melancholy. “I know I haven’t been the same since I don’t have Robert to nag anymore. And at six, Philip doesn’t listen to me, anyway.”
    “Maybe you shouldn’t nag either of us.” He grinned, raising one eyebrow at her. “Hmm?”
    Maggie crossed her arms, frowning at Ian’s gentle jibe. The sad, faraway look disappeared. “I suppose if you put it that way, I ought to have already learned my lesson living with nothing but stubborn men.”
    He brushed the snow off his hat and coat before Maggie hung them up.
    “I do need to get these back to the young lady.” He held up Sophie’s package.
    “You can’t go out again in this weather. Stay home and have some soup with Philip and me until the snow subsides.”
    He rubbed the side of his face thoughtfully. His stomach rumbled at the tempting aroma of onions and potatoes. It sounded much more practical than hitching up the horses to the sleigh and losing his way in a near blizzard.
    “All right, then,” said Ian.
    “I’m eager to think Philip will be home in time to eat with us. In this weather, I’m expecting his teacher will dismiss early.”
    “Let’s hope so.”
    Ian made his way to the upright piano in the parlor. He pulled the music from its wrapping and placed the sheets of Chopin on the rack.
    The piece was new to him, but he attempted to bring the notes on the page to life. Ian liked to joke that God had made him a rather poor musician so that he would hear the call to preach. He loved music and had a bit of talent, but he would never have graced the concert halls of Europe or New York City.
    The melancholy melody brought up the image of Sophie Biddle in his mind with her ivory complexion, tinged with pink. Dark circles gave her amber eyes a haunted look, as though sad stories were buried in her heart.
    And what of the girl’s sister? Such a heavy burden for a young woman to bear alone! Where were their parents? Had there been other brothers and sisters?
    His fingers crossing in a clumsy tangle, Ian began again in frustration, trying to pour all his concentration into the music. He didn’t need to get involved in the life of a young woman who wasn’t interested in his help. The job of preacher came with enough complications already. Plus, he had plans, important things to accomplish for the Lord.
    Maybe he should tell the Stone Creek Ladies’ Aid Society about the bedraggled pair. Yet, even as he considered this, Ian knew within that Miss Biddle wouldn’t be dismissed so easily. The silent plea in her eyes dredged up emotions he thought he’d long buried. With a groan, Ian banged on the ivory keys and then laid his head on his arms.
Annie.
He’d seen the same look on her face before.
    “What’s wrong?” Maggie placed a hand on his shoulder.
    Ian looked up at his older sister, not wanting to speak of the plaguing thoughts of failure. He could barely swallow. She had enough to worry about as a widow raising a son. Besides, even if he wanted to vent his anguish, the stinging, sharp blade in his throat would not allow it.
    Where would he begin, anyway? He hadn’t told Maggie the whole story. “I’ll be fine, Maggie, really.” He managed to croak out that much anyway.
    “Very well, then. How about if I make you something warm to drink. Tea? Cocoa? Besides, I want to hear about the kind of gal Esther managed to rope into helping take care of that bunch of fellows in her house.”
    “I suppose we could both use some lighter conversation.” He forced a smile. No reason to dwell on the past when the present held a more