The Christmas Secret Read Online Free Page A

to Elizabeth’s eyes. Was it possible that Father already knew? Could Mother have told him that she was carrying another man’s child when she married him? Oh, surely not. If Father knew this horrible secret, he’d never let on or treated Elizabeth any differently than he would his own flesh-and-blood child. He’d always been kind, affectionate, and eager to give her whatever she wanted.
    If Mother were still alive, I’d go to her and talk about this. But then,
Elizabeth thought,
maybe it’s good that I’m not able tell her what I read in Aunt Lovina’s journal. I’m sure it would be most embarrassing for Mother to learn that I’d discovered her Christmas secret.
    Elizabeth stood before the oval looking glass and studied her reflection.
Do I look more like Mother or my real father?
Elizabeth had always thought she’d gotten her mother’s blond hair and her father’s blue eyes, but when Raymond Stinner was alive, he’d had both blond hair and blue eyes.
Just like David,
she reminded herself.
    Elizabeth turned away from the mirror.
Oh, David, I know it’s wrong to love you as anything more than a brother, but may God forgive me, I can’t seem to help myself.
She nearly choked on the sob rising in her throat.
The only way I can possibly deal with this is to put a safe distance between David and me.

    “How’s Elizabeth doing?” David asked when Charles Canning entered his buggy shop. “Is she feeling any better?”
    Charles, a tall man with thinning brown hair and pale blue eyes, lifted his broad shoulders in a brief shrug. “She was still in bed when I left home, so I’m not sure how she’s feeling this morning.”
    “I’ve been worried about her,” David said with concern. “I’ve stopped by your house a couple of times to see how she’s doing, but Abigail always says Elizabeth isn’t feeling up to company.”
    Charles nodded. “She’s been staying in her room and hasn’t taken any of her meals downstairs, although I don’t think she’s seriously ill.”
    “When I’m done working for the day, I think I’ll stop by there again. I want to be sure she’s not any worse.” Despite the fact that it had only been a few days since he’d seen Elizabeth, it felt like forever.
    “That’s a good idea. If she’s feeling up to company today, I’m sure she’ll be glad to see you.”
    “So what’d you come by for?” David asked.
    “I’m heading out of town on business today, but before I go, I wanted to drop in here and let you know that I need a new carriage. It’ll be a wedding present for you and Elizabeth.”
    David chuckled. “It’s not often that a man gets asked to make his own wedding present.”
    Charles thumped David’s shoulder. “That’s true, and I wouldn’t be asking, but you’re the best at what you do. I don’t want my daughter riding in a carriage built by anyone else.”
    David smiled. “I appreciate that, sir, but to tell you the truth, I was planning to give Elizabeth one of my carriages as a combination birthday and wedding present. It’s a secret, though. I want to surprise her with it.”
    “That’s fine. I won’t ruin your surprise, and I’m sure I can find some other suitable gift to give you and Elizabeth on your special day.” Charles started to walk away but turned back around. “Are you sure you and Elizabeth want to live in that old cabin where my first wife, Cassandra, and I got our start?”
    David nodded with certainty. “It’s what Elizabeth wants, and I think we’ll be very happy living there.”
    “Elizabeth’s mother and I were happy there, too. But I wish she had lived long enough for me to give her the house she deserved.”
    “At least Elizabeth and your second wife have been able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”
    “True.” Charles’s forehead creased. “How long do you think it’ll be until you’re able to have a home built for you and Elizabeth?”
    David shrugged. “I don’t know. Hopefully, within the next few