1609366867 by Janice Thompson Read Free Book Online

familiar, comfortable hug, one that put her at ease right away. “She doesn’t know what a rapscallion you were as a child.”
    “Rapscallion? Me?” Tessa laughed as she crossed her arms at her chest in defiant fashion. Just as quickly, her gaze shifted back to the beautifully attired stranger.
    Jacquie’s silk dress shimmered in the afternoon sunlight, as did the pearl combs that held her beautifully coiffed hair. Her pristine button-up shoes caught Tessa’s eye, but nothing compared to the exquisite feather-plumed hat with its tiny silk bird. For a moment Tessa envisioned herself in that bird’s place, perched and ready to fly off to the skies, away from this godforsaken place. Just as quickly, her thoughts shifted back to her brother, who pointed to the stalls as an annoying squeal rang out.
    “Is that Countess I hear?” A hint of a smile graced his lips.
    “Naturally.” Tessa pressed back the desire to groan aloud. “She’s made a mess of things again. I’ve repaired the crates three times this month alone. And you won’t believe the holes she’s dug, trying to escape. I’ve never met a more determined sow.”
    “Well, let’s go visit with her. It will give us a chance to tell you why we’ve come.” His near smile twisted into something more suspicious, and her heart fluttered. They’d come specifically to talk to her? Why?
    “You want to talk—in the barn?” In the muddy recesses of the pig stall? With Countess in rare form and the piglets squalling at fever pitch? What would this lovely vision in blue think of such a meeting place? Tessa’s cheeks heated in embarrassment.
    Before she could voice the question aloud, Peter led the way across the yard toward the barn. As they drew near, the youngwoman on his arm pulled an embroidered handkerchief from her reticule and pressed it to her nose. No doubt the smell of the pigs and goats left something to be desired, though Tessa had grown used to it. One of the hens, likely stirred up by their approach, scurried around Jacquie’s feet and pecked her on the leg.
    “Oh!” Blue Eyes let out a squeal. “Well, that was a fine how-do-you-do!”
    Peter waved his hand at the intrusive bird and sent it on its way. Then they arrived at the barn, and he headed straight for the farrowing crates, setting them aright and giving Countess a scolding as only he could.
    Tessa looked on, confused. Peter glanced her way, and she could read the concern in his eyes. Her heart twisted within her as she anticipated his words. Clearly, he had come on a mission, one that involved her. With her pulse now pounding in her ears, Tessa settled onto a bale of hay to hear what her brother had come to say.

Chapter Five
    Saturday, March 30, 1912
    Gloucestershire County, England
    Tessa brushed her calloused hands across her dirty skirt and gazed up at Peter and Jacquie. Her brother paced the stall, his gaze on the muddy floor. After a moment of awkward silence, Jacquie pulled down the hankie she’d held to her nose and cleared her throat.
    “Tessa, we won’t keep you waiting. I know you must be curious about why we’ve come.”
    “I am, yes.” To say the least.
    Jacquie took several steps in Tessa’s direction, finally, stopping in front of her. “I know that you and I are total strangers, and you might find this odd, but I’ve come to encroach upon your kindness to ask a favor.”
    “A favor?” A thousand questions flittered through Tessa’s mind at once. What could she possibly do for someone such as this?
    “Yes. I know I have no right to ask or expect anything of you, but I feel sure once you’ve heard our story that your heart will be affected.” Jacquie paused and glanced in the direction of the piglets then back at Tessa. “No doubt what I have to say will startle you, but if you will hear me out, I would be grateful.”
    “Well, of course I will hear you out.” What could this china doll possibly have to say that might cause Tessa to be ill at