A Surrendered Heart by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online Page B

it’s settled!” Ignoring his wife’s obvious trepidation, Jonas voiced the announcement in his most authoritative tone.
    Fanny appeared surprised, while Beatrice was giddy with relief. “I’ll go home and pack. Do you think we’ll be gone for more than three weeks?” She didn’t await a reply before rattling on. “I’ll leave the children here while I start getting things organized at home; you don’t mind, do you? If Andrew insists upon staying in Rochester, I’ll advise him he should take refuge here with you, Uncle Jonas.”
    “No!” Jonas barked. Beatrice’s wide-eyed stare and his wife’s look of displeasure were enough to warn Jonas that further explanation was in order. “I’m going to send the servants with your aunt, so there will be no one here except for me, Fanny, her personal maid, and my butler, of course. Andrew will be much more comfortable under his own roof.”
    “But he’ll be safer here,” Beatrice whined.
    Jonas frowned. Like the recent weather, Beatrice offered nothing but gloom. He’d be forced to convince her. “Let me talk to Andrew. I’m certain he isn’t nearly so concerned for himself. Once he knows you and the children are safe, he’ll settle into his usual routine and won’t give cholera another thought. Trust me.”
    Beatrice offered a halfhearted nod.
    Jonas could see she wasn’t totally convinced, but he didn’t let on. Instead, he patted her shoulder and complimented her insight. “I always knew you were an intelligent young woman.”
    Beatrice beamed. The lie didn’t bother Jonas in the least. Such bold exaggerations were necessary if he was going to make any headway. If left to their own devices, these women would drive him mad before he could arrange for their train tickets.
    “I’m not totally convinced I should go,” Victoria said. Her taffeta gown swished against his pant leg as she slowly paced across the room.
    “Nonsense! It’s all settled. Instruct the servants to begin packing immediately. I’m going to the railroad station and will purchase tickets on the first train scheduled for Clayton tomorrow morning.” He extended his fingers and began to count.
    “I’m not certain how many tickets you’ll need for the family and servants. We should conduct a head count.”
    Beatrice quickly came to his aid. After seeking a bit of guidance from Victoria, his niece jotted names on a scrap of paper. When she presented the list to him a short time later, Jonas sighed with relief. He would regain control of his life once he had time to think and calculate his options.

    Raindrops plunked into a metal pan that Blake had set beneath a newly discovered leak in the ceiling. They’d patched the roof last fall, but after last winter’s harsh snows and the ongoing spring rains, the patches were giving out. The Home needed a new roof. Blake had told Quincy as much, although Quincy had opted to expand the kitchen instead.
    “We need to feed the starving,” he’d insisted.
    When Quincy entered the room, Blake pointed to the pan. “Another leak. If it doesn’t quit raining, the cooks won’t have any kettles left in the kitchen.”
    “We’ll patch the roof once the weather dries out.”
    “Patch?” Blake snorted. “A new roof is what’s needed. I told you that last year.”
    “And you were right. But there’s nothing that can be done about it until the rain lets up.” Quincy stooped down beside Amanda’s bed. “Is she faring any better?”
    Blake shook his head. “Hard to tell at this point. She hasn’t taken in any more liquid, so she’s not throwing up. I’ve given her a dose of morphine. When she awakens, I’ll see if she can hold down any fluids.”
    Quincy grasped his arm. “Until then, you need to come and help me with the others. There are few who are willing to lend a hand.”
    “I can’t blame them. Remember to wash your hands after you touch any of the patients,” Blake said as he continued to stroke Amanda’s brow.
    “I need