An Unexpected Love by Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller Read Free Book Online Page B

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    “I’m merely jesting. However, I would be most appreciative if you would keep Paul out of my hair for the remainder of the evening.”
    Amanda glanced back and forth between her cousins. “Fanny wants me to keep Daniel out of her hair; now I’m to keep Paul out of yours. And here I stand with not one man interested in me or my hair.” She sighed. “Come along, Cousins. I’ll do my best.”
    Paul’s mother smiled and reached out to pat his hand. “I know you are worried about her, but sometimes you have to let matters go.”
    “She’s going to get hurt,” he replied.
    “That is a great possibility.”
    He met his mother’s sympathetic expression. “I shouldn’t care, but I do. Sophie may seem hard and indifferent, but she’s hurting.”
    His mother nodded. “I know, and you are very sensitive to that wound.”
    “I see the way her father acts around her. He’s hurting, too. Losing his wife caused him great grief. Unfortunately, in dealing with it, he’s pushed away all his loved ones and focused instead on the Home for the Friendless.”
    “It’s sometimes easier to expend your energy on strangers. You don’t come to expect anything from them like you do family. When family disappoints you, it cuts deep. Your Mr. Broadmoor is no doubt afraid of his feelings—even those he has for his daughter.”
    “I’m sure you’re right,” Paul said, staring across the room at the blur of dancing couples. “I only hope it doesn’t result in causing him even more pain. Sophie is strong willed and daring. There’s no telling what she’ll do in order to get the love and attention she’s so desperate to have. I just feel that in her father’s absence, I should do what I can to keep bad things from happening to her.”
    Mother shook her head. “You cannot keep those you care about from pain. Sometimes it’s necessary in order to mature. Sophie may well have to face some bitter trials before she fully understands what life is all about.” She squeezed his hand. “You will most likely face them, as well.”

4
    Monday, November 1, 1897
Rochester, New York
    Jonas shrugged into his topcoat and removed his hat from the walnut hall tree in the corner of his office. He silently chided himself, for he disliked being late. He’d be hard-pressed to make it to the men’s club on time today, though he doubted his lawyer, Mortimer Fillmore, would mind the delay. He would likely imbibe a glass or two of port while he waited. Another reason Jonas must hurry! The old lawyer couldn’t seem to stop with only one glass. After two or three, he couldn’t follow the conversation, and after four, he fell asleep. The behavior was argument enough for Jonas to retain another lawyer, but there was no one he trusted like Mortimer.
    Unfortunately, Mortimer’s son and law partner, Vincent, held to a higher ethical code than his father. Jonas and Mortimer thought alike—they were cut from the same cloth, so to speak. Both were willing to use any means to achieve personal financial gain. As long as the proposition ended with a hefty increase in their bank accounts, Jonas and Mortimer cared not a whit if others met with monetary ruination. It was, after all, the American way. Each man could be king in his own way if he was willing to take chances and defeat those who would see him cast under. All great fortunes had been made that way, and Jonas could see no reason to alter a course that hundreds of well-bred men had journeyed before him.
    Today Jonas needed Mortimer to be sharp-witted because, following their private lunch, the two would meet with Judge Webster, a situation that worried Jonas. On the ride to the men’s club he did his best to convince himself all would go well. After all, Mortimer understood the import of today’s meeting. The lawyer would not do anything to jeopardize this crucial discussion with the judge. Stepping down from the carriage, Jonas withdrew his pocket watch and snapped open the lid. A full