Another Chance by Janet Cooper Read Free Book Online Page B

news, Sarah slipped on her buckled shoes and plunked her cap on her head.
    As she entered the public room, her father said, "I made some sassafras tea ." He offered her a cup.
    A young lad of fifteen or so sat at the table eating . "Good morning, Sarah," he said, pulling his forelock and rising slightly from his chair.
    "Sit . Eat thy breakfast," she said then smiled.
    Taking the mug, she warmed her hands with the hot earthenware container . Oh, for 21st Century central heating, she thought, hoping the liquid might chase her chills. She took a seat near the boy. The outfit he wore resembled Benjamin's, except not as well made. His thin, comely face cast shy glances in her direction. She wondered about her relationship with this teenager.
    "Doeth thou recall the Indian that stayed last evening?" Benjamin asked, interrupting her thoughts.
    She nodded . Remember? Luke had made the night bearable and had occupied her thoughts several times this morning.
    "British soldiers burned his family's barn and stole much of their crops and livestock . I had planned to sell our excess crops in Chester, but hearing of Mr. Keenan's needs, I have decided to donate a wagonload of corn to Long Meadow. With winter coming, they can use the food. Daniel will mind the tavern if thou would like to go with me. Thou might be able to help the women."
    The idea of seeing the tall, dark, dangerous-looking man pleased yet worried her . He had been too much on her mind. She didn't want her feelings for this man to deepen. If she saw him again, they might. No, she corrected herself, they would. She feared any emotional tie with the 18th century. Yet, the thought of seeing an authentic Lenape village tugged at her historian soul. "When do we leave?"
    "After we finish our chores, we'll load the wagon and depart early on the morrow," Benjamin told her .
    Sarah frowned. Now, that she had agreed to forego her apprehension, the image of raven's eyes burned her soul. She could hardly wait to depart and hoped today would speed by. One thought jarred her… would she still be in this century tomorrow?

CHAPTER THREE
     
    Sarah spent the entire morning working inside the inn. While she worked, her thoughts continually returned to Luke Keenan. What a mysterious man he was, unlike anyone that she had ever met. He puzzled yet challenged her, and she longed to solve the enigma of who and what he was. If only all the chores could be wished away. She and Benjamin would leave, and she could start to unravel the mysterious Lenape. The only other glitch to her plans occurred when her logical mind questioned her leaving the only know link to the future. Sarah kept pushing these thoughts aside.
    Since her wish about the work vanishing failed, she labored on and completed her major tasks just in time to prepare lunch for Benjamin, Daniel and herself . After she had cleaned up the kitchen, again, she felt confident that the time had come for them to load the wagon. Benjamin, however, had other ideas.
    "Daughter, the herbs must be pulled before the frost gets to them ."
    Wearily, she grabbed a basket and headed out to the garden . Sarah stared at the neat rows of herbs with disbelief. By the time I finish harvesting the entire field, all I'll want to do is take a nap!   Then thoughts of Luke sprang to mind. Well, perhaps not. She smiled to herself.
    She surveyed the herbs and sighed as she recognized another problem, some of them she could identify, but others left her clueless . Their smells might help, she thought. Otherwise, I'll be preparing some very strange dishes, if I’m still around.
     
                  * * * *
     
    Sarah scarcely remembered going to bed. Her whole body ached and she barely stripped down to her gown before falling on the bed.
    A loud knock resonated in her room, jarring her out of a very sound sleep. “Thou must arise for we have chores to do before we leave this morning,” Benjamin called through the closed door.
    “ Chores? I thought