Daughters of the Heart

Daughters of the Heart by Caryl Mcadoo Read Free Book Online

Book: Daughters of the Heart by Caryl Mcadoo Read Free Book Online
Authors: Caryl Mcadoo
Hightower last night.”
    He winked. “Anything you care to pass along?”
    “Well, it appears Gwen says she wants that Braxton Hightower if Daddy likes him enough, but she would not tell you no, if you were to ask her first.”
    “What did Cecelia say to that?”
    “Nothing.”
    “Did she seem upset?”
    “Some. You know about Daddy’s courting age rule. But CeCe’s working on Mama to get Daddy to change his pigheaded mind. So, unless you’re willing to wait, she can’t say much anyway.”
    “That right?”
    “Um-hum. Gwen’s the only one old enough to have suitors until next April when Cecelia turns eighteen, too.” She closed one eye and bore into him with the opened one. “So, are you?”
    “What?”
    “Willing to wait? Or are you going to go ahead and ask Gwen?”
    “Depends.”
    “On what?”
    He liked the little miss, but she didn’t know when to stop asking questions. Still, he couldn’t annoy her, she was too valuable an asset. “So are you and Cecelia coming today?”
    She seemed disappointed he changed the subject without answering her, but like the intelligent young lady she appeared to be, didn’t press it. “We’re still talking about it, but I’d say probably yes.”
    He motioned toward the door. “Best get on back then. Wouldn’t want you to get into trouble.”
    She curtsied, smiled, then hurried to the door where she stopped and turned. “I think CeCe’s in love with you.”
     
     

Chapter Six

     
     
    Clay Briggs rounded the corner, reined his gelding to a stop, and stared at the big house. He had to make Mister Henry understand. He’d have no life if the man wouldn’t let him make Gwendolyn Belle his wife.
    He’d thought long and hard on it and had to make her father see. He filled his lungs, stiffened his back, then touched his spurs to the horse’s flanks.
    One of the boys playing marbles spotted him and ran into the house. The other young’un, the darker skinned one—Bart, if memory served—glared at him with those ebony eyes as he dismounted.
    “Didn’t Untle Henry run you off?”
    “That he did, but I’m back. Is he here?”
    The front door opened, and Gwen’s stepmother swept out. “Clay, what brings you here?”
    He willed his voice calm, cleared his throat. “I’ve come to speak with Mister Henry, ma’am. I’d sure appreciate a word with him if that’s possible.”
    “Well, I’m sorry you rode all this way, but I’m afraid it isn’t. At least not today. He and Braxton Hightower are out scouting timberland.”
    Clay had no idea who Hightower was, but it didn’t matter. “When do you expect him back?”
    “Not until tomorrow afternoon.”
    He studied his boots. He’d gone home then turned right around and came back. What was he going to do now? He glanced to the second floor window. Gwendolyn stared down from her lofty perch.
    Cecelia stood next to her, and the littlest daughter on the other side. His heart swelled at the sight of her, but instead of staring—all he wanted to do in the world—he tore his eyes off the beauty and faced Henry’s new wife.
    “Ma’am, I rode all the way home. Didn’t stay more than an hour then came right back. I can’t bear the thought of leaving again without speaking to Mister Henry. Might it be possible for me to wait until your husband returns?”
    She nodded toward the rockers and sat in the smaller of the two. He joined her.
    “Why’d you come back, Clay?”
    “I wanted to tell Mister Henry that he’s right. I do need to get right with the Lord. And that I’ll buckle down. I’m more than willing, ma’am. I’ll do anything to win Gwen’s hand.”
    “Neither one of us liked you getting so angry the other day.”
    “Yes, ma’am. I was wrong, and it’s truly been gnawing at me. I’m here to scarf down a little humble pie and beg for another chance.”
    “Have you met Elijah Eversole?”
    “No, ma’am. He from these parts?”
    “He’s Mary Rachel and Jethro Risen’s partner come from

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