Love’s Betrayal by DiAnn Mills Read Free Book Online

exhibiting pride. “A portion of the Declaration of Independence says, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among them are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.’ ”
    Henry could not quarrel with the claim, but he wasn’t certain about the contents. The words sounded more like a child’s dream, and it troubled him. “What is this Declaration of Independence?”
    â€œA document signed on July 2, 1776, in which the thirteen united American states declared their separation from England.”
    Which is why I am fighting this war,
Henry thought. “Have you no loyalty to the king?”
    â€œNone, neither do I have respect. He brought this on himself when he taxed us unfairly in order to pay for his war with France. We were not even consulted before they demanded we pull from our pockets that which we have earned on our own.”
    Henry felt his temper mount. “But King George and the parliament have the right to exercise power.”
    â€œWhy?” Delight did not raise her voice, but her chin quivered. “Does the king or the prime minister really care about you, Henry O’Neill, wounded in his service far from England?”
    Henry swallowed hard. He had always been given to contemplation on serious matters before expressing his views. Elijah spoke of political affairs of which he had little knowledge, and Delight asked a question he could not answer. He recalled the poverty in Ireland and Adam’s stories of the poor conditions in London. The aristocrats ruled over the impoverished. They had the financial means to educate their children and purchase land. Henry needed time to deliberate this strange way of thinking, for to him it sounded like a dream. And if he conceded to their way of thought, then Adam died for naught.
    â€œA country cannot stand without those versed in authority ruling over the people,” Henry finally stated.
    Elijah offered a grim smile. “This United States of America will have all the people electing those of their choice to make laws and carry them through.”
    Frustration agitated Henry. “Your ideas are foolishness. England is the most powerful nation in the world—more than any rebel colonies—and they have the Germans and many tribes of Indians to assist them. You will lose and beg King George to draw you into his fold.”
    â€œNot I,” Elijah said with quiet conviction. “I will die first for my God-given rights.”
    â€œAnd I shall pick up a musket and follow after you.” Delight’s tears trickled down her cheeks. Never had Henry seen such radiance
    Have these people gone mad?

Chapter 5
    W ith her pale blue skirt wrapped around her ankles, Delight struggled to stand, but Papa lent a hand, righting her to her feet. He wrapped his arm around her waist and planted a light kiss on her forehead.
    â€œDaughter, we need to pray again for this man’s healing. Despite his beliefs being contrary to ours, he is loved by God, and we are wrong to hinder his healing by omitting prayers.”
    Oh Papa, I know you are right, but this is so hard when I know he defies your very soul.
Looking up at her father, Delight said, “Of course, shall I gather the others?”
    He nodded, and she slipped into the kitchen to summon them. A few moments later, all seven sisters and their father held hands and bowed their heads around Henry. She glanced at the soldier, and curiosity etched his brow. He blinked, and for a brief moment she viewed a solitary tear.
    â€œAlmighty Father, we are heartily sorry for not beseeching Thee more often about the condition of Henry O’Neill’s leg.” Papa’s voice, his prayerful tone, thundered about the hall. “We implore Thee to heal him and make him whole again. We also ask that Thou wilt heal the differences between us. Show the