Love's First Flames (Banished Saga, 0.5) by Ramona Flightner Read Free Book Online Page B

hid it so she wouldn’t see it ’til after Christmas.”
    “You hoped we’d be able to eat the big meal and get our gifts before she meted out her punishment.” Gabriel continued to stroke Jeremy’s head, imparting comfort.
    Richard sat on his bed with a thunk. “She never meant for us to celebrate with them. If you hadn’t broken that worthless teacup, she would’ve found another reason.”
    “I can’t imagine her agreeing to have us at her table,” Gabriel said in a voice laced with bitterness.
    “Does this mean we don’t eat all day?” Jeremy asked.
    “In her mind, yes. But I’ll find us some food,” Gabriel said. “I just wish Mrs. Thynne wasn’t away for the holiday. Her replacement isn’t nearly as nice.” He patted Jeremy once more then scooted away. He nodded to Richard as he moved to comfort Jeremy.
    Gabriel creaked open the door a sliver and saw no one in the kitchen area. He skulked along the hallway, up the stairs and hid in a deep doorway, until he saw that the maids were busy in the parlor attending the family. He raced into the dining room, grabbing two large linen napkins and piling sweet breads in the first. In the second, he stuffed slabs of ham and chicken. He grabbed the two bulging napkins, scampering to his hideaway in the deep doorway as footsteps approached the dining room.
    He silently made his way to the basement and his room, entering unseen by any of the help. “We won’t have any of the fancy cider, but I did get us some of the food,” Gabriel said, holding high the two napkins in triumph.
    Jeremy and Richard gave two small hoots of joy as they scooted over toward the desk where Gabriel placed his loot. “Should we eat it all now, Gabe, or save some for later?” Rich asked.
    Gabriel squinted as he thought over his answer. “Let’s eat it all now, and then I’ll put the napkins in the laundry. That way, if Aunt comes, she won’t find anything here.”
    Jeremy and Richard reached for pieces of ham and chicken, gorging themselves. Gabriel waited until they slowed down, eating the scraps that were left over. They ate the bread at a more moderate pace. Richard poked his head out toward the kitchen and waved at Gabriel upon seeing it empty. Gabriel walked toward the laundry room, thrusting the napkins at the base of the laundry pile.
    When he returned to the room, Richard had a glass and a pitcher of water in the room. “What about presents, Gabe?” Jeremy asked as he lay on his side on his bed.
    “There won’t be any this year, Jer,” Gabe said. “But I know when Uncle Aidan arrives, he’ll bring gifts that will make even Henry and Nicholas jealous.”
    “When do you think he’ll arrive?” Jeremy asked.
    “I don’t know. I bet the bad weather affected his ship, and he wasn’t able to return the way he thought he would. But he’ll return to us. I’m certain. He won’t abandon us here to live with Aunt.”

CHAPTER SIX
    Boston, August 1895
    RICHARD SAW THE YOUNG WOMAN with curly black hair kick at the storefront door, a low moan of distress escaping her lips before she clamped her mouth shut. She raised her hands, cupping one to either side of her face to better peer into the darkened interior of the bakery.
    “Excuse me, miss,” Richard McLeod said with a gentle hesitance in his voice. “The sign says they are closed for remodel.” He leaned over her shoulder, his tall lanky frame boxing her in place for a moment. Ebony hair fell over one eye and curled at his nape, longer than the current style. His work clothes were clean, but rough, with a patch on one thigh of his black pants and patches at the elbows of his steel-gray jacket.
    She met his gaze with startled blue eyes hidden behind a pair of wire-framed glasses.
    Richard raised one of his hands, his long narrow fingers tracing the words behind the pane of glass. “The sign? It says why they’re closed.”
    The young woman moved away from him, placing more than an arm’s length of distance between