Mockingbird's Call by Diane T. Ashley Read Free Book Online Page A

an interest in literature? He sighed again. Benjamin raised one eyelid and peeked at him. He looked so innocent, so longsuffering. It was hard for Jared to hold on to his indignation. He could feel a grin teasing the corners of his mouth. How did Benjamin do it? He never seemed more than half serious about anything, but still he managed to charm his way through every circumstance. Jared wished some of that charm would rub off on him.
    The meeting broke up, and he watched as Benjamin complimented each of the readers on his work, listening and nodding his head as one or another expounded further on his ideas. Jared chuckled to himself. If only they knew the truth.
    â€œDid you enjoy the evening?” Benjamin asked as they made their way across campus to the dormitory.
    â€œVery much. I want to write something and present it at the next meeting.”
    â€œDo you really?” Benjamin’s voice was full of scorn. “I cannot imagine a duller group. But I guess it depends on your interests. My taste runs to more exciting pursuits, which puts me in mind of a favor I need to ask.”
    â€œOh no.” Jared opened the door of Southern Hall. The hallway was dimly lit as most students had already retired for the evening. “You’re not going to get me involved in any more mischief.”
    â€œNo,” protested Benjamin. “It’s nothing like that. Even I know when it’s time to lie low. This has to do with my parents. Next week they’re throwing a birthday party for a cousin of mine who recently came to town. She’s from your part of the state—Nashville, or near to it. Anyway, my parents thought it would be nice to have a gathering of young people to help her feel more welcome.”
    â€œI don’t know. Debutantes and parties are not my favorite pastimes. Besides, I have a lot of studying to do.”
    Benjamin’s face took on the betrayed look of a heartbroken puppy. “You don’t mean to make me go alone. I even told Ma I’d be bringing you with me.”
    â€œYou told your mother without consulting me?” Jared shook his head. He really didn’t want to go and didn’t appreciate feeling manipulated. This was the perfect time to take a firm stand and refuse his roommate.
    â€œWe’ll have a great time. We can skip the dinner and show up in time for the dancing.” Benjamin bowed to an imaginary partner. “You’ll have a great time. We’ll make certain Cousin Amelia has sufficient dance partners to make her feel accepted, and then I promise to bring you straight back to your studies.”
    Jared’s heart missed a beat and then compensated by doubling its speed. Amelia? Surely not the girl he’d seen on the train all those weeks ago? Was it possible? Knoxville was a large town, but how many young women had recently arrived there from Nashville? Curiosity and hope, a heady combination, filled his thoughts. How he would enjoy another opportunity to talk to her. He glanced at Benjamin and nodded. “I’ll go.”
    â€œGreat!” Benjamin slapped him on the back. “I knew I could count on you.”

Five
    â€œOuch.” Amelia reached up and grabbed Tabitha’s hand. “That’s the third time you’ve pulled my hair. What’s wrong?”
    â€œNothing. I’m sorry. I’ll try to do better.”
    â€œDon’t try that on me, Tabitha. I know you too well.” She took the brush from Tabitha’s hand and laid it on the dressing table, then turned to face her friend. “Tell me what’s on your mind.”
    Tabitha’s eyebrows drew together in a frown. “You need to go down soon. Turn around and let me finish your hair.”
    â€œUnh-unh.” Amelia shook her head. “I’m not going down until I find out why you’re acting so strangely.”
    â€œI. . .I can’t talk about it.” Tabitha turned away from her and faced the