Natasha's Legacy by Heather Greenis Read Free Book Online

younger
brother. Sarah had Alex laughing to the point his eyes watered. He
gripped his stomach.
    “Alex Venderkemp. You have a handsome smile
and an infectious laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you
today.”
    “As did I, my time with you.”
    “I must depart. I’d hate to be tardy getting
to the conservatory.”
    Alex stood, extended his hand, and assisted
Sarah to her feet before walking her toward her horse. “I’d be
honoured if you would join me one evening to dine.”
    She smiled and nodded. Alex reached for her
hand and assisted her onto the buggy. Once out of sight, he took a
deep breath and looked to the sky.
    “Thank you.”
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    After spending time with the children,
Stewart followed Izabella up the main staircase. He stopped to
speak with the doctor while Izabella continued down the hall.
Reaching their quarters, he didn't see Izabella. “She must be in
her own room.” Giving her a moment to finish what she was engaged
in, he wandered to the window and gazed outside. Alex was walking a
young woman to her horse. A hand touched his shoulder.
    “It appears Alex has a friend,” he informed
her.
    Izabella stood by his side and looked out.
“Alex gave her a tour earlier today,” she reminded him. “I don’t
believe she came looking to adopt a child or to make a
donation.”
    When Alex reached for the woman’s hand,
Izabella stepped back from the window.
    “Stewart.”
    His focus never budged from his grandson and
his new friend. “Alex is not aware I’m watching.”
    “You should be ashamed. You’re to be changing
in preparation to dine.”
    “I will.” He continued looking out the
window.
    “Do not embarrass him,” she warned.
     
     
     

Chapter Three
     
    Alex settled on the chair in his room,
reading. Focused, he almost missed the faint tap on his door.
    “Alex.”
    He put the book down and straightened his
dressing gown. “Come in.”
    Papa entered the room, shut the door, and sat
on the edge of his bed.
    “I believe you’re attempting to keep a secret
from me. I can state with certainty, the young woman you
entertained did not arrive with the purpose of making a donation,
or adopting.” Papa Stewart raised his eyebrows. “Izabella spoke of
the sparkle in your eyes earlier today. That pleased me.”
    Unable to conceal the truth, Alex looked down
at his novel before shifting his gaze back to his grandfather. “I
didn’t realize my emotions are transparent.”
    “You possess the Donovan eyes, the sparkle.
They’re transparent. She’s attractive.”
    “Attractive? I’m yet to vision more beautiful
features on a face.”
    Papa’s eyes sparkled. Alex’s mind shifted to
the diary. To Papa’s relationship with Nana. “I’m amazed my
great-grandparents weren’t aware of your relationship. Your parents
were not as perceptive when you began courting Nana Natasha.”
    Stewart smiled. “It was a struggle to refrain
from speaking of her. I splashed cool water on my face when
returning to my home and attempted to keep my mind occupied. I
missed her terribly while apart and cherished our time at
university.”
    “I’m astonished you graduated,” Alex mocked,
“and with the grades you achieved.”
    “It was imperative I maintained my grades
while attending school. Enough about me. You must put me out of my
misery and speak of the young lady you entertained. Izabella and I
were in our sitting room when she departed. I was proud watching a
gentleman assist her onto her buggy.”
    Alex’s entire body warmed, envisioning
Sarah’s face. A smile broke free. “We met yesterday, while in the
city completing errands. After a thorough tour of the building and
grounds, we sat outdoors and talked and laughed. Rose and Sarah
share similar humour.” Alex stopped. His former relationship
entered his mind. “I don’t trust my emotions,” he admitted. “I have
hurt and been hurt. I will not cause more pain.”
    “You must open your heart, Alex. The past is
your