Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot Read Free Book Online Page A

marriage, insisting that when Ethan wed it would be to solidify an important business relationship, something that could help expand the railroad or bring it new customers. When Ethan had turned twelve, Grandfather had announced that he had selected four girls, any one of whom would make Ethan a fine wife once he was old enough to marry. He’d further admonished Ethan to be particularly courteous to those girls’ fathers when they visited, for they were valued suppliers. Ethan had heard enough to know that that was not for him. He wouldn’t marry for business reasons any more than he’d consider sharing the rest of his life with a woman who was more interested in his uniform than in the man inside. He’d met enough of those to last him a lifetime when he’d been at West Point. There was, however, no reason to tell Oliver that. Ethan ought to simply order him to leave, but despite Oliver’s annoying tendency to harangue him on the subject of marriage, the man was normally good company.
    “I suppose I ought to be grateful.” Oliver tapped the end of his unusually long nose. “If you’re not sparking her, perhaps Miss Harding will take pity on me, even with this nose.”
    “Perhaps.” There was no reason why the thought should rankle, and yet it did.

     
    “Morning, Bowles.”
    Ethan turned, hoping the day would improve, if only briefly. Even before he’d finished shaving, he’d received a summons to the captain’s office. Though he wanted to ask permission to search for the deserters, the fact that he’d been summoned was not good news. He’d finished his ablutions in record time and was on his way to learn what his superior officer had in store for him when Jeffrey joined him. Perhaps Jeffrey knew something he did not, something that would explain the huge grin on his face.
    “You seem happy,” Ethan told his colleague, “and I don’t imagine it’s over the prospect of drilling soldiers in the mud.” The previous night’s rain had turned the parade ground into a soggy mess.
    “Nope,” Jeffrey agreed, “I hate that as much as the next man.” He glanced down at his freshly polished boots, his grimace saying he knew what they’d look like in a couple hours. When he faced Ethan again, his smile restored, he said, “Before you ask, my good mood has nothing to do with that pickle-faced sister-in-law of mine. I still don’t like the fact that she’s invaded my home. Life was fine with just Charlotte and me.”
    Though he kept walking, recognizing the folly of keeping the captain waiting, Ethan couldn’t help reacting to Jeffrey’s terminology. Pickle-faced? What could Abigail have said or done to deserve that description? Though he considered her trip impulsive, it seemed a pity that Abigail had come all this way for such a grudging welcome.
    “On second thought,” Jeffrey continued, “maybe Abigail is part of the cause. With her here, Charlotte and I figured it would be difficult to keep our news a secret, so we’re telling folks—and you’re the first to hear.”
    “I’m honored. Now, tell me, what’s the big announcement?” Although Ethan had strong suspicions, he knew Jeffrey would not appreciate speculation. He wanted fanfare or at least exuberant congratulations.
    Jeffrey’s somewhat homely face glowed as he pronounced the words Ethan had expected. “I’m going to be a father. Isn’t that grand?”
    “It is indeed.” Ethan clapped his friend on the back. “Congratulations, old man.”
    “This is what every man wants, isn’t it—a son?”
    Ethan nodded, knowing it was the expected reaction. He wouldn’t point out that the child might be a daughter, any more than he’d say that a man didn’t always get what he wanted.
    “Now all I need is my captaincy. The extra pay sure would be handy.” Jeffrey frowned. “I tell you, Bowles, one thing I don’t like about the Regular Army is how slow promotions are. It wasn’t like that when my grandfather served. I feel like a