Surrender the Wind by RITA GERLACH Read Free Book Online Page A

known well within our county. The squire died last November, and so mysterious a man he was in his later years. There were no parties at Ten Width like in years past. Everything was kept quiet.”
    Seth listened in an effort to absorb the information she put forth. “I imagine he wanted his privacy.”
    The boy stared at Seth with boyish curiosity. “Mother, do you suppose the gentleman carries a brace of pistols with him under his coat?”
    The mother squeezed her son's arm to silence him. “You must forgive me for asking. But by your speech, it is evident you are an American. Is it from there you hail?”
    “It is, ma’am. I was raised in Virginia.”
    She put her hand against her heart and sighed. “Virginia. I hear she is pretty alongside her neighbor Maryland. I find it laudatory they are named after noble women. Don’t you?”
    Seth nodded and settled back against the seat. “Yes, but deceptive as well. Their wildernesses are treachery and beauty combined … like women.”
    The lady laughed, and her son continued to stare over at Seth with interest.
    “Sir, do they have highwaymen in Virginia and Maryland?” the boy queried.
    “I’ve met none, young sir,” Seth told him.
    “Were you a soldier in the last war?”
    The mother snatched her son's hand and shook it again in reproof. “You mustn’t ask the gentleman such questions, Thomas. It is not proper.” Her hazel eyes softened when she looked back at Seth. “I suppose it is natural for my boy to be inquisitive.”
    The right corner of Seth's mouth curved. “I was a patriot. I think here in England it would be wise I not bring it up.”
    The boy's eyes widened. “Have you fought with Indians?”
    “I had a few encounters, yes.”
    “Is it true the savages eat the flesh of their enemies?”
    “Where did you hear that, young sir?”
    “I read it in a book. My father keeps it in his library.”
    “Well, don’t believe everything you read.” Seth put his elbow up on the windowsill and relaxed. “Indians are a noble people, great warriors, and skilled hunters. To the surprise of some, they’re more civilized than people imagine.”
    “Someday, I’ll go to America and see them for myself.” The boy held out his hand to shake Seth's. “My name is Thomas Fallowes. This is my mother, Lady Anna, and my sister, Jane.Jane's twelve. I am eight. Jane is very shy of strangers, sir. That is why she has not spoken to you.”
    “I see. Have you any other brothers or sisters?”
    “One other. Juleah is the eldest,” said Mrs. Fallowes, her tone proud.
    What had been the chance of this? Slim to none. Could Juleah be anything like her mother; fine figured, pale of skin, soft in gesture and manner, yet lacking beauty? Anna's hair was dove-gray, which matched the color of her cloak. Delicate lines graced the edges of her eyes. Her mouth was thin and pouty. She looked nothing like her daughter, according to Mr. Brown.
    “Your name, sir?” the lady asked.
    He gave her a nod. “Seth Braxton, at your service.”
    The lady looked stunned, bewildered, intrigued, while her large eyes stared back at him through the dim light. “I should have realized you are Benjamin's relation.”
    “His grandson to be exact.”
    “My goodness, sir. You should have said so.”
    “My apologies. I didn’t think it mattered.”
    “Oh, it does. So many whispers these days as to your grandfather's dying, about your dear, unfortunate sister, Caroline. We mustn’t discuss the intimate details of your family, nor the reason you have come of a sudden. But I find it by chance we should meet, for we know the same people and are somewhat neighbors.”
    Seth nodded. “Yes, it is coincidental.”
    “You must come dine one evening and meet my husband, Henry, and our daughter Juleah.”
    Again, Seth inclined his head. “I’d be honored.”
    “Caroline must come as well. We’ve not seen her in a long time. I suppose the grief of losing her grandfather has done it.”
    “Yes,”