The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble Read Free Book Online Page A

him to do that?” a gruff voice demanded from behind her. “The dog, I mean. Yvonne informed me the canine appeared to have anticipated my grandson’s fit.”
    She turned to see Henry Eaton approaching. He’d removed his cap and scarf. Flecks of mud dulled the sheen of his boots. “I don’t know, Mr. Eaton. I’ve never seen him do anything like this before.”
    Edward had his arms around Gideon’s neck. “He seemed quite attuned to the lad,” Mr. Eaton said.
    “He’s always been intuitive. Whenever a shipwreck occurred at our lighthouse, he knew before we did. He would have plunged into the raging sea if I had allowed him to do so.”
    “He must stay with my grandson at all times,” Mr. Eaton said. “You’re the new governess, is that right?”
    “Yes, sir,” she said, raising her voice above Edward’s hiccupping sobs.
    He studied the dog again. “We should breed him. His pups might have his magical ability as well. I’ll find a female at once. Where did you find him?”
    “In Crescent City. My father bought him from a neighbor.”
    “Give me his name, and I’ll see if he has any other dogs with this one’s ability. What’s the dog’s name?”
    “Gideon.”
    “This is a lucky day for us, young lady. We must do all in our power to make sure you and the dog stay with us.”
    The note of approval in his voice brought the truth to the front of her tongue. How much greater would his welcome be if he knew she was his daughter? She had to get away before she blurted out the story. “I believe God brought me here for a reason, Mr. Eaton. I’ll do my part to follow the Lord’s guidance in all ways.”
    “Such simple faith,” he said. “Very quaint.”
    His condescending tone squared her shoulders. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to unpack.”
    The intensity of his demeanor softened. “I’ve come on too strong with you. Please accept my apology, Miss Sullivan. We all indulge the child too much. It’s his af-affliction, you see.”
    His heartfelt stammer tugged at her heart. “No need to apologize. “I’ve already fallen in love with Edward myself. I’ll protect him with my life. After all, God has arranged this for Edward’s benefit.”
    Eaton tipped his head to the side. “You look familiar. Have we met?”
    She turned her head. “I don’t remember meeting you, sir. I grew up much north of here.”
    “Strange,” he muttered. He put his large hand on Edward’s head. “Enough of these histrionics, Edward. The dog will be here for you. Miss Sullivan has graciously agreed to share the animal with you. Stop the wailing.”
    Her charge sniffled, then swiped the back of his hand across his wet face. “Can he sleep with me, Granddad?”
    “You know I quite dislike animals in the house, boy,” his grandfather said.
    “But he helped me!” Tears filled Edward’s eyes.
    Eaton sighed. “Very well. But keep him out from under my feet. And out of the kitchen, you hear? It will be your job every morning to put him out for the day. He’s not to lie around on the rugs.”
    Edward’s eyes began to shine. “Yes, sir!”
    Addie hid a smile at the boy’s deft manipulation. She would have her hands full with him. He’d been coddled all his life. While she pitied him his affliction, it would be her job to see that he developed into a man, not a namby-pamby without backbone. At least her father showed love and compassion.
    A movement caught her attention, and she watched Lieutenant North approach from the carriage house where the automobile was stowed. Warmth crept into her skin. When they’d talked over Edward’s bed, she’d had the most peculiar sensation, as if something inside her had recognized him—the timbre of his voice, the way he looked at her as if he really saw her. He possessed everything she’d dreamed of when she read Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poetry: wide shoulders that tapered to a trim waist, unruly black hair, and dark brown eyes that pierced right through her defenses.