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

She’d read about love at first sight and assumed it was the stuff of dime novels, but when she held this man’s gaze, she could almost believe in it.
    Her gaze went to her dog. Had he really sensed Edward’s approaching seizure? Often she’d thought Gideon could sense pain and despair. He’d proven it again today when he’d led her to the garment factory. What if he possessed some innate ability to predict the seizures? He could be a great boon to the child.
    She told herself not to be so silly. It was a childish fancy that had taken Edward. He’d soon outgrow it and move on to a new obsession. Children always did. She turned toward the driveway as a carriage turned in at the gate.

    John turned his back on Miss Sullivan and approached his mother-in-law’s carriage as it rolled to a stop. He extended his hand to help her alight. Would Katherine have aged as well as Clara? Her creamy skin was unlined, though he knew she had to be fifty or a little older by now. The smile he greeted her with was genuine. “Clara, it’s good to see you.”
    She touched a gloved finger to his cheek. “John, when did you arrive? You look quite handsome with that tan.”
    He brushed his lips across her cheek and inhaled her rose perfume. “Just this afternoon.”
    “Fetch my parcels from the driver, would you? I am perishing for tea.” She swayed off toward the house without waiting for his answer.
    John shrugged and did as he was told. Henry never begrudged her any of the funds she spent on her fripperies. Katherine might have paupered him in following her mother’s example. Carrying the parcels, he strode to the house, where he handed off the purchases to Molly, then followed the sound of voices to the parlor.
    Miss Sullivan stood with her back to the wall and her hands clutched in front of her green dress. She faced his mother-in-law. Driscoll stood off to one side with Edward.
    “Yes, ma’am,” she said. “I studied three years of Latin, though I don’t think Edward is quite ready for another language.”
    “I agree, Miss Sullivan.” Clara made a sweeping survey of the younger woman. “Your dress is quite well made. Where did you find it?”
    “I made it, ma’am.”
    “How refreshing to find such an industrious young woman. How did you learn to sew such a stylish garment?” Clara stepped nearer and examined the waist of the dress. “The way the waist dips is very becoming. And the stitches are invisible.”
    The young woman shifted, and the color leached from her cheeks. “My mother taught me to sew when I was a child. She thought the income would help the family, but I discovered a real love for textiles and design.”
    To John the dress appeared ordinary, but then, what did he know of style? He noticed how long Miss Sullivan’s lashes were and averted his gaze. She was his employee.
    Miss Sullivan touched Clara’s hand. “Are you feeling all right, Mrs. Eaton? A headache perhaps?”
    Clara pressed her other hand hard on her forehead. “My head does ache. How did you know?”
    “I saw it in your eyes. Let me rub it for you,” Miss Sullivan said. “I have some peppermint oil that will help ease the pain.”
    “What a dear you are,” Clara said. “We have a few minutes before dinner, and anything you might do to help would be most welcome.”
    “I’m sure it will comfort you,” Miss Sullivan said.
    “Over our meal I wish to know more about your dressmaking skills. I’m planning a ball for Henry’s birthday in two weeks, and I must have a new dress. I have an idea in my mind’s eye, and perhaps you can bring it to life.”
    “I’ll be happy to do whatever I can, Mrs. Eaton,” Miss Sullivan said. “But I need to start immediately if I’m to have time to complete it.”
    John glanced at the young woman, then at his mother-in-law. Both of them were smiling. “What about Edward?” he asked. “Miss Sullivan was hired to teach my son.”
    Clara tapped her closed fan on her son-in-law’s arm.