Touching the Sky by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online Page B

hand. “Captain Reid. Did you enjoy the service?”
    Brandon shook hands and smiled. “I did indeed. I find it a wonderful way to start the week.”
    “I simply despise the stuffiness of the church in the summer,” Mother said, fanning herself. She was dressed much too richly in her layers of finery. Laura had mentioned this at home in regard to the temperature, but Mother had ignored her.
    “Captain Reid, would you care to join us for dinner?” Father asked. “We’re planning a nice meal on the lawn. It should prove to be much cooler than dining inside.”
    Brandon looked at Laura. She smiled and gave a nod. “It really is quite pleasant,” she told him. “Father arranged to have a lovely canopy put up under the trees.”
    “I am most grateful for the invitation and would be happy to attend.”
    Mother tapped Father’s arm. “Do save further conversation for home. I am quite overcome by this heat.”
    “Of course.” Father took hold of her arm. “Do you have a mount, Captain?”
    “I do. Shall I follow your carriage to the house? Or would you prefer that I come at a later time?”
    “No, by all means accompany us. The food will be ready and waiting. I’m certain the ladies will wish to change their clothes. Perhaps you and I might rid ourselves of our coats, as well. After all, it will be a most informal luncheon.”
    “I think that would suit me quite well.”
    Laura felt a rush of pleasure at the thought of spending the afternoon with the captain. When they arrived home, Laura hurried to change to a casual pink and white gingham dress. She had always liked this gown, especially for its detachable sleeves. She also liked the way the basque waist and snug bodice showed off her slender frame. Laura glanced quickly in the mirror to check her hair. Perhaps something wonderful would come about from their misunderstanding in the alleyway. Wouldn’t that be a wondrous story to tell their children?
    “Your father and I met when he thought I was being hostile toward his troops.” She giggled and made her way downstairs as Carissa was making her way up.
    “What’s so funny?” she asked. Then with an inspecting glance she threw Laura a questioning look. “You are dressed rather fine for Sunday luncheon. Could it be due to our visitor?”
    Laura laughed. “It might be, but I would hardly call this gown fine. It’s four years old and wearing fast.”
    “Even so, you are quite pretty, sister dear.” Carissa leaned over and kissed Laura’s cheek. “I’m glad Malcolm isn’t here. Otherwise he might be tempted to rescind his proposal and pursue you instead.”
    “Hardly. Malcolm only has eyes for you,” Laura assured her, although she wasn’t at all convinced that was true. “Will he join us later?”
    “If he can,” Carissa said, her tone betraying her disappointment.
    “Let us hope so. Perhaps we can get up a game of croquet.”
    “I am sorry . . . for the way I’ve acted.”
    Surprised by her sister’s sudden declaration, Laura turned. “What are you talking about?”
    Carissa gave a sigh. “I have been rather insensitive toward you, and it wasn’t kind. You are my dearest friend in all the world, and I do not want anything to come between us—especially my marriage.”
    “Silly goose,” Laura replied, seeing the sincerity in her sister’s expression, “nothing will ever separate us. We are sisters, and as such we cannot ever be parted.”
    She left Carissa and hurried down the steps. Perhaps her little sister was finally growing up. Laura smiled at the thought and rejoined Captain Reid and her father.
    “The attack in 1862 caused many of the undecided families to clearly choose allegiance with the Confederacy,” her father was stating. Both men had discarded their jackets and now looked much more relaxed in the shade of a chittamwood tree. The small white flowers of the tree had nearly run their course, but their fragrance lingered in the air and they occasionally drifted down