Free The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble Page B

terrifying. But nothing was enough to drive her from the family she was just coming to know.

N INE
    A DDIE SLEPT POORLY , startling awake at the slightest creak of a floorboard or the hoot of an owl outside her window. When she finally pulled back the curtains, the sun had crested the tops of the redwood trees and streamed through her back bedroom window. From the other window to the front, she could almost see past the town to the ocean’s waves.
    She’d thought leaving the lighthouse would be exciting, romantic. Now she longed for the roar of the waves outside her window and the cry of a seagull diving for a fish. The familiar held more appeal than she’d ever imagined.
    Turning from the view, she washed at the pitcher and bowl on her dresser, then pinched a bit of color into her cheeks. She selected a white blouse detailed with tucks, and a gray skirt. When she stepped out of her room, her nose caught the aroma of sausage. She could just hurry down the back stairway and find her book before breakfast. Once she got back, she’d braid her hair and put shoes on, but for now, she wanted to talk with the Lord and dangle her toes in the water at the falls. It would almost be like standing at the ocean’s edge. If she went down the back way, no one would know.
    On the way out, she checked Edward’s room and found it empty, then went down the back staircase to the first floor. Where was the rear door? The manor easily comprised forty rooms, and the labyrinth of halls and doorways confused her. It would take weeks before she could find her way easily. She went toward the back of the hall and found the smell of food stronger. Following her nose, she walked past a study, another drawing room, a ladies’ lounge, and a library before seeing Mrs. Eaton in her study.
    The kitchen had to be nearby. That’s where the back door would be. She started past the study, but Mrs. Eaton called to her. Addie turned. “Yes, ma’am?”
    Mrs. Eaton sat on a chair, with her gray silk skirt spread around her. “Come in, dear.”
    Addie looked down and spied her bare feet. Maybe Mrs. Eaton wouldn’t notice if she scooted slowly into the room so her feet didn’t show. She entered the room. Various needlepoint projects lay on a table, and smaller furniture pieces matched a female’s size. She tucked her feet under her skirt as she sank onto a pink brocade chair beside a plant stand that held a fern.
    Mrs. Eaton laid down her needlepoint. “I would like to discuss the ball with you.” She pointed at Addie. “That blouse. Did you make it, Adeline?”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    Mrs. Eaton slipped her glasses onto her nose and inspected the garment. “The pin tucks and embroidery are quite lovely. You’re very talented.”
    “Thank you, Mrs. Eaton. How might I help you?”
    “What ideas have you come up with for my gown?”
    Addie gulped. Sally had mentioned that the woman had already tossed aside one gown made by a top dressmaker. Mrs. Eaton had said no more about the dress in the last couple of days, and Addie hoped she’d abandoned the idea. “What if you hate it, Mrs. Eaton? I want to please you, but I admit I’m fearful.”
    The woman’s brows rose. “Are you saying I’m hard to please, Adeline?”
    “We met only days ago, and I have no way of knowing that,” Addie said.
    Mrs. Eaton laughed. “You certainly speak your mind, child. I rather like that.”
    “My father always told me I was the lightkeeper’s daughter. God’s child. And only truth would do.” She winced at the words. Her father hadn’t followed his own advice.
    Mrs. Eaton picked up her needlepoint again. “You listen to him. The world could use more honesty. Now, what about that dress?”
    “If I know clearly what you want and start right away, I can get it done. Provided I can find the proper material,” she added.
    Pink bloomed in the matron’s cheeks, and her eyes sparkled. “I’d like something in chiffon. Very elegant and flowing, with lace framing my