Free Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren Page B

“Care to come too?”
    “I’m afraid I need her with me,” my father interrupted. “We have some work to do on the mine.”
    “Already?” I asked, blinking in surprise.
    “Already,” he said, drawing again on his cigar and peering at me with his bright eyes. “It’s overdue, really. You’ll find the mine needs our constant attention. So we must begin, even if it means you sacrifice some of your outings with the others on the tour—or a croquet game.”
    He was challenging me, intent on seeing how dedicated I was to my course. I lifted my chin. “Of course,” I said. “There’s nothing I’d rather do with my afternoon.”
    Hugh huffed a laugh. “Well, jolly for you. Can’t say I’d agree.”
    “Someday, dear boys, you two shall have to accept a mantle of responsibility as well,” my father said.
    “Indeed,” Felix said, already moving away, walking backward. “But we intend to put it off as long as possible!” He saluted me. “We’ll play a ball in your honor, Cora.”
    “See that it wins,” I said.
    He returned my smile and walked down the hill with Hugh, and while a part of me wished I was going with them, I was also intent on seeing what it meant, working with my father and learning about this mine business. While I had thought my love of learning was leading me to teaching, couldn’t the Lord have simply been preparing me to be ready to apply my mind to other matters? Just because I hadn’t explored such things before didn’t mean I wouldn’t enjoy it.
    Two hours later, as the columns of numbers swam before my eyes, my father droned on about the ethics of management. Another thick manila folder before me was neatly labeled “Kensington-Diehl Mine.” There had to be over a hundred pages inside.
    My father was silent at last, and I belatedly looked up at him. His lips gathered in a compassionate line. “I’ve overtaxed you. It’s a great deal to take in. Perhaps a bit of tea outside, so you can get some fresh air?”
    “That would be most welcome,” I admitted, grateful for his kind attention.
    “I’ll have a maid fetch it for you. I must see to other matters anyway. It was a good start today. We’ll pick up where we left off tomorrow.” He rang a bell to summon a servant.
    I nodded eagerly, as if I couldn’t visualize anything more enticing, and then rose to leave. He and Mr. Morgan rose politely too, and when I left the room and entered the hallway, I took my first full breath in what felt like a long while. The house was very quiet—were the others still out playing croquet? Or had they all retired for afternoon naps?
    It was just as well with me…I didn’t wish to see anyone at the moment. Except that maid with my tea. My mouth was terribly dry, and a bite of something sweet might settle my oddly upset belly. I took deep breaths of the air, redolent with the scents of lavender and rosemary, the hot smell of summer in Italy.
    I’d no sooner sat down beneath a wide umbrella, protected from the full force of the sun—comfortably guarded by a wide umbrella from the full force of the sun—than Anna appeared, carrying a tray. “Your father said you were in need of some refreshments, Miss?”
    “Indeed. That would be lovely.” I watched her as she poured me a cup and used silver tongs to move a roll from a basket to the edge of my saucer. “Do you care to join me, Anna?”
    “Ah, no, Miss. I’m afraid that wouldn’t be entirely proper.”
    “Frankly, I don’t care much for propriety,” I said. “Please, sit.”
    She hesitated, but then looked down the long stone porch to where Mr. Grunthall stood, smoking. He lifted his chin in greeting, a slight smile on his face.
    “I’m fairly certain he wouldn’t approve, Miss,” Anna said, wiping nervous hands on her apron.
    “ I’m fairly certain I don’t care what he would approve or not,” I said crossly. But when I saw her face gather in increased consternation, I relented. “It’s fine, Anna. Forgive me.