Free Elizabeth Meyette by Loves Spirit Page B

fields. His shirt clung to his back and sweat trickled down his face. Brushing his hair off his forehead, David turned and spotted Andrew.
    “Good day, Andrew! What brings you to Brentwood Manor?” David greeted him.
    Andrew waved and approached the man, glancing about the stables and noting two grooms tending the horses.
    “Good day, David. A need to visit my sister and see how she fares brought me here today,” he replied. As the two walked out of the stables, Andrew again looked around, and seeing no one, he handed the note to David.
    “I have news for you from Jonathon,” he said in a low voice.
    “Jonathon! Good God, man, where is he?” David said in a hoarse whisper.
    “I do not know where he is now; Randy gave me this note and said it was imperative that you read it at once,” Andrew said.
    “Well, then I shall read it immediately,” David laughed and broke the seal. His smile faded as he read the missive, eyes darting to Andrew then back to the note. A frown, then a scowl crossed his face before he was able to disguise them and look back at the young man.
    “What is it, David?” Andrew asked sensing the man’s anger. David’s face was dark and serious, but he avoided Andrew’s eyes and stared at the manor house. Lost in thought for a few moments, he finally turned back to Andrew.
    “There is news from the Sons of Liberty,” he lied. “Jonathon said it is best if I remain at Brentwood Plantation rather than attend the planning session for the convention in Williamsburg later this week.” He glanced at the manor again, and the sight of Deidre appearing on the veranda brought storm clouds to his face.
    Andrew followed his gaze but with a decidedly different reaction. Ever since his encounter with her earlier in the month, Deidre’s effect on him was one of bemusement and desire. She had enkindled a fire that he did not know how to satisfy. Both men stared at her for a moment, and then David turned and spoke to Andrew brusquely.
    “Is it possible for you to remain at Brentwood Manor for a while?” he asked. Andrew started since his innocuous question seemed more like a challenge.
    “Yes, I can. The term at William and Mary has ended for the summer, and I could easily stay here rather than in Williamsburg,” he answered.
    David’s tone softened and he placed a hand on Andrew’s shoulder, noticing for the first time how much Andrew had grown since his arrival two years ago. He was a man now, tall and strapping and handsome. David realized why Jonathon would not want Andrew to know of Deidre’s threats to Emily, for Andrew would probably do her great harm.
    “I could use another man around here with the British sniffing about. Thank you, Drew,” he said, smiling. He clapped the young man on the back realizing that he would soon reach him in height. No, Andrew was no longer a boy.
    They walked toward the manor house in silence as David wrestled with the news in Jonathon’s letter. His initial reaction was to immediately dismiss Deidre from the house, but that was not his decision to make. Jonathon was the owner of Brentwood Manor, and in his absence, Emily must be consulted on all decisions. How could he justify Deidre’s dismissal without revealing Jonathon’s secret? It was Emily who had invited Deidre to stay after the British seized her property, therefore, he would be opposing her decision. As much as he wanted to banish Deidre from Brentwood Manor, his hands were tied.

Chapter 5
    A fierce May thunderstorm ushered in David’s niece, Jennifer Sutton.
    Andrew watched from a front window as her coach fought its way along the drive, battling winds that threatened to topple the covered carriage. Gusts pushed against the coach causing it to lean precariously to one side, and the horses lowered their heads and dug in their hooves in an effort to keep it upright. Slanting rain pelted the driver whose hat was shoved down to his nose in an attempt to protect his eyes. Slowing as it reached the