Free Cassandra Austin by Hero Of The Flint Hills Page B

in Arlen’s direction.
    “Arlen.” Lynnette was only partially successful at getting his attention. He turned in her direction, but he kept talking.
    “Look at what happened to you. Your dress is torn and wrinkled, your shoes are dirty, and your face is burned. And it could have been much worse. What if Christian hadn’t found you so quickly? You might have been wandering around on the bluff for hours.” He came to kneel beside the chair. “Promise me you won’t do it again, Lynnette.”
    Lynnette took in the concerned face. She knew he meant well, even though he had managed to make her feel stupid and helpless. Christian had said she had nearly found her own way back. Perhaps he was just being kind. Still, until she had gotten lost, she had really enjoyed the walk. She gave Arlen a contrite smile. “I promise I won’t get lost again,” she said, hoping that would satisfy him.
    “Good girl,” he said, coming to his feet and offering her a hand. “Now, we both need to get cleaned up for lunch. Run along to your room to change.”
    He walked toward the washroom, and Lynnette, uncertain how to take his little lecture, watched him go.Christian stood beside Emily. How long he had been there, she could only guess. Lynnette spun quickly and hurried for the stairs. She wasn’t sure which humiliated her more, being scolded by Arlen, or knowing Christian, as well as Emily, heard.
    Lynnette changed her dress and fixed her hair as quickly as she could, determined that she wouldn’t be the last one ready for lunch. When she came down the stairs a few minutes later, she was pleased to see that only Christian and Emily were in the dining room and had not yet taken their places at the table.
    “Do we have to wait for Papa, too?” Emily asked. “I’m starving.”
    “You should eat breakfast, Muffin. But no, Pa took a lunch. And I’m only giving the other two about three more minutes.”
    “Then I’m just in time,” Lynnette said, stepping off the bottom stair and turning into the dining room. She knew Christian watched her. Too embarrassed to look him in the eye, she walked to the balcony doors and looked out on the valley.
    “Go tell Martha we’re ready,” she heard Christian say.
    “ You tell her,” was Emily’s response.
    “No, you tell her,” Christian repeated, but she heard his footsteps as he moved toward the kitchen and knew it was safe to turn around.
    “I feel like I’ve messed up everyone’s day,” Lynnette said to Emily.
    “Don’t be silly. It’s barely twelve-thirty. We’re notthat punctual around here, believe me. Especially at noon. Sometimes we don’t even try to eat together.”
    Lynnette smiled her thanks. Before she could speak, Christian came out of the kitchen. He tried to run softly in his boots. “Quick. Act like we’ve been waiting forever.”
    They could hear Arlen on the stairs and both women slid into their chairs as Christian rounded the table to take his place. He immediately rested an elbow on the table and his chin on his hand and began toying with his fork. He looked completely bored. It was all Lynnette could do not to laugh. Emily visibly bit her lip, and her shoulders shook with suppressed laughter.
    Christian looked up, startled, when Arlen entered the room. “Oh, there you are Arlen. We thought you had gotten lost.”
    “Very funny.” Arlen was dressed impeccably, as Lynnette had always seen him in the city. It seemed a trifle overdone for the circumstances, but perhaps he had a business call to make during the afternoon. “Why don’t you return thanks, Christian?” he suggested, taking his place beside Lynnette.
    “It’s Emily’s turn. I remember from last summer.”
    Lynnette heard a thump and guessed Emily had just kicked her brother. He showed no reaction other than to grin at her before bowing his head.
    Emily sighed. “Bless this family and Papa who’s gone and Martha who made the food and—”
    They heard the kitchen door open, and Christian