Free Banished Love by Ramona Flightner Page B

Why don’t you read out loud and entertain us all?” Florence said with a weak smile. She had settled in my comfortable chair behind my desk, and I didn’t have the heart to ask her to move.
    I went over to my bag and retrieved the book. My brothers had loved it, but I had not yet read it. I wasn’t sure I would enjoy reading a war story but thought I should try. I had nowhere to sit now, except for a student’s seat, so I reluctantly sat in one of those, with my knees next to my chin, feeling rather silly. However, as soon as I started reading, I lost all sense of self, as though becoming part of the story.
    I read for the next half hour, slowly relaxing, enjoying the quiet, peaceful room and the sounds of Gabriel walking around my area, working as I read. After a while I realized that the sounds of working had abated and that I was reading to a rapt audience. I looked up to find Florence curled up in the chair, with her eyes closed, appearing contented. I glanced over to Gabriel to find him studying me unabashedly. I blushed but met his gaze, holding it for a long moment.
    Finally Florence stirred, asking, “So, is that all for today then, Clarissa?” She sat up primly, watching Gabriel warily. She stood and righted her appearance, not looking at either of us.
    As I realized the time and that I needed to return home, I closed the book reluctantly. “I’m sorry, but I need to go. I won’t be able to read anymore today. I, ah…” I was at a loss for words, unsure if he wanted me to read more to him.
    He smiled fully for the first time, and I was startled anew by his handsomeness. “I greatly enjoyed your reading, miss. Maybe you could save that book for me, and we could keep reading it together?” His eyes twinkled a little.
    “Of course, Mr. McLeod. If you like, the next time you come to the schoolhouse, I can read to you then. However, I can only keep the book out for er…fourteen days, so we will have to continue to make progress.”
    He watched me intently. “I will come visit your school soon, miss.” His voice was a gentle, rich baritone, and it felt like a caress. I flushed, looking away, nodding my agreement. He bid Florence and then me a good day, and left quietly.
    “Well, Clarissa,” Florence stated. “I am glad you found a competent carpenter.” A bitter grimace turned down her mouth. “Now I must return home.”
    I gripped her hand as she moved past me, stopping her. “Florence! What is there between you and Mr. McLeod?”
    Florence closed her eyes wearily. “Nothing but a terrible past, Clarissa.” She opened her eyes, pleadingly. “Not today, Clarissa,” she entreated. “Not today.”
    I let her hand go. “Florence, I hate to see you so sad,” I whispered.
    Florence stood only a few feet from me, but she held herself as though she were miles away.
    I felt an impenetrable wall between us and longed to be able to help my friend.
    “You would never understand, Clarissa,” she whispered. “You, who have always had your family around you. You have no idea what it is to be truly alone,” she said wearily, clamping her mouth shut.
    I looked into her devastated eyes, reaching out to comfort her, but she shook her head, fighting tears, and fled from the room.

CHAPTER 7
    I SAT RELAXING in the Russell family parlor with Savannah. Lucas had gone out with friends, and Aunt Matilda and Uncle Martin were working in the store office, organizing and pricing a new batch of cloth that had just been delivered.
    “I envy Uncle and Aunt,” I mused aloud as I sprawled lazily on the faded rose-patterned settee.
    “Why is that?” Savannah inquired, almost startled by my statement. She looked up in surprise, interrupting her calm progress on her needlepoint. Her hair was made more strawberry than blond by the glow of the fire.
    “Well, they seem so well matched, and she is able to help him with the business. I think it must be a good marriage. They seem very happy,” I said. I sat with my