Free A Lady's Choice by Sandra Robbins Page B

happened. He told me we had used up everything my father left us and that we needed to sell the house. By this time Mama and I had decided to come back here, so I told him to sell it. Several weeks before we moved he told me he had found a buyer for the house and that I would begin receiving money monthly as soon as all the papers were signed. But nothing has come. I’ve written him letters, but I’ve gotten no response. We’re about to run out of money, and I don’t know what to do.”
    A sad look flickered in his eyes. “Oh Sarah, I’m so sorry you’ve had to bear this alone. Of course I’ll help you. I’m going to Memphis next week to take the bar exam and spend some time at the firm. While I’m there, I’ll see what I can find out. In the meantime, if you need money, I’ll be glad to help you out.”
    She pushed to her feet and shook her head. “No, I didn’t tell you this so you’d give me money. Uncle Charlie will help us if we need anything. I just want to find out what’s happened. We weren’t wealthy, but I know my father had saved some money.”
    Alex stood up and faced her. “I’ll see what I can find out. What’s your cousin’s name?”
    â€œRaymond Whittaker. He works in a bank down on Union Avenue.”
    He put his hands on her shoulders and stared into her eyes. “Don’t worry about this, Sarah. I promise I’ll look into it.”
    Relief coursed through her body, and she smiled. “Thank you, Alex. You have no idea what this means to me.”
    â€œI should be home toward the end of the week. I’ll come to see you and let you know if I found out anything. Please try not to worry.”
    She smiled. “I’ll try. But don’t let my problems distract you. I want you to pass the bar exam.”
    He pursed his lips. “It’s a tough test, but I’ve studied hard for it.”
    â€œI’m sure you’ll do well.”
    They stared at each other for a moment before Sarah turned and led the way back to the house. For the first time in months, she felt some relief. With her mother’s worsening condition, there was no way she could teach and care for Mama too. She’d spent many sleepless nights wondering what she would do if something had happened to their money.
    She could only hope that Alex would bring good news on his return from Memphis.

Chapter Seven
    By the end of the next week Sarah was about to go out of her mind. Alex hadn’t returned, and she hadn’t heard from him. All she could think about was whether or not he would be able to find out what had happened to her father’s estate. Added to that worry was the fact her mother was beginning to suspect something was bothering her. So far she’d been able to dismiss her mother’s questions, but she doubted if she could much longer.
    She discarded the needlepoint piece she’d been working on and dropped it on the table next to her chair. With her mother in bed for her afternoon nap, it was a perfect time to get outside for a while. She headed to the front porch and had just stepped onto it when she spied a buggy coming down the road.
    Her lips curled into a smile as she recognized Dr. Lancaster with Ellen sitting beside him. Since the night of the party, the two had become close friends, and now Ellen accompanied him on his patient calls. She waved as the buggy rolled into the yard.
    â€œGood afternoon. I’m so glad you came.”
    Dr. Lancaster hopped down from the buggy and tied his horse to the small tree in their yard before walking around and assisting Ellen to the ground. Sarah couldn’t help but notice how they smiled at each other before they turned toward the house.
    Dr. Lancaster reached back in the buggy for his bag and took Ellen’s arm. Together they climbed the steps. “We were making rounds this afternoon, and I thought I’d better check on your