Free Unforsaken by Lisa Higdon

back when they go to heaven.” Olivia grappled for some way to change the subject. “Try not to think about—"
    Sarah's fingers knotted in the sleeve of her nightgown, and a ragged breath escaped the little girl's lips. “B-but I don't want her to be in heaven."
    "Oh, Sarah,” she whispered as the child buried her face against Olivia's shoulder. Hot tears dampened the thin fabric of her nightgown. “Your mama didn't want to go to heaven—"
    Sarah sniffed “I want her to come back and take care of me so my daddy won't burd-ing."
    Olivia thought for a moment. “You mean burdened?"
    Sarah nodded. Olivia could only guess how many times the child had heard that whispered when no one thought she was listening. She remembered the spiteful things Eugenia Jennings had said today and wondered how Sarah had taken them. “Sarah, your father isn't burdened. He's just working hard to plant his cotton, and so are a lot of other men."
    She was the last person on earth to be comforting this child, but she held Sarah close and rocked her, repeating what Matthew had told her so many years ago. “It's all right to cry, to be sad, to wish for things to be different."
    Sarah nodded against her shoulder, her sobs quieting to deep, cleansing breaths. Olivia forced herself to say what this child needed to hear. “Your mother still loves you, Sarah. Even in heaven, she won't forget you or stop caring about you."
    Sarah rubbed her eyes, absorbing Olivia's words. Settling back down under the covers, Olivia gathered the little girl in her arms and shuddered with guilt.
    "Livvy,” Sarah whispered, “what's a orphan's home?"
    Startled, Olivia was horrified to think someone dared to suggest Matthew place the child in an asylum. “An orphan's home is for children with no family or friends to take care of them. Your have your father, and he will see that you're taken care of."
    Circling her arm around Olivia's neck, she said, “I got you too, Livvy."
    Olivia closed her eyes. God help her, but she would find a nurse if she had to travel all the way to Richmond.

Chapter Seven
    Dear Mrs. Murphy,
    I am writing in hopes that you might be able to recommend a suitable governess for a family friend. The child, a girl, is three years old and remarkably well-behaved and bright. Experience and maturity are crucial, and I would prefer someone capable of tutoring in reading and music.
    Please have all interested parties forward a resume along with any letters of recommendation available.
    Sincerely,
    Olivia Chandler
    "Your daddy will be here any minute. Let's get your clothes changed."
    Olivia helped Sarah out of her Sunday dress and slipped a simple muslin blouse over her head. The blue jumper and sturdy shoes were nice enough, but Sarah had looked darling in the dress she had worn to church. Eula insisted the child change into everyday clothes and be ready to leave when Matthew arrived.
    "He won't want to be kept waiting,” she had insisted as she hurried them up the stairs. “Don't forget the hamper in the kitchen."
    When the last button was secured, Olivia carefully brushed Sarah's hair and changed the ribbon to one that matched her jumper. Sarah peered in the mirror hanging over the dressing table and smiled with approval.
    "You look very pretty,” Olivia assured her, smoothing one last curl into place. “Now, let's go wait for your daddy."
    It wasn't long before a knock sounded at the front door, and Olivia managed a polite smile when she invited Matthew inside. “Sarah's all ready to go."
    "Good,” he said as she closed the door behind him. “We won't have much time as it is."
    She nodded and called for Sarah, who was tidying away her toys in the parlor.
    "Daddy!” She rushed to him and he scooped her up in his arms.
    "Are you ready, punkin'?"
    She nodded, and Olivia almost forgot the hamper. “Oh, Aunt Eula packed a picnic for the two of you. Wait here."
    When she returned with the basket, Sarah rushed to meet her.
    "C'mon, Livvy!” The