“Good day, Miss Harris,” he said as he pulled his hat from his head.
“I hope I’ve not come at a bad time?”
“Not at all, Mr. O’Donnell. Please. Do come in.” She opened the door wide to admit him. There seemed to be something almost awkward about the big man today. Rachel sensed his nervousness even as she reached to take his hat.
“Won’t you have a seat?” She motioned toward the chair near the fireplace.
“I’m afraid Gavin isn’t here at the moment.”
“It’s not Gavin I’ve come to see.” Rachel’s eyes widened as she looked at him. He’d flirted with her the day they met, and at the wedding he’d monopolized much of her time. But it wasn’t until now that she took his interest seriously. Perhaps it was that schoolboy look on his face or the way he was pressing his fingers together, turning them white at the tips.
“I see,” she replied softly, sinking into another chair. She liked
Patrick O’Donnell. Despite his size, she sensed a gentleness about him. He had a fine face, not truly handsome, but pleasant. She imagined his broad nose had been generously freckled when he was a boy, though there was no trace of them now. His mouth was full, the hint of a grin lingering in the corners, even now when he was serious. His green eyes promised mischief. She’d enjoyed his company yesterday. He’d always been the gentleman. And he’d made her laugh often. She wasn’t quite sure why she was silently cataloging Patrick O’Donnell’s assets. At least, not consciously. But somewhere deep inside, in a secret corner of her heart, she realized that here might be an answer to her quandary. This man could be her shield. This man could protect her from herself, from her own sinful desires. If she were to turn her affections upon him, she needn’t fear being around Gavin any longer.
“I’m glad you came, Mr. O’Donnell. Would you care for some coffee? There’s plenty and it’s fresh.”
“I’d like it very much.” He grinned, all traces of nervousness disappearing.
“I’d find even more pleasure, Miss Harris, if you could bring yourself to call me Patrick.” As she rose from her chair, she returned his smile.
“I should like that, Patrick. And you must call me Rachel.” She could see Charlie. He was waiting for her, smiling, his arms open wide. He was surrounded by light—warm, comforting light. When she reached him, there wouldn’t be any more pain. She wouldn’t be tired any longer. She could laugh again. She could run through the woods and fall down with Charlie in the grass. She could be happy. He beckoned for her to hurry. I’m coming, Charlie. But something held her back. Something was unfinished. Soon, Charlie. Soon. She made her way back through the darkness she’d come part-way through. It was an arduous, tiring journey, but at last she made it. Dru awakened to find Rachel at her bedside.
“I was worried about you,” Rachel said softly.
“You’ve been asleep all day.” Dru lifted her hand from the bedclothes, reaching toward Rachel. Sensing the woman didn’t have the strength to keep it there long, Rachel grasped hold of the cool fingers, wrapping both of her hands around Dru’s frail one.
“Mr. O’Donnell was here to see you. He said he’ll come again soon.” She paused, then added softly, “Let me get you some broth. You need to eat.”
“No.” Dru shook her head.
“Just sit with me.” Rachel couldn’t seem to let go of Dru’s hand. She lowered herself onto the edge of the bed.
“I haven’t much time, Rachel.” She opened her mouth to protest but was stopped by the look in Dru’s eyes.
“There’s so much I wanted to do before I joined Charlie.” Rachel swallowed the lump in her throat and tightened her grip on the feeble hand within hers.
“Gavin’s a good man, Rachel. He wasn’t to me what my Charlie was, but we loved each other in our own way.” Her eyes seemed glazed as she stared into space beyond Rachel’s shoulder.
“He wasn’t meant to marry me. There’s so much of love he doesn’t know about. So much he needs to learn.” Dru closed her eyes. Her breathing was shallow, almost nonexistent. Rachel leaned forward, her heart aching in her chest. She, too, was afraid to breathe.
“Rachel…” Dru opened her eyes once more, this time her gaze focused and meaningful.
“Gavin’s going to need you. Don’t forget your promise. You’ll stay through spring. Time. Give him time.”
“Don’t talk this way, Dru. You’re going to be well by spring. You’ll see.”
“Promise me.”
“I promise. I won’t leave. I give you my word, but-”
“Ask Stubs about Gavin. Make him… make him tell you everything. There’s so much I never knew. Make him tell you… everything.” Panic raged in Rachel’s breast. She wasn’t acquainted with death, yet she could see its shadow slipping over Dru’s face and knew it for what it was.