When the Clouds Roll By Read Online Free Page B

set down the glass and pitcher. “Well, maybe not so fine. Honestly, Marguerite, all this talk of Gilbert’s homecoming and wedding plans—shouldn’t we at least wait until he’s home and has a chance to recover and get his bearings?”
    A look of understanding narrowed the servant’s soft brown eyes. “Getting cold feet, are we?” Marguerite pressed her cool palms against Annemarie’s cheeks. “Why, honey-girl, you and Gilbert was destined to be together. I knew from the time you was both in diapers, and I was powdering your sweet little bottoms.”
    If Annemarie wasn’t flushed before, she certainly was now. She rolled her eyes and drew Marguerite close for a hug before striding across the kitchen and sinking into a chair at the long oak table. “It isn’t that I don’t want to marry Gilbert. I love him as much as ever—more, if possible! It’s just . . .” Her chest ached. She dropped her forehead into her hands. “I’m afraid he no longer wants to marry me.”
    It was the first time she’d voiced her fears aloud, and now, as the words echoed in the quiet kitchen, Annemarie knew what she had to do. She had to convince both her mother and Mrs. Ballard to postpone any further discussion of a wedding until she and Gilbert could talk face to face.
    Marguerite settled into the chair next to Annemarie’s. She eased Annemarie’s hands away from her face and pressed them to her own bosom. “Now what would make you say such a thing, Miss Annie? You know Gilbert loves you with heart and soul, always has. Just ’cause he went off to war and got himself shot up don’t mean he’s changed his mind about marrying you. Yes, it’ll be hard, him losing his leg and all, but you’re both strong of character with a firm faith in Jesus. If that don’t see you through, then—”
    “Annemarie, dear? Did you find the—” Stepping into the kitchen, Mrs. Ballard gave a surprised sniff. “Is everything all right?”
    Marguerite popped up from her chair. “Everything’s just fine, Miz Ballard. We was just talking.”
    Annemarie rose with a shaky smile and went to retrieve her mother’s glass. “My goodness, I completely lost track of what I came in here for. By now Mama will think I hiked all the way to the Mountain Valley Water Company and back.”
    “I should think so. I began to worry Marguerite’s spicy rémoulade might have caused you dyspepsia.”
    “Absolutely not—it was delicious!” Annemarie sidled toward Mrs. Ballard. “Shall we go back in to lunch? I’m so sorry for the interruption.”
    “Very well.” Mrs. Ballard cast Marguerite a disapproving glare. “You may serve dessert now, if you’re finished monopolizing my guest.”
    Marguerite lowered her gaze and curtsied. “Sorry, ma’am. Be right in to clear the table and fetch dessert.” She winked at Annemarie. “Bread pudding with lemon sauce, your favorite. I’ll serve you an extra big portion.”
    Halfway through the door, Mrs. Ballard turned with an arched brow. “Not too large, Marguerite. Annemarie must watch her figure if she’s going to fit into her mother’s lovely lace wedding gown.”
    “Yes’m.” Marguerite glanced at Annemarie and whistled out a breath. As soon as Mrs. Ballard left the room, she whispered, “Between you and me, girl, that is one bossy woman. If she didn’t pay so well, I’d—”
    Annemarie couldn’t suppress a laugh. “I know, I know. You’d quit and go to work for Mr. Fordyce at his fancy new bathhouse.” She gave her head a small shake and started through the door, then paused to smirk over her shoulder. “And make my dessert a triple-sized portion, with extra lemon sauce, if you please. I’m going to need the fortification.”

    “Padre! Ya gotta help me! I don’t wanna die!”
    “Hold on, son. Help’s coming—just hold on. ‘The Lord is my shepherd’—say it, son. Say it with me.”
    “I can’t—it hurts! Oh, Jesus, it hurts so bad!”
    Samuel awoke with a start, the smell of