Ethan sat in the dim shadow of the carriage window. It was a plain black closed carriage, his driver as yet unknown to the native denizens of the hamlet of Saracen’s Head. He’d brought Laughlin from Ireland with him, as much to keep Ethan on the straight and narrow path he’d set for himself as… Read More Along The Welland 5

When the sun was just beginning its descent across the fields, Ethan led his horse into the shelter beside Penny. Emma was not inside the cottage, so Ethan walked across the central room, then turned and looked around sharply. The interior of the cottage should have been as decrepit as the exterior. Cobwebs should have… Read More Along the Welland 4

Emma shook herself back to the present, her mouth tilting downward as she grimaced. Soon after the funeral, Ethan had left for London and Europe on what was supposed to have been their honeymoon trip. His mother had explained gently to Emma that Welland had business in Amsterdam that Ethan needed to attend and Emma… Read More Along The Welland 3

Tense with aggravation and temper, Emma changed herself into a riding habit. She descended the back steps, stepping so that the heels of her boots clattered and echoed with satisfying volume in the garden hall. Striding across the back courtyard and down to the stables, she moved with a speed and abruptness that was very unlike… Read More Along The Welland 2

When Emma greeted the Mrs. Butterworth in the front hall, the young woman inquired curiously about the housekeeper’s errand with the teacart and Sevrès china. “Your father ordered tea for his guest,” the woman explained without a blink. Emma nodded, still openly confused.  “I see.”  Not bothering to suppress her curiosity, she asked, “Shall I… Read More Along The Welland 1