Eleanor Tatum

While mentally reviewing changes in his life, Trevor experiences a flashback from his past. He brings himself back to the present to grasp a sweet vision of his future.

Egad!

Pages 34-35

The last time he had felt certain was the morning of The Change. He had been chasing his younger brothers through the garden paths. There was security in that memory, but the day of The Change, his grandmother had stepped into his path and blocked his chase, his joy, and as he later discovered, his childhood. She didn’t display her usual naughty-boy-you’ve-been caught look. The sadness on her face slid down his spine when she addressed him as “Your Lordship”. She had always called him Trevor or Dear Coffman. That time she presented him with a formal curtsey. “I have sad news about your father.”

“Mr. Coffman?” Catherine had her hand on his arm and he returned to the present, but his eyes continued to fall into her sensational swampy green pools of peacefulness.

“Trevor. When we’re alone, please, call me Trevor.”

“Should I really?”

“Please, let me hear you say my name.”

After hesitating, her mouth started a warm smile, “Trevor.” Quickly she removed her hand and stiffened. “I shouldn’t, besides we won’t be alone. This is, well, I’m not sure what this is.” She stood and announced, “I need to get back. The Garretts need my help.”

“Garretts? Oh yes, I met Joann Garrett this morning.”

“They’re the cooks. I help them in the kitchens and serving the hunting parties.” After a frustrating sound, she turned and looked at him with a tender fondness and he felt his certainty of falling strengthen.

“Please, don’t go, not yet.” He touched her hand and nudged her back down beside him. He smiled his thankfulness when she bent her knees and sat. “I’m worried about your boss, Mr. Mercer. Don’t let him find again and force his type of employment on you. I might not be able to claim you.” He bowed his head toward her as if to keep the wildlife from hearing. “I might not be available to drop my key again.” He tried a sly grin and he hoped he’d see her smile. When it did appear, he knew she could do better, but he still enjoyed her tiny grin.

Enough! Until Later.