Promises in Love by Cecily Wolfe

Author:Cecily Wolfe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christian
Publisher: Cecily Wolfe
Published: 2022-02-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Johnny managed to mumble his way through dinner, his mind occupied with memories of Maria.

In spite of the terrible accident that marred her beautiful face, she had smiled and laughed, helping Theresa without complaint.

As if she was already a Davenport.

“Young man, you’ve been raised better than that. Enunciate when you speak, because no one likes to ask someone to repeat himself.”

His grandmother pointed a long finger accusingly at him, and while Johnny was glad he had missed his parents on their way to the shelter, he now had to deal with her instead.

It wasn’t that much of a hardship, even when she was scolding him, for she didn’t look at him with the pained, worried expressions he saw on his mother’s face.

His father was growing angry with him, or perhaps impatient.

Johnny knew his father took his role of protector of his wife very seriously, and while Johnny knew he loved his children, if they were hurting their mother, he wouldn’t stand for it.

Would he kick Johnny out of Newport?

Send him to Manhattan?

It might not be a bad idea.

He could help Faith and Evie, or at least ensure they were safe and well.

That they weren’t wearing themselves out caring for Nico’s little sister.

“Grandmother, do you know what is wrong with Claudia? I’ve heard bits and pieces of conversation, none of it good.”

A maid brought out plates of applesauce cake, one of his grandmother’s favorites, as the older woman shook her head slowly, clearly waiting for the girl to leave before she responded.

“The poor child. At least we are able to offer her the best care, in comfort. Who knows what type of squalor her people live in. All those children . . . what a mess it must be.”

She hadn’t answered his question, and furthermore, had raised Johnny’s ire.

“I hardly think the d’Amicis live in a hovel. Not everyone inherits a vast fortune and family name, and they’ve made the best of their circumstances and opportunities.”

He lifted a spoonful of cake to his lips, and wondered what Maria was having for dessert.

She loved anything sweet, just like he did.

“Watch your tongue, boy. You forget to whom who you are speaking, and that you’re the heir to this place and all that comes with it. I’ve never taken any of this for granted, but I suspect you might.”

That wasn’t correct, but he had already made a mistake reprimanding her, and he knew it was disrespectful.

“I’m sorry, truly.”

He nibbled at the cake, and she narrowed her eyes at him.

Those dark blue eyes made him think of the depths of the ocean, of how cold and merciless they must be.

She often seemed the same, but she had a tenderness for her grandchildren, and he knew she couldn’t be angry with him for long.

“Don’t dawdle over your food, Arthur John. It’s a disgusting habit.”

When she sniffed, he considered asking about Claudia again, in case she had forgotten his question in the midst of her diatribe.

“As for Claudia d’Amici, she has meningitis. Of a non-contagious sort, the doctors assure us, otherwise our girls would not be near her.

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