Hope by Barbara Goss (best novels for beginners .txt) 📕

The shorter man said, “We understand. If you think of anything that will help us apprehend them, please contact us.” He handed her a card with his name and address on it.

“I will,” she answered.

Daniel returned after he'd escorted them out. “I figured the bank would come to see you, I just didn’t know when. They lost a whole trunk of gold.”

Hope frowned. “You'd think they’d send something that valuable separately from a stage with people on it. Three people are dead.”

“I agree. The steam trains will be here, soon. They’re already up and running in some places. Hopefully, that will solve the problem.”

“Daniel, I need to get word to Anna and Walter. They must have heard about the stage incident by now. Thankfully, they had no idea I was on it, but I’d still like to write them a letter.”

“I’ll get you some writing material.”

“Wait—you never told me how the reading of Joseph’s will went.”

“Oh, you know. The usual. Sam and Esther got a very nice sum of money for their loyal service.” There was more, but he wasn’t ready to share that with her yet.

Chapter Eighteen

Hope’s love for Daniel grew with his around-the-clock gentle nursing. He even hired a few new farm workers so he could spend more time with her. He brought her meals and waited on her every need while Esther cared for her personal needs.

Daniel fell asleep at her side each night with his arm around her, and she got used to having him there. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if they were truly married. Even though she still had rib pain, she anticipated consummation when he curled up with her at night.

They read the Bible and prayed together which seemed to bring them even closer since they shared the same beliefs and love of God.

Hope woke up and smiled when she felt Daniel’s strong arm around her waist. She turned to face him and saw that his eyes were open. “You’re awake. What were you thinking about?”

“About us,” he said, running his hand through her hair. “It will be like this forever, you know.”

“You and I?”

“Yes. Sleeping together and waking together.”

She smiled. “It’s cozy, isn’t it?”

He nodded, swung his legs around, and stood. “Today is two weeks since you left the doctor’s clinic. I plan on getting you up today. What do you say? Are ready for it?”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Daniel slept in long johns. He quickly turned his back to slide into his trousers and a shirt. “I’d like to put you in the chair,” he pointed to a sofa chair by the window, “and then bring up our breakfast.”

“Daniel, I need to wash and comb my hair. Will you send for Esther first?”

“I’m sorry. I forgot about the female stuff. Sure will.” He disappeared out of the door.

Esther came in wearing her usual smile. “Good morning, Mrs. Townsend.”

“Good morning, Esther. I appreciate all your help.”

“I don’t mind one bit. You’ll soon be up and about and then you can repay me by peeling potatoes.” She winked.

Esther helped her with her personal needs, and then she combed Hope’s hair and twisted it up into a bun. “I think today calls for a special hairdo, seeing as how you'll be sitting in a chair today.”

“I feel so much better now I’m clean and have the hair off my shoulders.”

“I’ll be back before lunch to see to your needs again.”

“Thank you, Esther.”

Daniel came in, carrying a large tray which he set down on a table by the chair “Are you ready?”

“I guess so.”

She was wearing a flannel nightgown and when she swung her feet around to dangle off the bed, Daniel slipped on her mules, and put his hands on her waist, and pulled her smoothly into his arms.

He stood for a few seconds before walking with her. He kissed the top of her head and gave her a gentle squeeze before walking her slowly to the sofa chair. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. It feels wonderful to be up.”

Daniel eased her into the chair, set the table in front of it, pulled up a chair for himself, and set the food on the table. “I’m starving. How about you?”

Hope nodded. “Breakfast has always been my favorite meal—except when I was on the wagon train.”

“Let’s see what Esther made for us.” He lifted the lid on the platter. “Hmm… ham, eggs, toast, and cornbread.”

Hope poured Daniel some coffee and poured herself some tea. “Esther forgot that I don’t care for cornbread—you may have mine.”

Daniel smiled. “Thank you. I take after my father—I love it.”

“What do you have planned for today?” she asked him.

“I’ll finish reading Oliver Twist, and then I’ll bring up the account books. You offered to do them, remember?”

“I’d love to. How long can I stay sitting in the chair?”

“I think until you tire of it or you feel discomfort. How is the rib pain today?”

“I only feel pain if I take a deep breath.”

“You tell me when you’d like to go back to bed. Dr. McAdoo will be here to check on you sometime today. I think he’ll be pleased with your progress.”

Daniel read the rest of Oliver Twist. Hope sighed when he closed the book. “I loved that book. Do you think it was based on a true story?”

“I don’t know, but I’m sure there are plenty of Oliver Twists in England.”

“It’s sad. I suppose I was fortunate to grow up in an orphanage.”

“Do you have any idea who your parents were?”

“Yes. My parents were John and Elvira Carlson. No one knew what my name was, so the orphanage named me.”

She noticed