by Lynn Landes
Savannah’s
Promise
By: Lynn Landes
By:
Lynn Landes
Published by:
Landes Publishing
Edited by:
Shane Landes
Cover art by:
www.roseannawhitedesigns.com
This book is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, and events portrayed in this novel are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2019 by Lynn Landes
http://[email protected]/
All rights reserved.
Other titles by Lynn Landes:
Mercy’s Promise
Dust & Dreams
Stolen Dream's
Perilous Dreams
The Angels Covenant
Covenant Breakers
Blood Covenant
Fae Queen
Shadow King
Serenity’s Song
Arctic Moon
Don’t miss Book 1 in The Promise Series
Mercy’s Promise
by Lynn Landes
Glenn Ward needs a miracle. His wife is dying and leaving behind twin newborn sons. He returns from the war a changed man. Guilt stains his soul, and anger is growing in his heart.
Anika Coltrane needs a miracle of her own. After burying her husband and newborn daughter on the same day, she is in a desperate situation. How will she care for her six-year-old daughter?
An answered prayer brings two families together. Anika agrees to become a wet-nurse for the family. Delaney needs a safe place to grow up, away from sorrow and fear. Will they find shelter with the Ward family?
Two broken-hearted families must find a way to move past the pain and choose forgiveness. Will they feed the shadows growing in their hearts or allow God to heal their wounds?
Chapter 1
Fall Fair
Pennsylvania
1870
“These are exactly what we were looking for, Miss Ward. The quality is exceptional. We couldn’t ask for more.”
“That’s excellent,” Savannah replies and sips her hot tea.
“Except, that we will ask for more,” Ned Samberg, the lawyer interjects with a laugh.
“Tintypes from the war are selling faster than we can find them. How did you come by these?” Alex Traysor asks.
“I worked as a nurse during the war. Photography is a… hobby of mine.”
Both men fall quiet for a moment as they try to process this bit of information.
“I hope that’s not a problem, gentlemen?” she asks softly and places her cup on the saucer.
“Unusual, yes. A problem? No,” Alex insists and glances at the tintype in front of him again. “Your commission is spelled out in the contract,” Alex Traysor explains and slides an envelope across the white table cloth to her.
“Excellent.” Savannah tucks the envelope into her bag on the floor beside her and draws out a group of new tintypes. “I’m glad you’re pleased. I brought a few of my favorites for you to look over.”
Both men eagerly accept the new tintypes. While they look over them, Savannah glances around the Dahlia Restaurant. It is part hotel, part restaurant and usually busy. Today is no exception. All fifteen round tables are full, and the bar is standing room only.
With the Fall Fair happening in town she came early to secure a seat, and it’s a good thing she did. It was conveniently located a few blocks from the hotel her family is staying in. Hopefully, they won’t notice she’s gone. Everyone was exhausted from the day at the fair and horse race today. She slipped away after the race. Surprise flickers for a moment when her eyes collide with a familiar pair of dark eyes across the sea of round tables in the room. Her stomach drops and nerves erupt.
Once, before the war, she used to imagine a world in which he would look at her the way he does other women. That was before she grew up. Dayton Patrick is never with the same female for long. Glancing at his frustrated companion, Savannah feels sorry for her. Dayton is a longtime friend of the family and business associate of her brother Glenn, and a potential problem for her. Savannah nods at him and returns to her companions.
Dayton jerks in surprise when he recognizes Savannah Ward across the room.
“You’re so funny, Dayton,” his date giggles.
“Yes,” Dayton replies and his eyes trace over Savannah and pauses on the color of her hair as if anyone could miss it. It’s always fascinated him, and so has the woman. The setting sun chooses that moment to strike her with its golden beam, Dayton frowns, as if she needed help to glow. Savannah has always stood out to him with her kindness, compassion, and grace. While some men would be put off by the pale complexion and freckles sprinkled over the bridge of her nose, he finds her lovely. Dark-blue eyes set off by long black eyelashes, a pert nose, and lush, full lips. Definitely attractive, and he isn’t the only one to notice, he thinks with a frown. She went to war a young girl and came back a stunning woman.
Savannah feels Dayton’s eyes studying her. She ignores him as if she needs to look at his gorgeous face. Once you look at Dayton, the image is burned into your memory. He’s gorgeous, with dark tousled hair, olive skin, clean-shaven face, and he knows it.
Savannah jerks herself back to her companions and laughs at something the young man sitting across from her says. Dayton’s eyes narrow at the unfamiliar flash of jealousy and his body stiffens when one of them slides her an envelope. What exactly is she up to now? He’s aware that she traveled with the Sisters of Mercy as a nurse during the war and was home for good now.
It was apparent when he visited her brother a few months ago to buy his horse that she wasn’t interested in him. As a family friend and business associate, he respectfully kept his distance, but watching her now, he feels a responsibility to keep her safe. That’s what he tells himself when he makes his decision. What could she possibly be doing with two men, alone, at this hour? Where is her Father and brother? He glances around the dining room but doesn’t seen them.
“Have I bored you so quickly?” his date asks, drawing his attention back.
“Forgive me,” he replies, returning to the young woman sitting in front of him. She’s a beauty to be sure, soft, light brown hair, pretty eyes, lips… if only he could remember her name. “I’ve just seen a business associate. I’ve had a lovely evening, and I hope you’ll forgive the interruption. My driver will see you back to your home.”
Dayton gestures to his driver, who has been hovering near the walnut bar in the back of the room. He responds instantly.
“Return, this young Miss home, please.” A huff in indignation erupts from her. “Laura, my name is Laura. This is insulting,” she snaps and leaps to her feet, tossing her cloth napkin onto the table. “Don’t bother calling tomorrow, Mr. Patrick.”
Laura storms from the restaurant, but Dayton barely notices. His attention is focused solely on what’s happening at Savannah’s table.
Savannah’s stomach drops when the scene occurs across the room. She quickly concludes her business. Time to go. Gathering her remaining tin-types, she stuffs them in her bag and chooses that moment to leave. “Gentlemen, it has been a pleasure doing business with you, but I’m afraid that I’m out of time.” She stands, “My driver is waiting for me.”
Both men stand quickly, “Allow me to escort you,” Ned reaches for her bags. “I’d be happy to carry your bags.”
“That’s very kind of you, Mr. Samberg. I don’t allow anyone to carry my bags, the tintypes are fragile, but I’d appreciate the escort,”
she slips an arm through his and allows him to guide her from the room. Alex stays behind to pay the check.
Dayton does the same but never takes his eyes from her. He motions for the waiter and slips him a tip to slow her exit. The waiter grins and hurries through the staff door.
Savannah sighs in relief when they step from the restaurant into the lobby to wait for the carriage to be brought around. Releasing his arm, she turns to glance at Ned when he speaks.
“Miss Ward, I’ll be in town for a few days. I was hoping you’d do me the honor…”
Ned jerks in surprise when a waiter crashes into him, shoving him sideways and spilling a tray of water on him. “You oaf!” Ned shouts. Savannah stumbles back and watches in shock.
“I’m so sorry, Sir, please allow me…”
Dayton stands in the entry of the restaurant and watches with a smothered grin until he sees the fear flicker across Savannah’s face.
“No! You’ve done enough!” Ned shouts at the waiter, shoving him and not thinking about the water on the floor.
“Oh!” Savannah gasps as the young man slams into her. Both lose their footing and dropping her bags will damage the tintypes. She can only close her eyes against the coming fall.
Dayton reacts, leaping to catch her. Warm arms wrap around her waist and Dayton pulls her back into his body. “I’ve got you, Miss Ward.” The scent of warm vanilla drifts to him, and he inhales discreetly.
His deep voice sends chills down her body. “Dayton!” Tremors wrack her small frame causing fury to rip through his mind.
“Give me a minute. It seems your date needs to be taught some manners.” He gently sets her behind him and releases her.
The cold envelops her body when he moves away from her and confusion flickers in her mind. Dayton is a family friend, nothing more.
Ned is still yelling at the poor waiter when Dayton steps in front of him. “Enough!” Dayton orders.
“Who do you…” Ned starts to say.
“Ned, enough!” Alex Traysor barks out and turns to Dayton.
Savannah doesn’t think twice, she escapes. The fresh air surrounds her, and she starts walking swiftly in the direction of her hotel. One thing she learned while traveling during the war and working around so many men, never second guess their motives. It’s typically the same intention, and Dayton is no exception to that rule. He’s the very definition of a skirt chaser.
Dayton fancies himself a dashing hero, and she’s not interested in any man, no matter how gorgeous, funny and strong. He was really strong; her mind interrupts her lecture. He smelled good too, the voice says.
“Shut up,” she whispers and almost starts laughing, but too many people are glancing at her as she walks past the shops. An unescorted woman always draws attention.
Her stomach drops when she hears the sounds of wheels, horses and a driver. She knows it’s Dayton before the door opens and he jumps down.
“Miss Ward.”
Savannah steps over to stop in front of Dayton, “You’ve caused enough of a scene, Mr. Patrick,” she hisses. “Move along.”
“I’m wounded, Miss Ward, after I rescued you,” Dayton grins and flashes a dimple, but Savannah isn’t buying it.
“You know perfectly well, that you didn’t…”
“Allow me to return you to your family,” he interrupts her, causing her to narrow her blue eyes. A flush of exasperation flashes across her pale cheeks.
People are openly staring at them, and Dayton is grinning at her with his charming smile. She quickly decides its best to move this off the street.
“Fine,” she steps past him to the driver and hands her bag to him. “Careful, please, these are fragile.”
After she settles in, Dayton climbs inside and sits across from her. “I was worried for your safety, Miss Ward, after the way things went inside the restaurant.”
“I can take care of myself, Mr. Patrick,” she sniffs as the carriage moves.
“That’s arguable, Miss. Ward,” Dayton laughs.
“People always underestimate me because of my size.” Savannah huffs and looks out the window, “But I’ve traveled through places you can’t imagine and seen things that will forever be burned in my mind. Moving images from Hell,” she murmurs. The carriage is silent except for the turning of the wheels. A glint of pride gleams in her eyes when she turns back to look at him. “Trust me when I say, I can take care of myself.”
Shock renders him speechless for a moment. Dayton leans forward, “I know the fields you speak of. I’ve walked them too. Sometimes, I still see them, hear the screams, guns and cannon fire, but you mustn’t let that stop you from seeking God’s will for your life.”
Savannah is transfixed by the change in Dayton. Gone is the wealthy, landowner, businessman and in his place a soldier.
“I’m aware of that.” Tears prick her eyes, but she doesn’t glance away from him. “I’m working on it.”
“Duly noted, Miss Ward.” His dark eyes pin her to her seat as he frowns and leans back, “Is that what you were doing alone with two men? Working on it?”
“That’s none of your business,” she quips.
“What if I mean to make you my business.”
Savannah’s mouth opens in shock, then she laughs until tears threaten. “Oh, that’s funny.”
Dayton sits back, offended by her response. “Why is that so funny?”
“Why?” she asks when she can compose herself. “Because you go through women the way I go through tin for my cameras.”
Dayton grins, surprising her yet again.
“Your bluntness is refreshing, Miss Ward,” Dayton nods at her, not bothering to deny the truth. “Perhaps, you shouldn’t judge me so harshly. I’m looking for something rare in a woman.”
“Rare? How would you even recognize this special trait? Not long ago you were looking at my brother’s nanny that way and now some other poor girl. I doubt you’d know her even if she were sitting in front of you.”
“Don’t be so sure,” Dayton snaps and stares at her until she clears her throat.
“Lucky for you, I’m neither, special nor rare, Mr. Patrick, but I wish you luck in finding her.”
“What dolt told you that nonsense?” Savannah refuses to look at him. “Come now, Miss. Ward, do you not wish for a life partner? Someone to share this journey with?”
“I did once,” she glances away from him and out of the carriage window, remembering. “Maybe, I still do, but I have unfinished business to attend to.” The carriage comes to a stop, and Savannah almost sighs with relief. “Thank you for the interesting evening, Mr. Patrick.”
Dayton climbs down, disturbed by her answers. He turns and grasps her by the waist gently lowering her to the ground. His firm hands on her waist burn through, and she’s intensely aware of the intimacy of the moment.
“Rare is definitely a word I would use to define you, Miss Ward.” His touch seems to burn through her clothes and causes her heart to pound hard in her chest. “I think you’ve forgotten that you are a child of the one true God. You shine like a beacon even if you don’t mean too.”
Her blue eyes jump to his, “I think I’ve lost my light, Mr. Patrick,” Savannah says softly, “but I’m desperately fighting to get it back.”
“Don’t forget to call on our Father, he’s waiting to give you rest. You only have to ask, and when you do find your light, I will pray that it leads you back to me.” He lifts her hand and kisses the back of it before turning and walking away.
He climbs into his carriage and drives away with a smile, leaving her standing in open-mouthed shock.
“That man!” She rubs the back of her hand as she watches him drive away and wonders, who exactly is Dayton Patrick?
Chapter 2
Savannah dips her quill, trying to still her trembling hand. Oliver secured her promise from his death bed that she would write to his family and personally deliver his belongings to his brother after his death. The Fair and her brother’s wedding were a great
distraction, but it is time.
Dear Madam,
No doubt you have received the telegram through the war office announcing the sad fact of Oliver’s death. I write to you at his request and also as a nurse and friend who sat with him at his death-bed.
Your son, Corporal Oliver W. Irwin was wounded near Fort Virginia, March 19, 1865. Oliver suffered multiple bullet wounds in the chest and abdomen. I visited and sat with him daily, as he was fond of having me by his side. He spoke of his family often.
Though his wounds were critical, he fought hard before finally succumbing. He passed quietly in the morning hours. Please know that Oliver was not alone. I held his hand as he was attended by the local Pastor and said his last goodbye.
I quote, “Dearest Mother, please know it was an honor to be your loving son. Please do not remember me with sadness for I will meet you in Heaven where our partings will be no more. I fought with honor for a country that I love.”
I pray your suffering has eased these past few years, and, at Oliver’s, request I would like to bring home the items he left with me for safe keeping.
It would be an honor to meet with you and complete the promise I made to Oliver.
God Bless,
Miss Savannah Ward
Savannah seals the letter in an envelope and sits back with a sigh, praying for the strength to walk through this next chapter in her life. Laughter sounds outside, and she grins hearing her niece, Delaney’s joy. It fills her with peace.
“Come on, peanut, we don’t want to be late for church,” Glenn yells up to her.
