Read An Uncertain Dream for Free Online

misses you when you’re off on your daily visits to the country. I wish you’d remain at home with us.’’
    ‘‘And I wish you’d cease your daily attempts to oppress me with guilt. We both know that he sleeps most of the day. What am I to do? Sit beside his bed and read or embroider?’’ Her mother slapped her gloves on the carved walnut side table. ‘‘I think not! I cannot believe how you have changed, Charlotte. Living among those religious zealots in Chicago has changed you. And not for the better, I might add.’’
    ‘‘Mrs. Priddle isn’t a religious zealot. She helped me discover what it means to accept Jesus as my Savior and how to lead a Christian life. We studied the same Bible that sits on your bedside table.’’ Charlotte gathered Morgan onto her lap. ‘‘And how can you say I’m not a better person? I have returned to accept responsibility for my child, and I do my best to help you and Father at every turn.’’
    Her mother sighed. ‘‘That much is true. And I am most thankful you have returned to England.’’ She leaned forward and tousled Morgan’s curls. ‘‘I haven’t time to continue this discussion. I’m going to be treacherously late.’’ She blew Morgan a kiss and left the room.
    Much to Charlotte’s delight, the child mimicked his grandmother. Charlotte kissed his chubby fingers and then released him to play with his ball. She prayed her son would become an honorable man, unlike his father, and that he would never toy with the affections of a woman who loved him.
    Her return to Lanshire Hall had renewed Charlotte’s memories of her brief affair with Randolph Morgan. One of George Pullman’s associates, Randolph had visited Lanshire Hall to discuss Mr. Pullman’s business. During the day, Randolph had charmed her father into purchasing stock in George Pullman’s company; during the night, he had charmed Charlotte into his bed. Her subsequent pregnancy had been the reason she had forced Olivia to travel with her to Pullman. How cruel Charlotte had been to the former scullery maid.
    ‘‘Yet look how far Olivia has come since leaving this place,’’ Charlotte murmured. Using a letter of recommendation forged by Charlotte, Olivia had succeeded in securing a position at Hotel Florence as an assistant chef. When Charlotte discovered Randolph Morgan already had a wife and children, her dreams of a future with him had collapsed around her, and she thought her life had ended. ‘‘What heartache and pain I caused with my foolhardy conduct,’’ she muttered.
    A tap on the nursery door interrupted Charlotte’s musings. ‘‘Enter,’’ she called.
    Beatrice opened the door and peeked inside. ‘‘I’ve brought tea, ma’am.’’
    Charlotte nodded and waved the maid into the room. ‘‘I’m certain Morgan will be pleased to have a biscuit or two before his nap, and I should very much enjoy a cup of tea.’’
    Beatrice scanned the room as she arranged the tray atop the nearby table. ‘‘Your mother has departed for the day?’’
    ‘‘Yes. I doubt she’ll return until this evening.’’ Charlotte poured a cup of tea while Beatrice held up one of the biscuits. The moment Morgan spied the treat, he toddled toward the maid with his fingers outstretched.
    Why her mother preferred to spend time with the marchioness rather than with members of her own family was beyond Charlotte’s comprehension. For her, the tiresome behavior of English nobility had become increasingly difficult to bear. She attempted to overlook the stares and whispered conversations that took place each time she attended a social event. But much to her dismay, the behavior of the upper class had caused her to react in a less than Christian manner.
    Though none of the ladies would say to her face what they whispered behind their hand-painted silk fans, their words hadn’t failed to reach Charlotte’s ears, for the servants were more than willing to pass along gossip from house to house. The