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don’t leave on my account. I was just reading from my Bible. I love coming outside and talking to God.”
    She turned back to him, her expression showing interest. “What scripture are you reading?”
    â€œIsaiah, the 53rd chapter.”
    Her brow wrinkled. “That’s a hard book for me to understand. I prefer reading the New Testament. Especially Paul’s letters. They are full of so much hope.”
    â€œThat’s the way I feel about Isaiah.” He beckoned her toward a wooden bench, pulling out his handkerchief and dusting its surface to protect her clothing. “Come look at this passage.”
    Amelia sat on the rough-hewn bench, and Jared settled next to her. She smelled so nice, a mixture of roses and spring flowers that made him want to breathe deeply.
    He put the thought from his mind and opened his Bible and read the scripture aloud. Then he turned a few pages and read his favorite verse, Isaiah 40:31. “ ‘But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’ ”
    â€œThose verses are certainly full of hope,” Amelia conceded. “But what about all of the admonitions directed at the people of Israel? Didn’t he spend a lot of time trying to warn them about following the path to destruction?”
    Jared stared into Amelia’s blue eyes. They reminded him of a clear mountain stream. He almost forgot what they were discussing as he gazed at her beautiful face. “Ummm. . .yes, you’re right.” He shook his head to clear it. “But Isaiah tempers his warnings with these words of hope. Words that can bring us peace in the midst of our darkest days.”
    â€œI never thought about it like that.” She smiled at him.
    Jared lost his train of thought once more. He closed his Bible and stood up. “I better get back inside. I’ll be leaving soon. I’m going on to Knoxville.”
    â€œMe, too.” She clapped her hands. “Maybe we’ll see each other in Knoxville.”
    Was she flirting with him? What could such a lovely young woman see in a bookish fellow like him? Jared couldn’t even figure out how to answer her. A large part of him wished it was likely that they’d run into each other again, but he doubted it. She would be attending parties and dances while he would spend all of his time studying.
    Amelia stood and took his handkerchief from the bench. “Thank you for being so gallant.”
    He shook his head. “Keep it.” He winced inwardly at the abrupt words. Why hadn’t he paid more attention to the art of conversing with young women? He felt gauche and rude, but he didn’t know how to soften his words. He was much better at writing than speaking. Finally, he settled on practicality. “It’s probably time for breakfast.”
    After a brief silence, she let her hand fall to her side and moved to exit the garden. He followed her to the dining room, berating himself for not being more of a gentleman. He should have offered his arm to her. Why couldn’t he be more self-assured? Why couldn’t he find the right words for the occasion? Why did his tongue have to twist itself up into knots? Even if he did see Amelia after this trip, he was sure she would avoid him like the plague. And why shouldn’t she?
    Jared made quick work of his breakfast before seeking a seat on the ET&G, the train that would take him to Knoxville. Although he looked for Amelia and her traveling companions, he didn’t see them again, even when the train stopped for lunch. He told himself it was for the best. Her guardian, Luke, would never allow him to speak to her. And even if he did, Jared still had no idea what to say to her.

Four
    Jared couldn’t stop smiling. Two weeks at college, and everything was working out splendidly—well almost everything. He had a