Read Riverbreeze: Part 3 for Free Online Page A

vision in her fashionable new gown of plum silk. Elizabeth frowned and exchanged a look with Evelyn. They hadn’t seen any plum silk. Obviously Nicole had bought all of it.
    “Do come and meet our newest daughter.” Roger continued, as proud as a new papa could be.
    They followed Roger to their quilt and Nicole stepped forward, her little swaddled and blanketed daughter held comfortably in her arms. She smiled warmly and dipped marginally in a little curtsy.
    Elizabeth and Evelyn were pleased to meet her and naturally made a fuss over the peacefully sleeping baby. She was the cutest thing, with little tufts of sable hair peeking out from her bonnet and the perfect cupid mouth, button nose and long lashes. Elizabeth felt a tug in her womb which convinced her that she was pregnant, no matter how early it was.
    Then when they learned that the baby’s name was Grace, there was an awkward moment when Evelyn choked back a noise that could have been a laugh of embarrassment, but turned into a cough. Elizabeth caught her exchanging a wide-eyed glance with Jamie; obviously sharing a secret between them.
    Nicole didn’t take offense at Evelyn’s faux pas . Instead she asked Evelyn if she was all right. Evelyn croaked out a ‘yes’ and quietly slipped back to stand next to Abigail as Elizabeth gave her a long look.
    Now Elizabeth could understand why Robert held Nicole in such high esteem. She was truly a stunning woman. Not beautiful in the classical sense, but there was something about her, a peaceful look to her face and a confidence in who she was. She had a square-ish face with a broad forehead and wide jaw. But her hazel eyes, small straight nose and full-lipped mouth were all perfectly in proportion. Her light brown hair was pulled back and tucked into a linen coif daintily embroidered with little pansies in purple and yellow. No wonder she wanted the plum silk, Elizabeth thought.
    “I’m sorry we haven’t been to visit.” Robert said after some time. “We just haven’t had a chance to get away.”
    “I understand.” Roger said. “I’ve been rather busy myself, and of course, we waited until Nicki’s confinement period was over to take the baby out. But you will come to our annual twelfth night party, won’t you?”
    Elizabeth perked up at that. She held her breath as she waited for Robert’s answer. It would be so wonderful to go to a real twelfth night party again, for she was certain the Wentworths would do it up right.
    “Of course, we’ll come.” Robert said. He looked at Elizabeth. “Right? Would you like that?”
    “I would love to go.” Elizabeth answered excitedly. “I haven’t been to a good party in years!” She exaggerated a little; it had actually only been three years.
    Both the Wentworths laughed at her enthusiasm, but it was Nicole who said, “Well, I hope we can live up to your expectations. We do not have the same resources here as in London, but we do our best.”
    “Oh…” Elizabeth blushed in embarrassment. “I would never deem to compare…”
    Again, Nicole laughed softly. “I am glad to hear that, dear.” She said, gently touching Elizabeth’s cheek with a gloved hand. “But you will enjoy yourself. I promise you that.”
    “I look forward to it.” Elizabeth said politely.
    At that point they were interrupted by a shrill whistle piercing the air. Captain Neale was calling the men to attention. Nathan arrived just in time to hand over the dogs and then join Robert, Jamie, and Roger as they jogged across the field toward the assembled men. Robert Boyle also left his wife after placing a consoling kiss on her forehead.
    It looked like the men were going to practice shooting while advancing. With their backs to the women and facing into the woods, they formed into six lines, ten men in each line, thereabouts. Together they loaded and primed their muskets. Then the first line knelt while the second line crouched and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth lines stood.