Read The Visitor for Free Online Page B

met.”
    “I didn’t know he had married.”
    “I believe it’s recent—just last year.”
    Tate brought his glass to his lips, having become practiced with the effort, and took a drink. When he set his glass back down, careful to miss the edge of his plate, he had a question for his aunt. This time there was no joke in his mind.
    “Is Cassandra coming back tomorrow?”
    “Coming back?”
    “Yes, to read to me.”
    In her surprise, Harriet took a moment to say, “I didn’t know you wanted her to.”
    “I thought that might be the plan.”
    “Not exactly, Tate,” Harriet began, her mind scrambling with how to explain. “You seemed to be getting down, Tate. I began to worry. I even talked to Dr Tilney about having someone come in each day and read to you.”
    “And what did he say?”
    “He said if we could find the right person, one who wouldn’t overtax you, then it might be helpful. But then you played that joke on me, and I decided to tease you back, thinking you didn’t really need a daily diversion after all.”
    “That all makes perfect sense, but I ended up enjoying Cassandra’s reading, Aunt Harriet. I wish her to come back.”
    “And what of your rest?”
    “She’s very restful. When I got over the joke, I simply listened to her read and found it most soothing.”
    Harriet was stunned. Her silence told Tate as much, but he was quite serious.
    “Will you ask her, or should I dictate a note to Hastings?”
    “I’ll certainly ask her for you, but I don’t know what she’ll say.”
    “Well, that’s up to her,” Tate responded pragmatically. “At least you’ll be able to say you tried.”
    Still a little shocked by this turn of events, Harriet was quiet for a time, but then she remembered how much she liked Cassandra Steele and how willing the young woman had been to help out and go along with the joke.
    Maybe she’s what we all need right now, Lord. I asked You to help me know, and Tate is now requesting her return. I don’t think You can make it any clearer than that.

     
    Newcomb Park
    “Why, Mrs Thorpe,” Lizzy said with pleasure on seeing her. “Please come in.”
    “I’m sorry to come unannounced, Elizabeth. It’s most rude of me.”
    “Not at all. Cassie and I were about to enjoy a midmorning cup of tea. Can you join us?”
    “That would be lovely. Thank you. Hello, Cassandra.”
    “Hello, Mrs Thorpe,” the younger Steele sister greeted her as she entered the room. “Are you joining us for tea?”
    “Your sister just invited me, yes.”
    “I’m glad. You can tell us how your joke worked.”
    “A little too well,” Mrs Thorpe said with a laugh while the three made themselves comfortable. “Mr Tate wants you to come back.”
    The looks on Cassandra’s and Lizzy’s faces were comical. Harriet laughed a little and waited while they exchanged a look.
    “Do tell, Mrs Thorpe,” Lizzy put in. “We beg of you.”
    Harriet gave them every detail, and they laughed at how well she pulled it off.
    “But then,” she went on, “Tate asked in complete seriousness if Cassandra was going to keep coming. I worried that it might be too much for him, but he said he found it very soothing.” The older woman shrugged, looking as helpless as she felt. “I told him I would ask.”
    “Well, of course I will, Mrs Thorpe. I don’t think I can come every day, but I would be happy to help in any way possible.”
    Harriet stared at her, gratitude in every line of her being. “I liked you the moment I met you, Cassandra Steele. I can’t thank you enough for this. Tate has done remarkably well, but it will be weeks before the doctor allows the patches off. I fear he feels completely cut off from everything.”
    “He was very kind,” Cassandra said, thinking back. “I could tell he was amused, but he handled himself very well. Not an easy task when you can’t see.”
    “So you’ll come?”
    “Certainly. Is tomorrow soon enough to start?”
    “Tomorrow is wonderful.”
    The