Into the Wilderness (Wilderness, #1)

by Sara Donati

that she had Nathaniel to thank for this. Why he would want to be of help to her she could not imagine. There must be some other motivation, some good he saw in the idea of the school, to want to put himself in this position. She looked at him and tried to puzzle out what it was, but all she saw was Nathaniel’s patient and somewhat amused look. “I must say,” she said with an uncertain smile, “I didn’t expect—I had no idea. It is very kind of you—” Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. “It’s got little to do with kindness and more to do with cash money. He’s paying me.” Elizabeth glanced down. “I see.” “But money wouldn’t be enough to make the job to my liking if it weren’t for other considerations,” Nathaniel added. When it was clear that Elizabeth did not know how to respond to this, Nathaniel found himself smiling. The woman had a quick wit, there was no doubt about that, but she was not in the habit of flirting. He found that this pleased him. He watched Elizabeth struggling to formulate some overly polite response and he was taken by the urge to tease her. “I’m surprised your father didn’t tell you himself.” “I haven’t seen him yet this morning, I wanted to be up and about,” Elizabeth said. “Ah,” Nathaniel said softly. “Couldn’t wait to see the village, then. Looking for likely candidates.” She rose to this bait neatly. “Just what do you mean, sir?” she asked sharply. “I meant you are on the lookout for students. What did you think I meant?” he asked, smiling even more broadly....

your concern,” Elizabeth replied. “I just have a little more to do, but then I will go home and let Curiosity feed me properly.” Martha nodded, satisfied. But she still did not turn to go. “I don’t suppose my Moses will change his mind about the schooling,” she said. “I hope you’ll forgive me.” “I’m sorry to hear that,” said Elizabeth. “But there’s nothing to forgive, after all.” “Jemima will be sore disappointed. But maybe—could we maybe borrow a Schoolbook, once in a while? I would like that, reading together of an evening.” “You are very welcome to borrow books whenever you like. Would you like to take one with you today?” Martha flashed a shy smile. “I would, but I think I had best not, Miz Elizabeth. Not till I’ve asked Moses about it. You know how men can be at times.” Elizabeth nodded, biting back words she knew could not serve

but here the air was clear and warm and flickering with the light of beeswax, for Robbie had left a brace of candles, clearly his best and

old man by the hand and the lower arm. “Great-Snake,” he said, with a sad smile. “Will I see ye again, auld friend,

Stumbling like a baby, Billy barely caught himself before plowing

time. You did good, Boots. Thank you.”