: Barbara Morriss
: A Promise in Autumn
: BookBaby
: 9781543957594
: 1
: CHF 6.30
:
: Erzählende Literatur
: English
: 400
: kein Kopierschutz
: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
: ePUB
In 1915, Keagan Cadagan, a young Irish Catholic, was employed by a wealthy man, Ian Flannigan, in Springfield, Missouri. Unexpectedly Keagan is told by her mistress, Maeve Flannigan, she must leave the household immediately. Maeve explains she is leaving her husband Ian and taking their two children with her to escape her husband's tyranny and abuse. Keagan quickly finds work and is hired to manage a modest boarding house owned by an English Protestant, Raymon Woodrome. Overtime she and Raymon realize they are fond of each other. Keagan learns that Raymon is kind, educated, and respectful. He helps her improve her reading and writing; she teaches him the art of Irish storytelling. They toil together in the beautiful garden of the boarding house and become a team. He shares with her the meaning of autumn and how it reminds him to covet life and pay tribute to his fallen brothers. Eventually, they fall in love. Overtime they deal with circumstances that challenge their love: the ever present fear of Ian Flannigan, Raymon's tragic involvement with another woman, their religious differences, the draft of World War I, and the Pandemic of 1918. Keagan is resolved to living a lovely life and rides the tide of discord with courage and conviction. Before Raymon succumbs to illness and a weakened heart, she promises him that every autumn she will come to him and talk of her love for him and the fond memories they shared.

Chapter2

Mrs. Flannigan Takes a Trip –
Spring of 1915

The morning was dreary, not much in the way of sunshine, but that never kept Keagan from her pleasantries and warm ways. As she climbed the stairs to check on Mrs. Flannigan, and to ask her what else she could do to help, she was greeted in the hall by her employer, Maeve Flannigan. “Keagan, so glad you are here. There are some things I need to tell you,” Mrs. Flannigansaid.

“I was just coming to ask if you need any help before I take the lads out for a walk to thepark.”

“Keagan, I have news. We are going to Kansas City soon to visit old friends. We will be gone for a few months.”

Keagan misinterpreting the collective nature of the word “we” responded with great enthusiasm. “Oh, ‘tis lovely. I’ll enjoy a trip away. My family isthere.”

Mrs. Flannigan lowered her head and hesitated briefly, and then said, “I’m sorry Keagan, you’ll stay here. Mr. Flannigan will not hear of you traveling with us. He says I need to spend more time with the boys. And he’ll need youhere.”

“Mrs. Flannigan, I beg you. I feel it improper for a woman of my age to be here without you and the boys. I have yet to visit my father’s grave in Kansas City, and have not seen my brothers for two years. Please. I would be forever grateful to come with you and watch after theboys.”

“Keagan, I am afraid Mr. Flannigan has made up his mind. He says he has no time to deal with new help. He can be quite stubborn,” she offered. “I’m sorry,Keagan.”

The sunshine was now gone from Keagan’s pretty face, knowing Mrs. Flannigan was right. Her husband was a tyrant and would become angry over the most inconsequential things. Arguing with him wasn’t something anyone in the household did. But it wasn’t his bad temper that bothered Keagan, she could handle that. It was the way he looked at her, when no one was around. His lecherous looks made her skin crawl. Keagan had good instincts when it came to men, and she knew an amoral man when she saw one. She did not wish to be alone in the house with Mr. Flannigan for a minute, let alone two months. Even though Shaley, the cook, would be in the house too, she’d still feelinsecure.

“Keagan come, I want to start packing. I have no idea what to bring as the weather can be so unpredictable this time ofyear.”

Keagan didn’t seem to hear her, her gaze far away, “When will you be leaving for KansasCity?”

“In a week’s time,” Mrs. Flannigan said. Keagan nodded her head and followed Mrs. Flannigan into her dressing room to help her pack for her trip to KansasCity.

One week later...

“Keagan, please mind the children. I have a few more things to ready before we leave for the depot. Perhaps a wild game of tag will wear them out,” she laughed. “I fear it will be a long train ride.”

“I’ll find the boys,” Keagan assured her and began her search for the rambunctious two. She ran finally to the back veranda and found Q