A Path Toward Love by Cara Lynn James Page B

that you do. If only I came from a prosperous and respectable background we could marry soon, as we both wish. But I don’t, and I can’t change that unfortunate fact. I hope he softens his attitude toward me when he realizes we are meant to be together. I couldn’t bear to lose you, my love.
    Katherine sat perfectly still while white-hot anger burned through her chest like flames to the skin. Gradually, she pieced together what had probably happened. Charles had met Harriet a few years before he’d met Katherine. Old Mr. Osborne had unyielding control over his family. He must’ve forbidden Charles to marry Harriet, so Charles obeyed. He’d never mustered the gumption to confront anyone. He’d drown his cowardice in whiskey and gambling instead.
    But after the elderly Mr. Osborne died, Charles might have felt free to indulge his passions without any repercussion. He must’ve taken up with Harriet once again.
    It would explain Charles’s neglect. Katherine had ignored his frequent absences and chose to believe they involved business dealings, though if she’d used her God-given common sense, she’d have realized that couldn’t possibly be the case. He seldom set foot in the office or groves. Their bank account dwindled, yet he refused to explain why. Katherine moaned quietly. How could she have closed her eyes to what was right in front of her?
    She knew the reason. To admit her marriage had failed would compel her to take some sort of action. Either she’d have to return home to her parents and confess her mistake or stay at Buena Vista and suffer in silence. She chose to ignore the problems and hope their marriage would someday improve. But it didn’t.
    Katherine heard the front door open and footsteps on the gray painted floor. Glancing up, she saw Andrew approach, a look of concern etched in his face. She sniffed back a sob and blinked away tears, embarrassed to be found in such a state. Hastily she searched her pockets for a handkerchief, but they were empty.
    He pulled one from his own pocket and offered it to her. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice trembling. He dropped into a nearby rocking chair and focused his attention on her. His beautiful blue eyes radiated an ocean full of sympathy. He didn’t ask for an explanation, but she fought the urge to tell him.
    â€œI was reading old letters. I let my emotions take over.” She gave him a pathetic imitation of a smile and wondered if Andrew would accept her explanation. Even though she’d told him a little about her unhappy marriage, she didn’t want to burden him with the ugly details.
    He glanced toward the door as if ready to leave her alone with her grief. “I’m sure your pain must still be raw. One doesn’t get over a marriage quickly, I assume.”
    She warmed to his kindness. “It’s difficult to overcome the past and look toward the future. But I’m trying.” She bowed her head and a torrent of tears wracked her body. Her shoulders heaved and her sobs grew louder and more desolate. “I’m so sorry for making a scene. I should learn to handle my feelings.”
    Andrew pushed the letters on the swing to one side and sat close beside her. Hesitantly, he touched her hand. “Do you want to talk about it, Katherine? It might make you feel a little better. I don’t know a lot about love or marriage, but I’m a good listener.”
    She stiffened. If she weren’t more careful he’d offer so much empathy she’d let her entire story slip out. She didn’t want to share her humiliation with anyone, even Andrew. She’d said enough already.
    Katherine touched his hand. “You’re a true friend and I love you for that.” Embarrassment scorched her face. “You know what I mean, don’t you? We’re the truest of friends. Our affection goes far beyond romance.” She sputtered a nervous laugh.