Far Horizons

Far Horizons by Kate Hewitt Page B

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Authors: Kate Hewitt
Tags: Romance, Historical
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foolishness.
    "It could've been the end of you," Archie said, his eyes sparkling. "You must have tough skin, brother."
    Allan grimaced. "I suppose I must."
    "Why did you do it?" Archie's voice was quiet, and serious for once. "Is it that bad?"
    Allan regarded him thoughtfully. Archie was always so cheerful and carefree, nothing seemed to bother him. How could his brother understand his own feelings of suffocation, of loss?
    "You could get out, you know," Archie continued in a low voice. "Father's will isn't binding. You can go your way, if you feel you must."
    "The cost is too high." Allan didn't even like to imagine the betrayal both his parents would feel at such an act. "I'll stay here. I have to... for now."
    As Allan rested, the rest of his family and the Dunmores made preparation for the Christmas festivities. Although the snow was deep and there was little to fashion presents out of, merriment was certainly part of a PEI. Christmas. There would be parties and dancing at neighbours' houses, and a Presbyterian minister out of Charlottetown was coming to the community along the river to hold services.
    Agnes and Betty set to making the traditional Christmas fare from the old country, raiding the precious winter stores. Soon the house was full of the delicious smells of black buns and sun cakes, and the hearty Christmas drink atholl brose, made from oatmeal and whiskey.
    On Christmas Eve another foot of snow fell, so the drifts went as high as the rooftops.
    " Is blianach Nollaid gun sneachd ," Agnes quoted with a wry smile. "Christmas without snow is poor fare."
    "We've no need to worry about that," Sandy replied. "I've never seen such snow in my life!"
    That evening they all sat around the fire, enjoying the warmth of the flames and each other's company.
    "By this time next year, you'll be having us in your cabin," Neville said as he raised his glass. "Everyone who's built a cabin on this island has had help," he added more quietly. "So never fear about that."
    "Thank you." Sandy was silent for a moment, as if struggling with himself. "Your hospitality has been generous to all my family," he said at last. "I trust we will have opportunity to do the same."
    Betty smiled and clasped Sandy's hand. Allan thought he seemed more at peace this eve, and he wondered--and hoped--that he'd turned a corner.
    "No one could survive on their own here," Agnes said with a shake of her head. "The first Scots on the island had to wade in from the shallows to land, and then walk all the way to Charlottetown to beg for help! It's not like that any longer. We're all here for each other. We must be if anyone is going to survive. It’s as simple as that."
    Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad, Allan told himself as he raised his own glass. Here there was warmth, and love, and true friendship. Perhaps his father could change... and his dreams could wait a little while.
    The clock on the mantle, the Dunmores' pride and joy brought all the way from the old country, struck its tinny chimes.
    Nevil smiled and glasses clinked. "Happy Christmas!"
     
    The Campbells had a sombre Christmas. David had never believed in all the heathen nonsense as he called it. Christmas was just like any other day, and should be treated the same. Since they'd little cause to celebrate anyway, Harriet was happy to keep the work and expense to a minimum.
    Still, as Hogmanay approached, Margaret convinced her that they should celebrate.
    "Just a little something," she said. "It'll be our first Christmas without Mother and Father... and our brothers. Gladden our hearts, Harriet, you must!"
    "Don't try that with me," Harriet said with a laugh. "I can hardly put on the kind of celebration you had at Mingarry."
    "Just something quiet, then." Margaret's eyes glinted with mischief, and she looked more animated than she had in a long while. "A few games, a nice pudding... I'll make it, don't fear. A drop of whiskey, perhaps?"
    "Margaret!" Harriet tried to look scandalised, but then

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