Heart Appearances (Truly Yours Digital Editions Book 560) by Pamela Griffin

Thomas?”
    Brent looked back. The boy’s eyes were again forlorn.
    “I didn’t mean to make Herbert go blind.” Tears strained Joel’s voice. “He shouldn’t have squealed—but I never meant to hurt him. Not really.”
    “I realize that, Joel. We won’t know if there’s permanent damage to Herbert’s vision until the doctor removes the bandages. Actually, Dr. Sanderson was quite optimistic of Herbert’s prognosis, due to the eye rinses and salves that were administered.”
    Joel stared down at his shoes. “Do you think Herbert will ever talk to me again?” His lower teeth slid along his upper lip. “I mean, do you think he’ll forgive me?”
    “There’s only one way to find out.”
    Joel looked up in surprise. “You mean ask him?”
    “Yes.”
    “But what if he don’t want nothin’ to do with me no more? What if he hates me now?”
    Brent regarded the boy. “Would you like to know what I really think?” At his slight nod, Brent continued. “I think the combination of the words what and if never should have been introduced to the English language. Those two words hold people back and often produce unnecessary fear. The past can’t be altered, Joel, but the future can.”
    The boy pursed his lips in thought. “Meaning I should go and find out for myself, huh?”
    “That would be a wise choice. I’ll accompany you, if you’d prefer.”
    Joel hesitated another few seconds, then shook his head. “Thanks all the same, Mr. Thomas, but I best do this alone.”
    ❧
    Darcy sat in a chair next to the sofa and read to Herbert, who lay snug underneath a blanket. A long strip of cotton padding was wrapped around his head, over his eyes. For three days, the helpless patient had been pampered, read to, and waited on hand and foot.
    Irma also felt sorry for the lad, worried he might be blinded for life, and constantly baked him goodies. From her room upstairs, Charleigh had ordered that Herbert not be moved from the parlor; and the sofa was loaded with blankets to make a comfortable bed, a fire ever-present in the grate to warm him.
    A few of the boys had visited the patient, and Tommy gave Herbert half his winnings from the contest—a second blackberry pie Darcy had made. Though Tommy’s walk was hampered because of his clubfoot, he made up for any lack with his strong arms, which had worked rapidly to paint the fence.
    Darcy finished the third chapter from Robinson Crusoe and closed the book. “That’s enough for today.”
    “Awww, don’t quit. Read more, Miss Darcy.”
    “One chapter is enough. My voice is tired.”
    “But you left off right at the good part!”
    Darcy ignored his plea, since he said that about every chapter she read. “How about some cider?” She rose and set the book on the table.
    “Don’t want no cider.” Herbert pouted and crossed his arms. “Want Robinson Crusoe .”
    “Herbert,” she said in warning, her hands going to her hips. A movement near the entryway caught her eye, and Joel walked into the room. Brent stood behind him, next to the wall.
    The boy’s eyes were uncertain as he stared at Herbert. At the hesitant shushing of footsteps on carpet, Herbert’s head lifted higher. “Who’s there, Miss Darcy?”
    Darcy opened her mouth to answer but stopped when Brent shook his head and put a forefinger to his lips. He crooked his finger for her to join him and disappeared around the corner.
    She turned to Herbert. “I’ll be back with some tea and cheese sandwiches later.”
    “Don’t want no cheese. Want thick slices of ham.”
    Darcy grimaced at Herbert’s pigheadedness. She refused to explain to Herbert for the fifth time that they had run out of those items and needed to replenish the larder. He was set on being obstinate today, and the constant pampering he received did him no good, in her opinion. Yet she’d been just as much at fault.
    Darcy strode from the room, watching curiously as Joel moved toward the sofa. When she came alongside Brent, Darcy