Colin's Quest by Shirleen Davies Page B

their sacks for lunch, he sat in stoic silence, busying himself by fiddling with a small stick.
    Opening her lunch, she pulled out an apple and walked forward. Talking to the children as she made her way to the back, she casually set the fruit on Jamie’s desk, making no issue of it, then returned to the front. Eating her lunch, she glanced up several times, letting out a breath when his hand moved toward the apple and grasped it.
    Finishing the lessons, she excused the students by midafternoon, watching until the last student, Jamie, looked up with a small smile, then dashed out the door. Grabbing her bonnet and reticule, she hurried after him, determined to find out where he lived. Pulling the door closed behind her, she turned and gasped. Wes Bell leaned against the side of the school, arms crossed.
    “Good afternoon, Miss MacGregor. I heard you had taken the teaching position.” Giving her his most sincere smile, Wes straightened, offering her his hand as she took the few steps to the ground.
    Nodding a greeting while ignoring his hand, she glanced around, trying to spot Jamie. He’d already disappeared.
    “Are you headed to your new house?”
    She winced, not wanting to engage in conversation, but having little choice.
    “Yes, Mr. Bell, I am, and I have much to do. If you’ll excuse me…”
    “Miss MacGregor…Sarah, please. Give me a moment of your time.”
    Coming to a halt, she turned. It wouldn’t do to be rude to one of the most prominent men in town, even if he represented a day she wanted to forget.
    “All right, Mr. Bell.”
    “I want to apologize about what happened on your birthday. It hadn’t been planned to embarrass you.”
    “Then what did you and my father plan it to be?” Skepticism laced her voice as she crossed her arms.
    Taking a step forward, he leaned toward her. “A genuine proposal of marriage.”
    “You don’t even know me. Why would you want to spend your life with a woman you’ve barely spoken with in five years, and one who doesn’t love you?”
    “Ah, Miss MacGregor, had I gotten to know you better, I’d have noticed much more than your beauty. Believe me, I would have spent time getting to know you before offering for your hand. However, when your father approached me, his urgency was clear. I don’t know his reasons, but he’d made up his mind to find you a husband and he wouldn’t be dissuaded.” When she didn’t comment, Wes continued. “All I ask is a chance to plead my case. Have supper with me tonight.”
    “I don’t think that would be wise. If you recall, I’ve never given you the slightest indication of interest in being courted by you. In fact, just the opposite. Besides, I’m already betrothed—”
    “To a boy who has never come to claim his prize.”
    Sarah glanced away. She’d been plagued by the same thoughts, but wouldn’t allow herself to give up on Colin. In her heart, she knew he’d come.
    “My promise knows no limit as to time. Rest assured, Mr. Bell, he will come for me.”
    “I appreciate your devotion to him, however misplaced. It’s been five years. That’s a long time to wait with no word from him. Do you truly believe he’ll come after all this time?”
    Lifting her chin, she glared at him, disliking him more with each comment. “Yes, Mr. Bell. Colin MacLaren will come for me. Of that, I am certain.”
    Wes studied her, admiring her spunk, more determined than ever to turn her dedication toward him.
    “All right. I’ll no longer attempt to change your mind… today . However, I would still like to invite you to supper. You must eat, correct?”
    “Yes. However, I’ve already accepted an invitation from Mrs. Olford. Now, I really must be going. Good day, Mr. Bell.”
    As she turned to leave, he called after her. “I’ll not give up. You will be seeing more of me, Miss MacGregor.”

Chapter Seven
    “We’ll not be able to go further today. Best we find a place to camp for the night.” Colin turned his collar up as the