Longings of the Heart by Bonnie Leon

wanted to see Hannah and insisted she couldn’t wait.” His sapphire blue eyes crinkled at the edges when he smiled.
    Hannah put on her best greeting face. “So glad you’ve come.” She moved down the steps and hugged her friend. “I must say, I’m surprised to see you out this late in the day.”
    “I know, but the weather is fine, and there’ll be a full moon to see us home.”
    John placed an arm around Hannah’s waist. “I’d fancy a drive by moonlight with my lady.”
    Hannah couldn’t resist his charm and leaned in close to John. “It does sound nice.”
    Lydia glanced at David, her cheeks looking pinker than usual.
    “Please, come in.” Hannah led the way up the steps.
    Lydia followed Hannah inside and glanced about the room. “It looks grand. You’ve made this look nice and homey.”
    “There’s still a lot to be done, but John’s working hard.” Hannah smiled at John.
    “We’re doing it together.” He smiled down at Hannah. “We were just about to have dinner. Will you join us?”
    “We’d love it if you could,” Hannah added. “It’s nothing much, just bread and beans, but there’s more than enough.”
    David glanced at Lydia. “We didn’t mean to intrude.”
    “No intrusion. It’s a pleasure to have your company,” John said. “Please, stay.”
    “I’d love it . . .” Lydia looked at David. “As long as ye don’t mind.”
    He smiled. “I didn’t realize it, but I’m starved.”
    “Fine, then,” John said. “I was just on my way out to milk the cow and to fetch some butter.”
    Now that Lydia was here, Hannah warmed to the idea of company. She needed someone to talk to, and Lydia’s cheerful countenance was a pleasant distraction.
    Lydia smiled over her shoulder at John. “I think ye ought to give David milking lessons. I doubt he’s ever done any farmwork.”
    “Is that true?” John asked.
    “Afraid so.”
    “Well then, I suppose I can teach you if you’ve a mind to learn.” He grinned.
    “I suppose it’s not a bad idea.” He shot a glance at Lydia. “My family always had servants, and they did that sort of thing.”
    “Milking might be something you’ll need to know. One day you may receive a cow as payment.” John laughed. “It’s not so difficult, especially now that I have a stanchion for Patience.” “Patience?” David asked.
    “That’s what Hannah calls the cow.”
    “You’re naming the cows now, eh?” Lydia grinned.
    “And what’s wrong with that?” Hannah folded her arms over her chest, submitting a friendly challenge. “She’s a bit difficult, and I thought the name might help.”
    “And has it?” Lydia’s smile widened.
    “No. Not at all. But with the stanchion, she’s forced to remain in one place until I’ve finished.”
    John opened the door. “We best get to it if we’re to have milk with our meal.” He held the door for David and the two stepped outside.
    “Dinner will be ready by the time you return,” Hannah called after them.
    “Good. My stomach’s grumbling.” John gave Hannah a crooked smile and then closed the door.
    Lydia sat at the table and gazed about the room. “This is a fine house.” Her eyes moved to the oven. “And to think ye have yer own oven. What a pleasure that must be.”
    “Indeed.” Hannah suddenly felt gratitude rather than disappointment. “If not for you and all the others, we’d still be living in that tiny cottage. Thank you for all you did.”
    “I didn’t do much.”
    “No. You did. I remember how much you hated the cabin. I’m certain you had a lot to do with all the assistance we received.”
    “Me and some others.”
    “There are still mornings that I awaken and am startled to realize I live in such a grand house.” Hannah sat across from Lydia. “I’ll always be thankful to you and for everyone who helped us.”
    “It was great fun, especially the planning. But I must say I had some difficulty keeping the secret.” Lydia smiled. “I wanted to tell ye so