An American Promise (Book 2)

Chapter 9

The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.'

- Alan Watts


"Emilia, how have you been?" Samuel asked as they settled into the cab.

"Oh very well, but I miss hime so much."

"I know, and I have missed you. I suppose you know what happened with myself and Christopher South?"

Samuel and Christopher had fought and in the end, Samuel had come out victorious.

Christopher had died.

"I did, and I wonder at how you were not arrested."

"I, I claimed that he attacked me. But Emilia he didn't, I attacked him and he had a knife. It was the worst thing I've ever had to do." Samuel swallowed, looking askance, but shook it off. "Enough of that, tell me about the life you have made for yourself here. I haven't seen you in so long."

"I am afraid there is not much to tell. I work and look after Jane, that is all."

"But this Fredrick fellow that I have heard so much about, tell me more."


"You've heard it all. And you? What is going on with you?"


"Just like you I work and look after Letty."

"I was devastated to hear about Phoebe."


"Yes, it was unexpected." Samuel looked askance but shook his head, smiling. "Phoebe was a good wife and a good person and there isn't a day where I don't miss her."


"I suppose you haven't considered remarrying?"


"No, so far that has not been an option for me."

"Would you consider it? You are still young yet."


"Yes, perhaps if I met the right woman."

"And I suppose I should've asked this first, but have they caught Cohen's murderer?"

Samuel had been arrested for the supposed murder of Thomas Cohen. He had escaped prison with the help of Robert South and fled to France.
"Yes, thank God, I am cleared but the fact that I escaped prison still remains," Samuel looked out the window and Emilia watched him, her brow furrowing in concern.

Samuel had always been a broad shouldered, tall, full chested man who had kept in good shape. The man she saw now was thinner, paler, his dark golden hair, usually full and thick had lost its luster and was unkept. His cheeks were sallower and his eyes were darker, more serious.

"Mama," Jane tugged at Emilia's skirt. "Is that papa?" She nodded towards Samuel and Emilia laughed, surprised.

"No, that's Uncle Samuel, remember? I told you he was coming. This is his daughter Letty." Jane crinkled her nose, confused at the mystery of her family but said no more, settling for chewing the ribbon on her sleeve.

"Have you heard from mama at all?" Emilia asked.

"No, but I have heard from our cousin June."

"So have I."

"She wrote me and told me mother was well and missed both of us."

"And I miss her, I have written several times but she hasn't responded. According to June she says she hasn't received anything from me."

"Strange, she wrote to me half a year ago but that's the only thing I've heard."
"Does she mention father at all?"

"No."