Life Everlasting by Robert Whitlow is an intriguing legal thriller. The plot was intricate and the characters were well-developed. A number of difficult topics were addressed throughout.
When I chose this book, I was unaware that this was a sequel. While most books in a series can somewhat stand on their own, this one definitely does not. It felt like Life Everlasting picked up right where Life Support (which I had not read) left off - more like one story in two books rather than two separate books. The book was pretty difficult to get into and I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I felt like most of my complaints were due to the fact that I hadn't read the first one. I'll give Robert Whitlow a second chance (and choose the first book this time!).
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson / Booksneeze in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Book
Though Alexia's client's life no longer hangs in the balance, eternal questions linger.
The music stopped, the room emptied, and Baxter Richardson opened his eyes for the first time in months. He should have died from his involuntary plunge off a cliff. But he's alive, and mortal danger remains. Familiar enemies stalk him. New ones hover close at hand.
Meanwhile, haunted by accusing apparitions and the tightening dragnet of criminal investigation, Baxter's wife, Rena, is losing her patience. And quite possibly her mind.
Caught in the middle of it all is Alexia Lindale, a lawyer forced to find her way through deceptive alliances, uncertain romances, and courtroom intrigue. It's a struggle of life, death . . . and life everlasting.
About the Author
Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.
I know that I posted a (really long) reflection with my thoughts on 9/11 on Sunday, but I wanted to come back to it for one more post.
Over the past 10 years, I have read some really amazing books about the events of 9/11. And more importantly about the way God has worked through the tragedy of 9/11.
I highly recommend them!!!
The Gospel and September 11 by David Platt
Pastor David Platt preached this message on the tenth anniversary of 9/11. It's a powerful message and will challenge you to look at biblical truth about God, suffering, tragedy, and the hope we have in Christ.
As the Towers Fell: Stories of Unshakable Faith on 9-11 by Lisa Chilson-Rose
This was written by my boss in New York City. Fantastic!
God @ Ground Zero by Ray Giunta and Lynda Rutledge Stephenson
God's Grace from Ground Zero: Seeking God's Heart for the Future of Our Worldby Jim Cymbala and Stephen Sorenson
Firehouse by David Halberstam
This book features the crew of FDNY Ladder 35 / Engine 40 and details the lives of the 11 men lost on 9/11. If you want to know what it was like, read this book. [Note: This is not a Christian book. It's been a while since I've read it, but I think the language may be pretty rough in a few places.]
It's easy! Just pick up your current read (or one of them!), open to a random page, and choose a couple of sentences on the page to post as a teaser. No spoilers please! Make sure to tell which book you pulled the quote from so others can check it out if they're interested.
I absolutely devoured Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills. Here's a quick sneak peek . . .
Meghan gave him Lindsay's answer. "He says it's important. Has to do with your father."
Lindsay held her breath and reached for the phone. She was tucked away here and not causing any problems. What else did he want? (pg. 209)
What a treat to discover a new author that I love! Rosslyn Elliott's debut novel Fairer than Morning is absolutely fantastic! Much deeper than many books in the same genre, Elliott addresses serious topics and issues of morality and character. Best of all, she points readers to a relationship with Christ to help them through tough situations. I loved the characters of Ann and Will and appreciated the way Elliott portrayed a strong female role.
One of the unique parts of this story is how Rosslyn portrays Will and his spiritual transformation. Typically, in Christian fiction I feel like the female characters are thoroughly developed . . . but the male characters not as much. Will is a major part of the story, and his faith in Christ is real.
I highly recommend Fairer than Morning and look forward to reading the remaining books in The Saddler's Legacy series!!
I received a free copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson in exchange for my participation in this blog tour. I was not required to give a positive review.
About the Book
Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli-until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.
On a small farm in 19th-century Ohio , young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann's dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.
Ann travels to Pittsburgh , accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker's apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann's compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann's father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.
When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?
About the Author
Rosslyn Elliott grew up in a military family and relocated so often that she attended nine schools before her high school graduation. With the help of excellent teachers, she qualified to attend Yale University , where she earned a BA in English and Theater. She worked in business and as a schoolteacher before returning to study at Emory University , where she earned a Ph.D. in English in 2006. Her study of American literature and history inspired her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She lives in the Southwest, where she homeschools her daughter and teaches in children's ministry.
And . . . There's a CONTEST!!!
To celebrate the release of her debut novel, Fairer Than Morning, Rosslyn Elliott is giving away two fabulous prize packages. The first is brand new KINDLE in her Fairer Than Morning Kindle Giveaway. Then on September 20th she's giving away a $200 gift certificate toward a Custom-Made Historical Reproduction Dress (from Recollections) during the Fairer Than Morning Book Club Chat Party on Facebook! Sigh...romantic.
Fairer Than Morning is receiving wonderful reviews - Library Journal said, "A well-written historical series debut…". Read more reviews here.
Be sure to join the fun and enter the Kindle contest -
One winner will receive:
* Kindle with Wi-Fi
* Fairer Than Morning (for Kindle)
To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, giveaway ends on 9/19. Winner will be announced on 9/20 at Rosslyn's Book Club Facebook Party. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.
Then be sure to RSVP forRosslyn's Facebook Party! During the party Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, hosting a book chat about Fairer Than Morning (don't worry if you haven't read the book yet - you could win a copy!) & historical Fiction, testing your trivia skills. She'll also be giving away that $200 gift certificate toward a FABULOUS custom-made period dress from Recollections!
I've sort of stuck my head in the sand as the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 approached. It's always been such an emotional anniversary. In years past, I've sat glued to the TV and watched every special that aired and really immersed myself in it. Probably beyond what's actually healthy. Over the last few years, I've realized that I just can't let myself get to that place. I need to remember, watch a little, and keep on moving.
I hope that doesn't sound callous. It's not meant to be. It's just reality for me.
I still remember that day ten years ago like it was yesterday. There are pictures in my head that I don't think will ever go away. Feelings, thoughts, images. They are all there. Trapped.
I lived by myself that year. It was my third year at Auburn, and in an effort to escape the craziness of dorm life, I had found a single apartment a few blocks off campus. I only had one class on Tuesdays that semester - Bowling at 3:00. So Tuesdays were a "sleep in" day.
The alarm went off and the radio hosts were talking about a plane flying into the World Trade Center. I thought it was a joke. They kept on, so I grabbed a blanket and turned on the TV in the den. I don't think I moved for the rest of the morning. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing.
I remember seeing the second plane fly into the building.
I remember seeing the first tower fall.
And then the second.
I remember calling my mom and asking her if she was watching. We just couldn't believe it.
I finally got a shower and went to class. The teacher couldn't believe anyone showed up. We basically spent the entire hour watching the news at the bowling alley. There were more important things than learning how to keep score in bowling that day.
Mom called me and told me stop and get gas. I stopped at a gas station about a block from my apartment and waited for about 45 minutes to get gas. There was a limit as to how many gallons we could put in our cars.
I sat in my apartment for the rest of the night and watched the news. I tried to study for an accounting test the next day. The professor sent out this really tacky email saying that we absolutely were having the test. She didn't see any reason to cancel the test. She was a jerk. I remember that my toilet broke that night. I don't know why I remember that. I'm telling you . . . everything is still there.
More than the events that occurred, I remember how I felt.
Scared.
Lonely.
Angry.
So emotional.
It was a long time before those feelings went away.
I can remember having this incredible urge to get in my car and start driving to New York. I wanted to help.
Instead I found things to do around campus. Ran the blood drive for two days. Lit candles. Attended a prayer service.
Fast forward.
In December of that year I had an opportunity to go to New York with a group from church. Our main goal was to distribute toys to children who lost a parent on 9/11. It was an incredible experience.
I had a pass that allowed me to go into the edge of "the pile."
When I got back to my room that night, I noticed the ash on my shoes. I thought I might never wash them again. It just didn't seem right somehow.
I met some folks at the Metro New York Baptist Association who invited me to come back for the summer.
That was a life-changing summer.
The city was so different than when I had visited over Thanksgiving the year before. It was quieter. The people were still grieving.
Our of our main ministry focuses was to the men at the fire station around the corner from our office / apartment. Ladder 35 / Engine 40. They lost 11 men on 9/11.
The first time I walked into their station house, I immediately noticed 11 pairs of boots, hats, and coats. Right where they were left on 9/11. The chalk boards from that day were still exactly as they were. There were still flowers and memorials just outside, near the front door.
These men were still deep in the throes of grief.
I remember one guy in particular - Rob. He and a buddy were planning a bike ride from New York City to Washington, DC in memory of their fallen brothers.
None of those guys that I met that summer knew Jesus. That was the saddest thing of all to me.
I remember walking through Grand Central Station and seeing the posters still hanging everywhere. "Have you seen _____? Last seen on 9/11 in ____." The worst were the pictures that were subsequently taped to the original "missing" posters. They said things like, "Baby Girl was born on ___." "We miss you!" "Happy Birthday!" "Your son graduated from high school."
Time continued to creep along.
I visited the FDNY Museum one Saturday afternoon. They had these books where people could write messages to loved ones or just general notes about 9/11. I wrote a message, wiped a tear, and stood up. A woman with a thick New York accent was standing next to me. As I straightened up, she just fell into my arms. I will never forget her sobbing on my shoulder. New Yorkers typically don't touch . . . much less hug and weep on a stranger's shoulder.
Brian and Lori were police officers that became special friends over the summer. Both found renewed faith as a result of the tragedy of 9/11. Both had tremendous health issues that stemmed from the stress of that terrible tragedy.
It's ironic. The first time I visited New York (on vacation), I felt like I could take it or leave it. Certainly not a place I would choose to go back to. After 9/11, NYC became a place I fell in love with.
Hubs and I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to NYC this past summer. In some ways it felt like a continuation of ministry that began for me in 2002.
I think it's important to remember the past. But more than just remembering the past, I think it's important to remember that God is still God.
If we don't cling to Truth, then it's all for nothing. But if we cling to Jesus and use this as an opportunity to share the gospel with people who are hurting, God will get tremendous glory from this terrible tragedy.
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
***Special thanks to Julie Gwinn, B&H Publishing Group, A Division of LifeWay Christian Resources for sending me a review copy.***
Wanna know what I think? Check out my review here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jamie Carie is the author of Snow Angel, a ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, USA Book News National “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. Her third novel, Wind Dancer, was a 2010 Indiana State Library Best Books of Indiana finalist. She lives with her husband and three children in Indianapolis.
When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her cold, money-grubbing uncle's choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives. Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and meets American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But the captain has been wounded by a woman before and guards his independent life. A swashbuckling man doesn't need an English heiress to make him slow down, feel again, or be challenged with questions about his faith-or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.
Product Details:
List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: B&H Books (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0805448152
ISBN-13: 978-0805448153
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
PROLOGUE
Arundel, England 1777
The grey clouds of dawn shivered against the paned glass of the castle, shrouding the three figures at the side of the four-poster bed in an eerie light. The raging storm of the night before had settled into a dreary misting rain though an occasional jagged flash of lightning flaunted its power, not yet ready to relinquish its right to ravish the leaden sky. Dim light clung to the faces of those inside the bedchamber where the very walls seemed to echo the anguish felt inside the room.
All that could be heard in the chamber was the shallow, labored breathing of the one abed. A frail creature, now, pale and lifeless after the travails of childbirth. The others included the old family doctor, Radley, who hovered beside his patient and friend of many years with a strained look in his eyes. Hovering in the shadows was Bridget, the lady's long-standing nurse and companion. But their suffering was not to be compared to the tall, handsome gentleman who knelt at the woman's bedside, her hand clasped in his; a haunted look in his eyes that attested to the fact that he too feared the end was near for his beloved.
He gazed down at the limp form of his wife. She lay so still, so pale, sunk into the feather mattress as if she'd become a part of it. In a matter of hours she'd become a shallow breathing shell of the bright and glorious women she had once been. How was he to live without her? His heart spasmed with the thought.
He held his breath as her thin, white eyelids opened to reveal pain-racked eyes the color of bluebells. She exerted a small strength in squeezing his hand while a serene smile played at her lips. Her voice was a weak whisper. "I will not be leaving you forever, my darling. Our daughter will grow strong and always be a symbol of the love we shared."
"No." Edward groaned in anguish, his head falling forward, his hand clasping tight as if to force his strength into her. "I will not let you go."
"Love her, Edward, love her with all that you are." Lady Eileen closed her eyes seeming to gather what little strength she had to continue speaking. A small, whimpering sound came from the shadows of the room where Bridget held the newborn babe to her bosom. Lady Eileen opened her eyes at the sound. "Please, let me hold my sweet child."
The nurse skirted around the bed with the tiny bundle, her eyes bright with tears. "She's the mos' beautiful of babes, my lady, truly she is." She laid the wee babe in her mother's fragile arms.
His wife stared down at their daughter and then looked up at him. Her voice became fierce but still so quiet Edward had to lean in to catch the words. "This one has a special purpose in life and I expect you all to care for her as I would have."
Edward could only nod, mute and staring, aching with grief.
"I have one more request to ask of you, my love." Her breath rasped in and out causing the panic in Edward's stomach to claw into his chest like a nightmare's hand, but he nodded for her to continue and clung to her hand.
"My greatest joy in life has been you. I want her to find love, someone to share her life with who is as kind, as loving and wonderful as I have had in you." She rested a moment before continuing. "Let her choose, Edward, do not make a match for her. I know it is right." She gasped for a final breath. "I've made provision. In my will . . . no entailments, Edward. Give her the dragonfly brooch as a promise from me that I will be looking down from heaven to keep her safe."
"Of course, my darling, anything you ask I will do."
A small smile touched Eileen's lips as she gazed at their beautiful child for the last time. With a single tear sliding down her cheek she kissed the light fuzz on the child's head. "I love you." She breathed the words with her last breath, barely audible, and then she went still.
Edward collapsed over her limp hand still clutched in his strong one. "No," he cried with ragged breath. He brought the hand to his check, soaking it with his tears, willing her to come back to him.
CHAPTER ONE
Arundel, England - 1796
Kendra stopped halfway down the path that led to the stables, happiness lifting her heart at the autumn scene. The leaves had turned into a crimson, sunny yellow and carroty riot of color, as if a magician had waved a wand during the night and created a new world. She stepped across the lawn, feeling the kind of happiness that burst against the walls of her chest, stopping long enough to turn in slow circles so to watch the waving leaf show. She closed her eyes, still slowly twirling and smiled up toward heaven, humming a simple song of praise to God. The notes of her song danced around her and made a happy knot form in her throat. There was nothing she loved more than singing praises to God. Her father had instilled his love for God in her since she was a child - always making sure they had a curate in the village residence for weekly services at St. Nicholas Parish Church, praying with her each night before bedtime and teaching her scriptures and hymns. Most of all, he’d been an example of someone who was temperate, kind and patient. They had memorized the scripture about the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - and often reminded each other of the one they should practice when the occasion called for it. She wished so much to be like him but sometimes her best intentions went awry and she fell short, far short of her father’s shining example.
The sound of wheels crunching over dead leaves gave her pause. She stopped, turned toward the horse-shoe drive at the front of the castle and saw a shiny black post-chaise carriage. Who could it be? They had not seen visitors in so long. Kendra hurried toward the entrance to meet their guest, then came to an abrupt stop and clasped her hands in front of her dress. She held her breath as a tall, handsome man sprang from the carriage. He was dressed in a waist-coat of navy wool with an intricately knotted necktie at his throat, cream colored breeches and matching hose. She lifted her gaze to his face. Her jaw dropped with surprise. The face staring back at her looked like the one in her bedchamber mirror each morning . . . except for the color of his eyes.
Andrew Townsend matched his nieces startling gape as he found himself looking into the younger, female version of himself. Surely this was not Edward's daughter! She could have been his own child. Recovering from his shock with more effort than he'd exerted in months, Andrew questioned the young lady. "And who might this lovely creature be? A relative of mine, perhaps?"
She curtsied and smiled up at him. "I'm Kendra Townsend sir, and who might you be?" Her smile was soft and contagious, so irresistible that Andrew found himself thawing in her presence.
"I am Andrew Townsend, your uncle, my dear." He held out his hand in greeting. "I am most pleased to finally meet you. It seems we bear a striking resemblance to one another."
"You're very handsome." She stated with bold faced honesty.
Andrew let out a bark of laughter. "Well. Thank you, I'm sure. Now, would you be so kind as to show me to your father? I have some business to conduct with him."
"Of course, sir." Kendra replied as she reached for his arm. "Your papa's brother, his twin, aren't you?" Her eyes lit up as she led him through the front door, past their astonished looking butler, and down the wide corridor, the elegant carpet making silence of their footsteps. Just as well, the surprise element couldn't hurt to gage how his dear brother was going to react to his request. “Father will be in his study with his solicitor this time of day.” At her knock they heard a preoccupied "come in."
The Earl of Arundel sat behind an ancient desk with stacks of documents in front of him. Facing him was Mr. Walcott, the trusted family solicitor. As they walked into the study, Edward's face lit up with joy. Then, as he looked beyond her, his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open.
"Andrew?"
Andrew put on his best smile and chuckled, walking forward toward his brother. He needed Ed to accept him back into the family fold and that might require some persuasion. "Great heavens, man, is it really you?" Edward came from behind the desk and greeted him with a handshake and an awkward hug that turned into a haphazard slapping against his shoulder. "You remember Parker Walcott." He motioned to the man who had risen, eyes round behind his spectacles.
"Yes, of course, how's the family, Parker? Dorothy and the children doing well?" Andrew felt the smooth mask of charm take hold of his being and hoped Parker would take the hint. He looked as if he’d seen a ghost.
"Oh, very good, my lord, yes indeed. And yourself?"
"After meeting my lovely niece here, I couldn't be in better spirits." Andrew replied. "Ed, why have you failed to mention our likeness in your letters? It nearly frightened us both out of our wits when we clapped eyes on one another." The laughter in his voice was real this time.
"It's been so long since I've seen you." Edward hastened to explain. "Until this moment I didn't realize just how much you resemble each other." He glanced from one to the other, astonishment and something disapproving, consternation perhaps in his eyes before continuing. "Your eyes are more blue than her unusual shade of violet, but you’re quite right, you resemble twins more than you and I ever did. It's remarkable, isn't it?"
Edward motioned for Andrew to have a seat. "Please, join us." They both looked up at Kendra to find her staring at Andrew. Andrew winked at her as he plopped down in the chair beside Parker. Edward cleared his throat and frowned at his daughter. "Kendra, go down and have Willabee bring up some refreshments please."
Kendra nodded but clung to Andrew's side before she left. "How long can you stay Uncle Andrew? You should stay at least until the end of the week." Her eyes were bright with excitement.
"And what, pray tell, happens at the end of the week?" Andrew asked with a half grin that he'd been told sent the ladies into a swoon.
"I've persuaded papa to have a garden party." Her eyes slid to her father before she continued. "He hates to entertain you know, but I've been so forlorn for company my own age since my friend, Lucinda, moved away that he's feeling guilty and has agreed. Please say you'll stay. Lady Willowbee's girls will be absolutely speechless for once."
"I seem to recall a Lady Willowbee, lives down the way, only other gentry around here, eh?" At Kendra's nod Andrew chuckled with the memory. "A bit of a sour puss. Are her girls as malicious and back-biting as she and her sisters used to be?"
Kendra put her hand to her mouth in an attempt to suppress a horrified giggle.
"Can't offend them though," Andrew continued with grave mirth, "must do our duty and invite the only other cream de la cream in the area, even though it is soured cream, is that the dilemma you find yourself in, my dear?"
“Papa says I must love them as the Bible says.” Kendra raised her brows in beseeching charm that he recognized as one of his own trademark moves. "But if you were there it would be ever so much easier. They will be nice in hopes of an introduction. Please say you'll stay."
Andrew caught his brother's gaze and asked in a soft voice. "Can you deny her anything?"
Edward looked down and cleared his throat, a red flush filling his cheeks. "Very little, I'm afraid.
Swinging back to Kendra's expectant gaze, Andrew mused. "I will have to give you your answer later, moppet, but I promise I'll try.
That seemed to satisfy her as she gave him a happy nod and turned to leave the men to their business.
"You're going to have a devil of a time fighting off all the suitors at your door, Edward. She's amazing." Andrew remarked as he watched the whirl of Kendra's skirts around the door as she left.
Edward sighed. "I've already had my share of offers, but she's just nineteen. I'm not ready to see her betrothed to anyone yet."
"I can understand why, she brightens up the old place." Pausing, Andrew ran his fingers through his blond hair and added. "I was truly sorry about Eileen, Edward. I would have attended the funeral had I not been out of the county."
"I won't pretend I was anything other than devastated. But time has a way of taking the edge off the grief and Kendra has taken care of the rest. I don't know how I would have gone on if she had died with her mother.”
Andrew didn't know how to respond to his brother's heart-wrenching revelation. Edward had aged in more than the receding hairline and creases around his mouth it would seem. Andrew cleared his throat and looked down at the floor.
Edward leaned across the desk, his hands clasped together. "Enough about me, what have you been doing with yourself these last fifteen years?"
"A little of everything, I dare say. Traveled around a good bit." The rake's smile slide across his lips and he shrugged. "Been enjoying life with good drink, fine horseflesh and beautiful women."
Edward shook his head in an older brotherly way. "I know only too well of your love for the worldly passions. It's a life that will never satisfy you, you know. I have to hear of your exploits every time I'm in London. When will you settle down? Start a family of your own?"
A bark of laughter escaped Andrew's throat. Not here ten minutes and he was already getting the lecture. "Now is not a good time for thinking of that, Ed. I - uh, seem to have gotten myself into a bit of a jam." Glancing at Parker Walcott, Andrew girded up his courage and rushed out the rest before his nerve failed him. "I was hoping to have a word with you, big brother. I have some business I would like to discuss."
Parker rose rather abruptly for one keen to the family's business dealings. Andrew smothered a chuckle as the solicitor beat a hasty path to the door. "I will bid you both good day, my lord. You and your brother have much catching up to do." Andrew suppressed a chuckle as he scurried from the room.
After the door was closed silence descended upon the room. Andrew braced his arms on his legs and pressed his sweaty palms together.
Edward broke the silence with a voice both grave and guarded. "What can I do for you, Andrew?"
Shifting in the chair, Andrew ran a well-manicured hand though his blond hair, took a deep breath and plunged into his story.
It would seem Andrew had heard, through a reputable source, about an investment that was sure to make him a very wealthy man. The Brougham Company had been started to finance several voyages of trade to America with goods the colonist desperately needed. Five great ships had set sail over six months ago to deliver their goods. Andrew had invested all that he had and was given a great deal of credit as he bore the Townsend name.
The first two ships to sail had been attacked by pirates and overtaken. The following ship did not survive a great storm, and of the two that made it to America, one had perishables on it that were ill-packed, causing the contents to spoil, while the other had cheaper goods that even when sold at an exorbitant price did not come close to making up for the expense of the trip. "I've lost everything and my creditors are threatening Newgate Prison if I don't come up with the funds."
Edward listened with sinking despair. It seemed fate would never grant his twin the power he so desperately coveted. "Of course I will help you, Andrew. Have your creditors send me the contracts and I will take care of them." He paused before continuing in a fatherly tone. "I understand you want to handle matters on your own, but please consider consulting me or even Walcott before plunging into a scheme like this in the future." Edward pressed his lips together with that eagle-eyed stare that always made Andrew squirm in his chair. "I could have had the company investigated for you, at the very least."
"Of course." Andrew shook his head, eyes downcast. The act was growing tedious but pressed on. "It's just that I was so excited. I wanted to surprise you and mother with my good fortune. I realize the family thinks me a spoiled dandy so I wanted to do something to make you all proud. Instead I proved what an idiot I am."
"Now don't be too hard on yourself. We've been through worse and we'll come through this together."
"I can't thank you enough, Ed, just the thought of that prison sent me fleeing here on wings. There is just one more thing," Andrew rushed out, fidgeting with his fingers. "I was wondering if the creditors could go through old Parker instead of you. That way it won't become common knowledge that my brother had to pay off my debts. It's a matter of pride you see." He raised his brows and gave Edward a shrug of his shoulders.
"Of course. There's no need for our business to become something for the gossip mills."
Andrew stood up, gave his brother a quick, firm hug, and hurried from the room.
Edward gazed at the closed door, sadness and bewilderment weighing down his shoulders like a heavy blanket. He had not seen his brother for years, and then when he finally did come home, it was only because he was in trouble and needed money. Would they ever be close?
Dear God, help me reach him.
He let his thoughts drift back to their childhood, a good and proper upbringing he had always thought, but not without its animosities. Animosities that led all the way back to their birth.
They had heard the tale countless times. Edward had been the first-born twin, the heir to the earldom, but it had come about by a strange quirk of fate. His mother, who now lived on her own estate miles from Arundel, had pushed for hours with no sign of the babies coming.
The midwife, in an effort to feel the baby's position, placed one hand on the extended abdomen and the other inside the womb. She pulled back in surprise. "Your ladyship, I do believe you are having twins. There's a head and feet near the opening."
His mother gasped and her face whitened. "Twins! I shan't be able to do it."
The contractions continued though, strengthened instead of daunted by the thought of two.
Hours dragged by as they all wondered if Lady Lenora would be able to deliver the babies. In a wondrous moment, a hushed moment between pushes, a tiny foot poked out of the womb. The midwife didn't say anything but knew the importance of the firstborn's place so she tied a scarlet thread around the tiny ankle. Gently slipping the foot back up, she concentrated on delivering the baby in the head-down position. The child seemed ready to cooperate and after several more minutes emerged from the womb.
"A boy, my lady." One of the servants rushed to take the child to clean him before he was presented to his mother. After another hour, Lady Lenora held two healthy sons. She noticed the thread and looked up at the midwife. "But what's this, Ida?"
The midwife told the story of how that child had poked his little foot out first and thought to tie the yarn around his foot in the event that Lord Townsend would regard him the first born.
And he had. Lord Albert Townsend named the babe with the string around his ankle Edward Alexander Townsend, and proclaimed him the rightful heir. Lenora named his twin brother, Andrew Richard Townsend and thought that son cheated.
Edward's knuckles whitened with the memory as he clinched his hands into fists. They'd been so close when they were boys! Inseparable until the day Andrew heard the story of his birth bluntly put by a stable hand. Andrew had changed then, pulling away and becoming distant and ever more brooding. After awhile it seemed they had little in common and less to like about each other. And that wasn't even the worst of it. The resentment his mother held destroyed their marriage. Lenora devoted herself to spoiling her younger son which forced the earl to take Edward's causes.
Edward sighed, his head dropping forward, sadness pulling at his heart. They were so different in every way. Andrew was strikingly handsome with his fair hair and pale blue eyes, so much like their mother. Edward supposed he was the epitome of an Englishman with his dark brown hair, aristocratic nose, and hazel eyes. And that was only their outward differences. Inwardly they couldn't be more distant. He a long-grieving widower and Andrew a financially destitute dandy in dire straits. But he was back.
His brother had come home.
Maybe if he loved him enough, if he showed it and gave him all the attention and praise and . . . well, whatever it was that Andrew needed, maybe he could, uptight Englishman that he was, humble himself and shower his brother with love.
Father, help me love him the way he needs it. Help me show him You.
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