The Education Of Joanne Part 29

"Benjamin, how good to see you," Kenton greeted his friend.

"We had almost forsaken your return," Ames replied.

"It has been long-too long. I was at a hunting lodge on my brother's lands for much of the time.

"Before I came home I went to London but-but the comtesse's house was boarded for the summer.

No one seemed to know where she had gone, only that Joanne was ill. I dared not ask too many questions."

They had reached Ames's study and both men sat.

"Would you believe I even went to Bath searching for them, but there was no trace of them there." He "Yes to both questions," Ames smiled. "I am most happy to tell you that the comtesse is in good health, albeit desiring more society. Joanne is much improved also."

"Much improved? Was she ill?"

"Not physically. Your departure without seeing her took her spirit after all that had happened." He

studied Kenton closely. "She loved you deeply."

"And I her." He laughed weakly. "You are surprised to hear that from me? With good reason, I

suppose. At the hunting lodge there was little for me to do but think what a fool I had been. What I saw of myself, of my actions that night, was not pleasant." He straightened, braced.

"Has a date been set for her marriage to Humbolt?"

"She refused him."

"Refused, then I still-" He rose.

"You must tell me where she is, at once," he demanded, his face joyous.

"It may not be wise for her to see you. Let me think on it. Why don't you go visit Ellen? I know she will

be delighted to see you. When you return I shall give my answer." Ames refrained from smiling in view of Kenton's threatening frown. "I believe she is in the apple orchard."

"Benjamin-"

"Not now. Go on. Ellen has grown so you will hardly know her."

Slapping his gloves against his leg, Kenton turned angrily and strode from the study. The echo of his boots had faded when the comtesse rejoined Ames.

"But what if he does not go in search of the child?" she asked.

"He sought her company when Joanne left. He will do so now."

"There, that red one. No, to the left." Joanne tried to guide Ellen's hand as she held her aloft. "Good.

Now taste it," she said, setting the child back to the earth. "Let us sit here-on the gra.s.s.

"Is it ripe?" she asked as Ellen chomped obediently into the apple.

The little girl nodded eagerly, chewing the juicy hunk. She sat beside Joanne and offered the unbitten

side.

"No, I shall get another in a while." Joanne looked about. The cheerful mien she carried when around others wilted away.

"I walked here once with Lord Jason," she told Ellen confidentially. "He lectured me on the proper way to care for fruit trees. Of course I did not pay the least attention." Falling silent, Joanne plucked aimlessly at the gra.s.s as she recalled that day. Other memories came; a single tear rolled to the edge of her cheek.

"Why do you cry?" a thin voice piped.

Startled, Joanne looked about-no one was there but Ellen.

"Why are you so sad when you speak of Lord Jason?" the same voice asked.

"Ellen?" Joanne looked at the small child who stared up at her in wide-eyed seriousness. "Ellen, did you

speak?" she asked in amazement.

The child ignored her question. "I don't understand. When Lord Jason speaks of you he is sad also. If you both love each other, why is that?"

"You can speak," Joanne shouted and hugged the child to her. "You can speak," she said slowly,

holding Ellen back to look at her. "And all this time we thought-" The child's words suddenly rang in her ears.

"You said we both love each other-Lord Jason and l?"

Ellen nodded slowly.

"How do you know Lord Jason loves me?" Joanne asked, a tightness closing about her heart.

"After you went away, he came oft to see me and took me riding. I even got to hold Asteron's reins,"

Ellen beamed proudly.

"And?" Joanne prompted.

"And he would give me sweets and sometimes let me feed Asteron a car-"

"No, no," Joanne interrupted. "What did Lord Jason say about me?"

"Why the same things you say about him. That he missed you and that he loved you." Ellen frowned at

the other's thick headedness.

"Ellen! Ellen, come to me," a voice well known by both reached them.

Joanne gasped. Trembling she realized Jason had returned at last. She raised a hand to still her racing

heart. She had prayed he would come, but now that he had she was filled with fear.

"Ellen! Ellen!" he called again.

"Go to him. Go on," Joanne urged, springing to her feet and pulling the little girl up with her. She

watched Ellen run off joyously. Could she have been telling the truth? Did Jason love her? Then why had he waited so long to come?

Joanne wrung her hands and debated running away.

Oh, yes, her heart cried out in answer, and her indecision was gone. Fight for his love if you value it, the voice continued.

Yes, yes, she trembled with expectation. Ellen would bring him. Dear Ellen would bring him to her onceagain. * * * *"Oh, my little miss." Kenton caught the little girl up as she ran to him and tossed her lightly in the air as hehad oft done in days past. He hugged her gently. "My, how you have grown," he beamed at her as he puther on her feet and took her hand. Ellen motioned for him to follow her. "No, I must get back to Dr. Ames," he told her. She tugged desperately on his hand, trying to lead him forward. "What is it you wish to show me?" Kenton laughed. "I will come-lead the way." He released her hand.

Following the little girl brought to mind another time she had led him and with that memory fresh in hismind, he beheld Joanne beneath the apple tree. His heart did a somersault. He drew a sharp breath. My G.o.d, he thought, she is so lovely.

"Aren't you happy to see her?" Ellen asked in a tiny voice.

Kenton's eyes moved from Joanne to the child looking up at him expectantly. His eyes widened in wonder. "Ellen?"

"Yes, she can speak," Joanne said, slowly walking up to the two. "She spoke just moments ago to me."

Tousling Ellen's hair gently she added, "Is it not a wonderful miracle?"

Kenton picked the little girl up and tenderly kissed her cheek. "Very wonderful," he smiled at her. "You are a very special little one," he continued softly and hugged her tightly, gazing at Joanne.

"The apples are ready to eat," Ellen told him seriously, pus.h.i.+ng back in his arms.

"Are they?" Kenton returned absentmindedly, drinking in Joanne's beauty, the gentle smile that played upon her lips.

"They are. And they taste good too. Do you not want one?" the child asked.

"No," he shook himself. "But I tell you what," he continued, returning his attention to her and setting her

down. "I bet Dr. Ames would love to have one-this one." He turned to the tree behind him and picked a large red apple. "Could you take it to him for me?" he asked, putting it into her hands.

She shook her head eagerly.

"Good girl. Run now-tell him we shall come along soon."

Jason turned to Joanne, his pulse racing. He studied her features, tried to read her thoughts; tried to feel his way at how to best do this. Awkwardness descended upon him. "Has she been speaking long?" he asked, "No, the first time was just moments ago. It surprised me so." She searched his face for a sign-a sign that would tell her that what Ellen said was true. She longed to reach out-to feel his arms about her.

"How did it happen?" he asked softly, stepping nearer.

"We were sitting over there, just talking. Rather I was talking and suddenly she wanted to know-"

Joanne swallowed, the beating of her heart deafened her. Surely he must hear it. Surely he must see the love she held for him "She-wanted==asked why we were both sad when we spoke of each other. She said-we loved one