Land of a Thousand Dreams

by BJ Hoff

  Even with his legs devoid of feeling and wholly confined in the iron braces, he fancied he could feel the floor beneath his feet, could almost believe that he might step out at any moment and walk. It was exhilarating—and terrifying.

  As he watched, Annie appeared in the doorway, and with a stirring of great excitement, the congregation stood.

  Morgan gaped at his new daughter.

  Was it possible? Could this delicate young beauty in green satin truly be the imp with the smudged face and gap-toothed grin who had haunted his hospital room in Belfast, following him all the way to Dublin City?

  With her cheeks flushed from excitement, her riot of dark hair caught up in an emerald-green bow and the elegant harp brooch at her throat, Annie…his Aine…was nothing short of lovely!

  A wonder, and no small one at that!

  He saw her smile falter for only an instant as her black eyes anxiously scanned the congregation, then came to rest on him. Her smile strengthened, and she stepped out, head up and eyes shining. Down the aisle she glided—another wonder…Annie gliding!

  And behind her…Finola.

  She followed Annie, her eyes downcast, a pale vision in delicate ivory lace and satin. She took the aisle with hesitant steps, and Morgan could almost feel the trembling of her heart as she approached.

  His eyes locked on her loveliness, the breathtaking gown, carefully draped to conceal any evidence of her condition, the swan pendant at her breast, the flower-trimmed veil. For a moment he knew a sharp pang of sadness for his young bride. He was painfully aware that this day fell far short of the wedding she must have dreamed of as a young girl. It grieved his heart that this occasion, which should have been, at the very least, a continuous joy, had been clouded by a tragedy beyond all understanding, marred by the fact that, at best, it was only an arrangement.

  Then, during that brief instant of regret, she raised her head. Despite the veil, Morgan felt her startled gaze lock on him. He saw her stumble, sway slightly, then recover.

  Suddenly, he forgot the braces on his legs, forgot the crutches that held him upright. He forgot the gathering in the chapel and even his friend at his side. He forgot the reality that within a short time he would return to the wheelchair, that this was but a momentary grace and could not last.

  He forgot everything…everything except the wonder of Finola…the most splendid wonder of all.

  At last she was at the altar, by his side, touching his arm with a trembling hand. Even the veil could not conceal her glistening eyes, her incredible smile, her radiance.

  As they stood before the priest, Morgan silently thanked God for this wondrous shining moment, when he once again could stand upright like a man, his bride beside him.

  Then, in glorious fulfillment of his old, recurring dream, he heard her whisper his name….

  “Morgan…” she breathed, lifting her face to meet his eyes. Her hand tightened on his arm, and Morgan vowed to himself…and to his God…that, somehow, he would love her enough to make up for her own lost dreams and abandoned hopes.

  EPILOGUE

  A Family Portrait

  Come to this hallowed place

  Where my friends’ portraits hang and look thereon;

  Ireland’s history in their lineaments trace;

  Think where man’s glory most begins and ends,

  And say my glory was I had such friends.

  W.B. YEATS (1865–1939)

  The wedding banquet was a gala affair, with the entire household invited. Mindful of the famine conditions throughout the country, the Seanchai had chosen not to spread an extravagant feast at table, but instead had ordered distributions of food to numerous poorhouses and famine hospitals in several counties.

  Nevertheless, there was a generous meal for all, and the servants were invited to attend the opening of the gifts that had been arriving for days.

  Now relaxed in the wheelchair at table, his legs freed of the iron braces, the Seanchai laughed a great deal and smiled often at his bride, who everyone agreed, was quite the loveliest young woman in three counties.

  One gift after another was presented to the bride and groom, each receiving keen attention and vigorous applause. At the very end, Sister Louisa stood to present her gift to the happy couple.

  With uncharacteristic hesitancy, she brought forward a large canvas completely draped with a dark cloth.

  “I thought this might be appropriate for the occasion,” she said, her eyes averted.

  A hush fell over the room as she pulled back the covering to reveal a portrait…a family portrait, exquisitely rendered and striking in each likeness. In the center sat the Seanchai himself, holding his minstrel’s harp and looking altogether pleased and quite proud. Behind him, at his left, was his new bride. She stood with one hand on her husband’s shoulder, a small black-and-white cat tucked in her other arm.

  Behind the Seanchai, to his right, towered Sandemon, the West Indies Wonder. Regal in purple shirt with flowing sleeves, the black man’s expression was both affectionate and serene.

  Perched on the floor beside the Seanchai sat his young daughter, Annie—Aine. One hand clasped her father’s as she beamed her newly found happiness for all eyes to behold.

  And at the very front, at the Seanchai’s feet, sat the great wolfhound, a magnanimous smile on his friendly face as if to indicate how pleased he was with them all.

  The Seanchai, visibly moved, admired the portrait for a long time, proclaiming it a wonder and a most splendid gift. His bride agreed, and went to embrace the smiling Sister Louisa.

  In the midst of all the admiring comments, however, the Seanchai loudly cleared his throat, saying, “Sister Louisa? There is one thing I would point out to you, if I may.” His face solemn, he went on. “I fear there is a serious omission in the portrait.”

  Sister Louisa’s eyes widened, then narrowed, and she flushed slightly. “An omission?” she repeated, her voice somewhat strained.

  “Aye,” said the Seanchai, watching her carefully. “You seem to have forgotten a member of the family—a most important member, at that.”

  Clearly flustered, the nun lifted a hand to her throat as she peered at the portrait. “I’m afraid I don’t—”

  “Yourself, Sister!” put in Annie Fitzgerald gleefully, bouncing from one foot to the other. “Don’t you see—you forgot to include yourself!”

  With a glint in his eye, the Seanchai laughed and nodded, “Indeed, Sister,” he said. “The portrait is splendid, but hardly complete without you.”

  Be sure and continue your enjoyment of The Emerald Ballad series with book four, Sons of an Ancient Glory. Available from bookstore and online outlets everywhere.

  A Note from the Author

  When I first began to research the idea for the first book in this series, Song of the Silent Harp, I discovered a strong religious thread throughout the history of Ireland. I hope I have communicated to my readers a clearer understanding of how Christianity influenced the lives of some of America’s Irish ancestors.

  During those years of study and writing, I became aware that it is virtually impossible to separate the past from the present. The struggles and successes, the trials and triumphs of our forebears, make up not only a rich heritage but also contribute in immeasurable ways to what we—and our world—are today. Like young Daniel Kavanagh, I believe that, from God’s perspective, yesterday, today, and tomorrow are one vast panorama, a continuing epic that our Creator views in its entirety, from the dawn of time through the present to eternity.

  Further, history does, indeed, repeat itself. Most experiences of the past continue to happen. The horrors of famine and hopelessness that surround many characters in The Emerald Ballad still exist. Month after month, year after year, the innocent victims of war, disaster, political indifference, and oppression go on suffering and dying, just as they did in Ireland during the Great Famine.

  Government programs and private charities cannot begin to meet the escalating demand for worldwide assistan
ce. I believe the Christian church should be at the very front of international rescue operations, for it is the church that bears the responsibility—and the privilege—of giving love to a world that needs it.

  I invite you to join me in finding practical ways to help. There are many organizations that provide an opportunity to put faith and love into action. One person does make a difference.

  BJ Hoff

  OTHER FINE BJ HOFF BOOKS PUBLISHED BY HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS

  RACHEL’S SECRET

  Bestselling author BJ Hoff delights with her compelling series, The Riverhaven Years. With the first book, Rachel’s Secret, you’ll discover a community of unforgettable characters, a tender love story, the faith journeys of people you’ll grow to know and love, and enough suspense to keep the pages turning quickly.

  When wounded Irish American riverboat captain, Jeremiah Gant, bursts into the rural Amish setting of Riverhaven, he brings chaos and conflict to the community—especially for young widow, Rachel Brenneman. The unwelcome “outsider” needs a safe place to recuperate before continuing his secret role as an Underground Railroad conductor. Neither he nor Rachel is prepared for the forbidden love that threatens to endanger a man’s mission, a woman’s heart, and a way of life for an entire people.

  WHERE GRACE ABIDES

  In this compelling second book in the The Riverhaven Years series, you’ll get an even closer look at the Amish community of Riverhaven and the people who live and love and work there. Secrets, treachery, and persecution are a few of the challenges that test Rachel’s faith and her love for the forbidden “outsider,” while Gant’s own hopes and dreams are dealt a life-changing blow, rendering the vow he made to Rachel seemingly impossible to honor.

  The Amish community finds their gentle, unassuming lives of faith jeopardized by a malicious outside influence. At the same time, those striving to help runaway slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad face deception and the danger of discovery.

  SONG OF ERIN

  The mysteries of the past confront the secrets of the present in bestselling author BJ Hoff’s magnificent Song of Erin saga.

  You’ll be intrigued by this panoramic story that crosses the ocean from Ireland to America. In this tale of struggle and love and uncompromising faith, Jack Kane, the always charming but sometimes ruthless titan of New York’s most powerful publishing empire, is torn between the conflict of his own heart and the grace and light of Samantha Harte, the woman he loves, whose troubled past continues to haunt her.

  AMERICAN ANTHEM

  At the entrance to the city, an Irish governess climbs into a carriage and sets out to confront the man who destroyed her sister’s life—a blind musician who hears music no one else can hear…

  On a congested city street, a lonely Scot physician with a devastating secret meets a woman doctor with the capacity to heal not only the sick…but also his heart…

  In a tumbledown shack among hundreds of others like it, an immigrant family struggles to survive, and a ragged street singer old beyond her years appoints herself an unlikely guardian…

  So begins American Anthem, a story set in 1870s New York that lets you step into another time to share the hopes and dreams and triumphant faith of a people you’ll grow to love.

  “An eloquently told story that weaves history, music, faith, and intrigue… an absolute pleasure.”

  Christian Retailing

  “The story gently unfolds with intriguing characters, and the sound of music, which Hoff manages to make fly off the pages with her glorious and passionate descriptions.”

  Christian Library Journal

  Great reviews for BJ Hoff’s MOUNTAIN SONG LEGACY trilogy…

  BOOK ONE…A DISTANT MUSIC

  “BJ Hoff always delights readers with her warm stories and characters who become part of your ‘circle of special friends.’ ”

  JANETTE OKE, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF LOVE COMES SOFTLY

  “For this Kentucky woman, reading A Distant Music was like driving through the eastern hills and hollers on a perfect autumn day, with the scent of wood smoke in the air and the trees ablaze with color. BJ Hoff’s lyrical prose brings to life this gentle, moving story of a beloved teacher and his students, who learn far more than the three Rs. I brushed away tears at several tender points in the story and held my breath when it seemed all might be lost. Yet, even in the darkest moments, hope shines on every page. A lovely novel by one of historical fiction’s finest wordsmiths.”

  LIZ CURTIS HIGGS, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THORN IN MY HEART

  “As always when I open BJ’s books I’m drawn into a place that is both distant and at home…as I tell my husband, I wish I could create the kinds of characters BJ does because I fall in love with them and want them always as my friends.”

  JANE KIRKPATRICK, AUTHOR OF LOOK FOR A CLEARING IN THE WILD

  “In some ways, A Distant Music is reminiscent of the Little House series. Each chapter recalls the details of an event or some characters dilemma. Eventually, though, Hoff connects all the threads into a solid story whose ending will deeply touch readers. A Distant Music should find an eager audience.”

  ASPIRING RETAIL MAGAZINE

  BOOK TWO…THE WIND HARP

  “BJ always does a great job of drawing her readers into the lives of her characters. I’m sure that there will be many who will be eagerly pleading to know ‘what happens next.’ I will be among them.”

  JANETTE OKE, LOVE COMES SOFTLY

  “BJ Hoff continues the story of Maggie and Jonathan, who must endure their share of trials before reaping their reward. Though this novel is historical, BJ Hoff deals with issues that are completely contemporary…Kudos to the author for charming us again!”

  ANGELA HUNT, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE NOVELIST

  BOOK THREE…THE SONG WEAVER

  “Like a warm visit with a good friend over a hot cup of tea, The Song Weaver offers comfort and satisfaction…and you don’t want the visit to come to an end.”

  CINDY SWANSON

  “BJ Hoff is a master at characterization, and her stories are rich with insight. I love the historical setting and learned something new about the role of women in that society.”

  JILL E. SMITH

  “The Song Weaver is the last book in the Mountain Song Legacy Story, and I hate to see it end. I’ll miss Maggie and Jonathan and all the others…A very satisfying end to a special series. She never disappoints.”

  BARBARA WARREN

  About the Publisher

  To learn more about books by BJ Hoff or to read sample chapters, log on to our website:

  www.harvesthousepublishers.com

  HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS

  EUGENE, OREGON