“Does Father know?”
“He knows, but he doesn’t understand.” He tapped one foot rapidly on the stair riser. “I’m a grown man. If I want to build my own house, that should be my business.”
“People just don’t understand why you need to build a new house. They expect you to inherit this house one day, so it seems odd for the overseer’s son to break from tradition—especially since you don’t have a family of your own yet.”
He groaned. “Father says the same things. But I don’t live my life worrying about what other people might think. You are like Father—you both take comfort in the founders’ traditions. I thought you understood me.”
“I do. And I’m sure you’ll build yourself a fine house someday, but try to find a way to do it that doesn’t cause strife.”
“It’s not the fact that I want to build my own house that offends Father. It’s that I want to build my own life.”
“I understand both sides. Father followed Grandfather’s footsteps gladly. He’s always had the same expectations for you. But you’re right—you should be able to decide how to spend your life and where to live.”
Levi raked his fingers through his hair. “Then why does he condemn me for not being exactly like him?”
“He doesn’t question your character—only your choice of profession.”
“They have told me all my life I should be a preacher just as my father is and his father was before him. But I’ve never felt called to that profession. If I were, I would gladly obey. But I’m not. Just thinking of it fills me with anxiety.” He shook his head. “No. Give me a hammer instead. I’d rather build all day long.”
There was nothing she could do to make her brother feel better or her father understand, but it wouldn’t stop her from trying. “You’re an excellent carpenter, and the village needs your work. Be proud that you have the strength for building. Many men don’t.”
“Father has the strength for anything.”
“But he prefers preaching. Try to remember, he is peace loving above all. This friction between you two won’t last forever. I truly believe that.”
Mandy finished her song, and Lydia and Levi clapped. The sound caused a brief silence in the kitchen, followed by a short applause. Mandy gently placed the violin in its case like an infant in a bassinet. She used both hands to corral her curls into a loose bun at her nape then lifted her violin to play again.
* * *
A visit from Levi interrupted Lydia’s morning office routine. She didn’t have a patient in the cottage, so it seemed like a good time to go look at the land where her brother hoped to build. Levi sat beside her desk as she straightened her papers and prepared to leave with him. Startled by a shrill voice yelling outside, she hurried to the door. Levi beat her to it and yanked it open.
She stood on her tiptoes and craned her neck, trying to see what the commotion was. Auburn curls bounced as a flustered Mandy stomped toward the cottage.
Levi held the door open for Mandy, but he didn’t leave the doorway. He furrowed his brow at her. “What were you yelling about, woman?”
Mandy brushed his shoulder as she passed him and looked at Lydia. “I could see that little rat from the road! He had his head at your window, peeping in, you know?”
Lydia’s stomach knotted tightly. She lowered herself into the chair at her desk, wishing she could crawl under it. “No, I did not know.”
Levi rushed outside, turned his head in both directions, and then stepped back into the cottage. “Who was at her window?”
“Who do you think?” Mandy spat the question at him.
“Frank Roberts?” Levi held up his fists. “I’d like to teach that degenerate a lesson.”
“Levi!” Lydia scolded. “You will do no such thing.”
“I should. It would serve him right!”
Her temples started to throb. Frank Roberts often followed her around the village. The thought of anyone knowing he liked her made her knotted stomach ache. And now Mandy had seen him peeping in the window. Scandalous gossip would not help her chance of receiving her title from the village elders, not to mention what everyone might think.
The wooden floorboards creaked as Mandy paced them. “It would put Frank right here inside Lydia’s home because she would have to stitch his battered face. Oh, he’d love that. Go ahead, Levi, give Frank exactly what he’s after—Lydia’s attention!”
Mandy and Levi exchanged a fiery glance. At least they were angry at the same person and not at each other for a change. Levi marched to Lydia’s desk and dropped into the chair beside it. He drummed one finger on the desktop with rapid thumps.
She had to diffuse their anger and make them forget the incident. Dr. Ashton taught her to keep a calm demeanor around patients to help them stay calm too. It was worth a try with her brother and best friend. She forced her voice to stay steady. “I have dealt with Frank for years,” she said, hoping no one suspected she had accidentally caused Frank’s fixation. “He’s harmless.”
“Harmless?” Levi snapped his face toward her. “Lydia, the man was just looking in your window. He’s a pervert and has become bolder since you moved out here by yourself last year. You should move back into the house.”
Heat stung Lydia’s cheeks. She shouldn’t have confided in Frank all those years ago; it must have ignited his affection and made her responsible for his advances. “Please, stop it, Levi. I feel terrible when anyone speaks of him. And I won’t move back into the house. Since Doctor Ashton can no longer care for himself—let alone others—I’m now the village’s only physician. Of course, the elders could bring in a doctor from another village. That’s why it’s important that I’m accessible to the people. I want the elders to make my position permanent.”
Mandy halted her pacing. “Levi is right. You need protection since you live out here by yourself.” She turned to sit, but when she only saw the patient cot behind her, she remained standing. “As long as you’re unmarried you’re open to harassment from a man like that.”
Mandy’s suggestion of marriage was ironic. It almost made Lydia laugh. “You sound like Aunt Isabella.”
Levi snickered, so she sent him a big sister look then returned her attention to Mandy. “I have yet to encounter a danger great enough to give up my medical practice and get married. And even if I found a man to marry, I doubt it would deter a man like Frank Roberts. I’ll put curtains over all the windows.” She stood and brushed her hands together. “Yes, more curtains. Problem solved. That should ease your minds.”
Mandy reached for a long strand of curl and twirled it in her fingertips. “Still, I think every woman should at least consider a husband.” Her green eyes gazed at Levi.
Lydia looked at Levi too, but he continued staring out the window. She thought he wasn’t listening. Then slowly he turned his face toward Mandy. “This from the woman who prefers to forgo the deep affections of one man in favor of the distant admiration of many men.”
Mandy grinned and lowered her pretty chin. It was amazing how Mandy’s mood could change from aggressively angry to playfully offended without a breath in between. At least they were no longer talking about Frank Roberts.
Her secret was safe for now.
Levi blew out a breath and stepped to the door. “Lydia, come and get me when you’re ready to go look at that land we spoke of yesterday. I’ll be in the barn.”
After the door closed, she grinned at Mandy. “Sometimes you torment him on purpose.”
“Whatever do you mean?” Mandy smiled wickedly as she moved to the chair left vacant by Levi. She crossed her legs high above the knee.
“Any time you suggest marriage as the solution to a woman’s problem, I detect insincerity.”
“All right, so I felt like aggravating Levi a bit. He can handle it. Would you rather I had pointed out that it isn’t your singleness that causes your trouble—it’s your fear?”
“Fear?” A short laugh bubbled up. “I’m not afraid of Frank Roberts.”
> “Maybe not. But you’re afraid of what people think of you because of him.” Mandy nodded once as if confirming her statement. “See, it’s fear. You are afraid others will think if someone as wretched as Frank loves you, you must be wretched too.”
Lydia cringed at the truth in her friend’s assessment. “That would make me rather snobbish, wouldn’t it?”
Mandy traced her finger along the desktop’s wood grain, and her face became solemn. “After your mother died, you went to great lengths to prove to everyone that you were all right. You still strive to present yourself as perfect as possible.”
“I’d hardly consider that a fault. Father says it’s important for someone in my position to have a good reputation.”
“Your position as the overseer’s daughter?”
“Well, yes, the village has certain expectations of me in that regard, but I meant as a physician. People won’t feel they can come to me for help if they think I need help, which I don’t. Besides, I’m still awaiting the elder council’s decision. I want nothing to jeopardize getting that title. If they knew a man like Frank Roberts follows me around, they might question my aptitude… my morality. I studied and trained for years for this work. I intend to see it through.”
“And so you will. I’m sure of that.” Mandy’s fingers left the desk and found a curl to play with. She glanced at the door then back at Lydia. “I have to teach the music class for the primary students today. Come with me to the school. It will do you good to get out of here for a while.”
She rose from her desk. “Thanks, but Levi is waiting for me.”
Mandy winked. “Ah yes, his land.”
The rhythmic thumps of a horse’s gallop vibrated the floorboards. Lydia dashed to the door and opened it just as Mark Cotter halted his stallion in front of the cottage. “Come quickly, Lydia! Doris has gone into labor!”
“I’m on my way.” She grabbed her medical bag and smiled at Mandy. “Duty calls.”
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More Books by Keely Brooke Keith
The Land Uncharted
Book One in the Uncharted series
A hidden land settled by peaceful people
The first outsider in 160 years
Lydia Colburn is a young physician dedicated to serving her village in the Land, an undetectable island in the South Atlantic Ocean. When Lt. Connor Bradshaw’s parachute carries him from the world war to Lydia's hidden land, his mission could expose her simple society.
As Connor searches for a way to return to his squadron, his fascination with life in the Land makes him protective of Lydia and her peaceful homeland, and Lydia’s attraction to Connor stirs desires she never anticipated. But will they be able to keep the Land hidden?
Uncharted Redemption
Book Two in the Uncharted series
Mandy Foster spends her days building musical instruments and her nights avoiding the discontent that plagues her after sundown. She’s learned how to guard her heart with skillfully played songs and flirtatious smiles.
Levi Colburn is building his house outside the village—across the road from Mandy to be exact. Though he’s been in love with Mandy since childhood, she rejected him once and has been unattainable to every man in the village ever since.
When Mandy’s life is in danger, it’s up to Levi to rescue her.
But will she accept the tender care of the one man who truly loves her?
If she does, her secret would be exposed.
Uncharted Inheritance
Book Three in the Uncharted series
As Bethany Colburn completes her apprenticeship and dodges unwanted suitors, a mysterious man arrives in her village. He brings charm Bethany has never encountered and illness the Land has never known. She will need more than her heightened intuition to uncover the truth about life in the Land.
Just when Everett Foster finds the courage to confess his love for Bethany, a stranger threatens his future with her—and their whole society. Everett must protect the Land, run a farm, and win back Bethany’s heart.
Christmas with the Colburns
Book Four in the Uncharted series
It’s Christmastime in Good Springs, and Lydia Bradshaw is eager for the light at the end of her year—the Colburn family’s big holiday gathering. When she discovers none of her siblings are coming back to the village this year, she believes Christmas will be ruined. As Lydia faces a gloomy holiday in the Colburn house, an unexpected discovery brightens her favorite season. Will it be enough to rekindle the light of Christmas?
Spend Christmas with the Colburns in this inspirational holiday novella. Holiday recipe included!
Uncharted Hope
Book Five in the Uncharted series
Sophia Ashton’s new medical assistant job comes with the perks of living on the Colburn property, which include being surrounded by a loving family—something she’s never known. During the job’s trial period, a patient puts Sophia in a questionable position. Now she must prove her competence or lose her job and home.
Nicholas Vestal is working on a sheep farm to earn a starter flock, but before his contract is up, he inherits a house in the village. While fixing up the old house, he pursues Sophia Ashton, believing she is the woman God wants him to marry. But when Sophia’s difficult past blocks Nicholas’s plan, he must find a way to her heart.
Meanwhile, outside the Land...
When plant biologist Bailey Colburn is offered a research job, she knows Justin Mercer is playing her somehow. Working for the former naval flight officer sounds better than her other options in post-war Norfolk, even though Justin says he once met her long lost relatives. But when Justin introduces Bailey to the mysterious gray leaf tree, his unbelievable claims change her world.
Uncharted Journey
Book Six in the Uncharted series
Young widow Eva Vestal assumes loneliness is God’s permanent plan for her life. She keeps busy by raising her son and co-managing the Inn at Falls Creek with her elderly father, but her heart yearns for more.
Solomon “Solo” Cotter has spent his life working with horses, but he secretly wants to write a book of the children’s stories his grandfather told him as a boy. He barters with Eva’s father for a 40-night stay at the inn, a needed respite from work to get his stories on paper.
Once Eva discovers the barter, she believes Solo is taking advantage of her father’s failing memory. But when tragedy strikes and Solo works hard to save the inn, Eva sees his true nature. As her heart stirs with feelings for Solo, she wrestles with the guilt of loving someone new.
Meanwhile, outside the Land...
Bailey Colburn arrives at the coordinates of the Land on the autumn equinox and finds nothing but ocean. The sun sets, ending Bailey’s dream of a safe and simple life with the family she’s never known. Just when she decides Justin Mercer lied about visiting a hidden land in the South Atlantic Ocean and meeting Bailey’s distant relatives, the atmosphere around the boat changes and ushers her into an uncharted world, but her entrance into the Land comes at a devastating price.
Uncharted Destiny
Book Seven in the Uncharted series
Bailey Colburn is safe in the Land, but her father figure, Professor Tim, never made it to Good Springs. When Bailey discovers Tim is lost in the Land’s dangerous mountain terrain and out of his life-saving medication, she sets out to rescue him. Even with the help of intriguing native Revel Roberts, Bailey faces an impossible journey to save Tim. The mountains are shrouded in dark folklore and full of deadly surprises.
Revel Roberts never stays in one place too long. No matter where he travels in the Land, he avoids the Inn at Falls Creek, his boyhood home and the business he will inherit. But when fearless newcomer Bailey Colburn needs Revel’s help to find her friend, he joins the mission and is forced to return to the place he’d rather forget.
Bailey and Revel’s friendship strengthens as they need each other in ways neither of them imagined. But nothing can
prepare them for what awaits in the Land’s treacherous mountains.
Uncharted Promises
Book Eight in the Uncharted series
Sybil Roberts uses the warmth of delicious meals to lift the spirits of road-weary travelers at The Inn at Falls Creek. Her life at the inn would be perfect if she could just get her brothers and mother to move back home.
And if she could see Isaac Owens again.
He visited the inn once when he interviewed for the farm manager job, and she’s dreamed of his return to Falls Creek ever since.
Isaac Owens knows how to run a farm. His family might not have faith in him, but if he succeeds at Falls Creek, he’ll prove them wrong. He arrives at the inn thinking the job is his, but the inn’s senile owner offered the position to another man too. Isaac must spend the winter competing if he wants to win the job… and Sybil’s heart.
It will take more than warm meals on cold nights for Sybil and Isaac to find love while working at the isolated inn.
The Uncharted Beginnings Series
Aboard Providence
Book One in the Uncharted Beginnings series
In November 1860, Marian Foster joins a group of Virginia families who are sailing away from America to form a new settlement off the coast of Brazil. As an amateur botanist, Marian eagerly anticipates exploring a new land. During the voyage, her heart is drawn to Jonah Ashton, the ship’s handsome physician.
All Things Beautiful (Uncharted Beginnings Book 3) Page 19