Nevada Nights Read Free Page B

Allumette means match in French."
    His lips quirked in a half-smile, as if he may have already known this.
    "And did you know that Champlain actually traveled as far as Allumette Island in 1613?"
    He nodded. "Interesting." All the while, his gaze roamed appreciatively over her animated features.
    At ease now, she prattled on. "Did you know we’re in the path of the ice age? Reverend Mother said that upstream from Pembroke and below Des Joachims is one of the few remaining valleys resulting from the stresses of that era. She saw a plateau of granite which juts hundreds of feet above the valley floor. She said it’s—spectacular." She hesitated, realizing how silly she must sound to this stranger.
    "Yes. I’ve seen it. And it is spectacular." His lazy smile caused her heart to tumble wildly in her chest. "Haven’t you seen it?"
    Cameron shook her head, causing her silken hair to drift softly about her neck and shoulders. "I’ve never left this island," she admitted softly.
    "Never? This little strip of land is all you’ve seen?" He studied her intently, loving the color which flooded her cheeks at his scrutiny. "There’s a big world out there to explore someday."
    "Someday," she echoed wistfully.
    Reverend Mother scurried into the kitchen and skidded to a stop at the sight of the two of them. Then she held up a rough, homespun shirt, which she had obviously borrowed from one of the stable hands.
    "This will have to do for now, Mr. Gray. If you will accept our hospitality for the night, we will have your own clothes in order by tomorrow."
    "Thank you," he said. "This is fine."
    Cameron watched in fascination as he slipped on the shirt and stretched it over the taut muscles of his shoulders and chest, quickly tucking it into the waistband of his pants. When Cameron saw Reverend Mother’s narrowed eyes boring into hers, she forced herself to look away.
    "The doctor is finished with Sister Leona," Reverend Mother said. "She would like to see both of you before the sedative he gave her takes effect."
    Reverend Mother walked to the doorway, and Cameron and Michael quickly followed. Walking behind Reverend Mother into Sister Leona’s room, Cameron stopped abruptly. Sister Leona had always been the strongest woman in the convent. Her erect carriage and solid, sturdy build gave the impression of a person completely in control. This stranger lying in the bed frightened Cameron. The removal of her headdress, revealing short, gray hair curling slightly about a pale face, made her appear older and more vulnerable, more human. Her breathing was even, as though she were asleep. Her arm was swathed in thick dressings.
    "Sister Leona, Cameron and the young man are here," whispered Reverend Mother.
    Turning to Cameron, Reverend Mother admonished, "You have only a few minutes with her. She needs her rest." Turning, she softly closed the door as she left.
    Sister Leona’s eyelids fluttered open, and she turned a weak smile on Cameron.
    Relief and guilt flooded through Cameron. She flung herself on her knees at the bedside.
    "Oh, Sister Leona! I’m so sorry. Please forgive me," she sobbed.
    "Here, here, child. Whatever are you sorry for?"
    "For coaxing you to ride with me. I knew you weren’t up to it. It was so selfish of me." A tear coursed down her cheek as she pressed her hand over Sister Leona’s.
    "Cameron, stop that. Do you hear? It wasn’t your fault my horse bolted. It was a snake, I believe. And you did just fine, child. Why, you and this man saved my life."
    As Cameron wiped her eyes, Sister Leona stared up at him. "Reverend Mother tells me your name is Michael Gray," she said slowly.
    "Yes, Sister."
    "Michael, do you believe that the hand of God directs all our lives?" Sister’s voice was thick and muffled from the sedative.
    "It’s not something I’ve given a lot of thought to, Sister. But I’d say yes, I believe that," he replied seriously.
    "Good. Good." She seemed to be speaking to herself. Then louder, to both of