Chapter 118

Nicholas Howard looked nothing like his brother. He was slender, though Hope got the impression there was strength in his arms when he shook her hand. Without his hat, he was only an inch or two taller than her, and he had a friendly smile, the sort that put a person at ease almost immediately.

Hope found a gentleness in his nature from the moment he asked how her trip was. Seated on the settee in Mrs. Howard's parlor, Doc, as the rest of the family called him, across from her in a chair, Hope found herself prattling on for quite some time about the train ride, and he listened and asked questions. She felt instantly comfortable and confided in him more than she had ever done so with a complete stranger.