Circle of Cornflowers
by
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The following day, Emilie did come out of her room, looking for Thomas. Juana pointed toward the front verandah. Emilie drew in her breath and walked outside. She sat down in a rocker next to Thomas.
"I hear you intend to hire that Clare woman to tutor Willie!" She shot a daunting look at her son. "Are you out of your mind?"
Thomas rocked back and forth with one foot braced against a post supporting the verandah's roof. He was cutting an apple and slipped a slice into his mouth. After a while, he answered. "She's coming to help Willie."
Emilie jumped to her feet, and threw her hands up in the air. "When are you going to stop this nonsense with Wille?" She cried, raising her voice. "It isn't fair to expect that child to--to--Oh God!" She gasped. "The boy isn't normal! When will you accept that?"
Thomas stopped rocking, put his foot down and turned to Emilie. "He's a lot more normal than you think! Father knew this and I will do everything I can to prove he was right!"
"Y-your father is dead!" exclaimed Emilie, tears starting to gather. "You keep telling me to accept that. Well, I'm trying, Thomas. I know he's gone from us, but I also know Willie will never be the son you want him to be--never!" Emilie almost tripped over her rocker as she rushed toward the door. "You are stubborn, Thomas! You want that woman here--to tutor Monique's child! How could you?" Her voice broke.
Thomas shot back, "Monique would understand and would want help with Willie, mother. Mrs. Willows doesn't deserve the insults you are throwing at her, either." He continued rocking. "Rest assured, there's nothing to worry about--Mrs. Willows is coming for Willie. You and I don't matter; it's Willie who's important."
"Ohhhh, you're impossible!" Emilie turned at the doorway. "I don't want her in this house!"
Thomas stood up. "She will stay where she will be comfortable--in the rooms occupied by Kirkland. He will take a room in this house."
Emilie pulled a handkerchief from her skirt's pocket and wiped away her tears. "Thank God for that!" She darted back into the house.
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About the Book
Thomas Edwards, a widower, has a son who needs special help to make his First Communion. Son, Willie, is suffering with Cerebral Palsy, known as Little's Disease in 1885. Only teacher successful teaching Willie leaves and a family friend suggests tutor from Philadelphia, who has been successful with another child like Willie. Thomas' hopes are dashed when he and the friend learn teacher is Clare Willows, a woman from Thomas' troubled and tragic past. Years before, Thomas in a vain attempt to help Clare's brother, hunted by the law, had mistakenly killed him instead. Determined to keep pledge made to his father before he died, that Willie would make his First Communion, Thomas sends for Clare, despite warning from his mother, Emilie. Clare accepts, but will old wounds, and a secret love, long buried be uncovered??
About the Author
Ruth Richard Begnaud, journalist, New Orleans native, has been published in the Baton Rouge Times and Morning Advocate. She was reporter-photographer for the Terrebonne Press, Houma, La. Her strengths as a journalist were special features and human interest stories, with her own byline.
She has won several first prizes statewide, both in fiction and special features, with her writer's group, National League of American Pen Women, St. Louis Branch.
Her first novel was Shadow Valley and Circle of Cornflowers follows with its own story of the Edwards family.
The author lived six years near the restored San Fernando Mission, San Fernando Valley, California. Her love of history, adventure and romance helped spring to life characters for her stories.
She lives in St. Louis, MO.