Glimpsed: Day 8

Word Count: 48,005

Summary of Events:
Chapter 15:
Robert was released to live at the Guests' house and he and Samuel discussed the possibility of leaving Georgetown for elsewhere, at least to reduce Robert's temptation and his memories of Christina. Charlotte received a letter from Deborah about Georgetown, for which she was excited.
Chapter 16:
Samuel and Robert discussed where to go and decided to make some money while they waited for spring to fully establish itself so they could have something to get started elsewhere. Charlotte set out for Georgetown with Peter, although Elisha showed up and was quite upset — but Charlotte managed to pacify him and leave without him following.

Excerpt of the Day:
"As they approached the intersection that led toward the saloon Samuel got tense, waiting for Robert to make a move toward it. When they arrived at the intersection Robert stopped and turned his head, looking down the street toward the saloon.
Samuel braced himself, ready to snap and grab Robert away from moving. Robert said nothing. He stared down toward the saloon. Samuel could see the saloon from the corner, and he was quite sure that Robert could see it too.
Robert sighed and turned his head away from the saloon back to look at Samuel. His face bore an expression of desperate longing and mournful regret. There was a great turmoil in the expression on his face.
Reaching around, Samuel put his hand on Robert's shoulder and guided Robert across the street and off toward Mr. and Mrs. Guest's house. Robert followed without protest and moved along with Samuel's guidance to the house.
When they stepped though the door Samuel heard conversation. Mrs. Guest had company from the sounds of things. Samuel took off his hat and hung it up. Robert looked recalcitrant to go forward.
Samuel stepped forward and he heard Robert following after him reluctantly. The parlour door was open, but Samuel didn't intend to stop by it. He was forced to stop by it when Mrs. Guest peered out, though.
"Oh, Mr. Manning, you're back, and Robert, it's so nice to see you, come, I'd like to introduce you to Georgetown's newest resident," Mrs. Guest said.
Samuel ran his hand through his hair to hopefully straighten it somewhat, so that it would look presentable — as he was sure that the company would be mainly feminine in gender.
Stepping inside the parlour, Samuel found that such was indeed the case. All of the people in the room were ladies enjoying a perfectly ladylike tea. Samuel noticed a young woman with blonde hair like honey and gold mixed together, with vibrant green eyes brought out by the green of her dress.
"Mr. Manning, Robert, this is Mrs. Deborah Pue, wife of Mr. Holloway Pue, the new carpenter here in town," Mrs. Guest said.
At her words the rather fetching young woman Samuel had noticed rose to her feet and dipped her head and shoulders in a demure bow. Samuel nodded stiffly, chastising himself for finding a married woman fetching again. Robert nodded numbly.
"Deborah, this is Mr. Robert Goos, Ella and Verbena's father, and Mr. Samuel Manning, Robert's brother-in-law," Mrs. Guest said.
"I'm very pleased to meet you," Mrs. Pue said, smiling kindly in a way that only seemed to make her all the more fetching. Samuel had to get out of this room. The femininity and the fetching appearance of this woman were stifling.
Samuel glanced around the room, trying to find something else to look at, but all he could see were contemptuous glares from the other women in the room."