Elizabeth Meyette - [Love's 01]

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Book: Elizabeth Meyette - [Love's 01] Read Free
Author: Love's Destiny
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and the firelight flickered on their faces.
    Suddenly Emily caught herself and sprang from the settee, her head swimming, desperately needing some air.
    “It is a beautiful evening, Captain Brentwood. Shall we step out onto the terrace?” she asked trying to steady her trembling. It did not help that the room seemed to be moving, too.
    The half-moon perched on a treetop, and the stars sprinkled across the ebony sky. They walked silently out to the garden, the smoky smell of well-stoked fires filling the crisp air. Emily felt a little steadier. They sat on a bench beneath a tall oak.
    “May I speak frankly, Captain?”
    “By all means, Miss Wentworth,” Jonathon smiled.
    “I do not want to go to Virginia with you any more than you want to be burdened with me. I fully intend to stay here with my brother. Father’s intentions were good, but he was wrong to do this to either of us, and I believe you see the sense in this, too.” Emily folded her hands in her lap as if to end the discussion.
    “Miss Wentworth, may I also speak frankly?”
    “Of course,” Emily nodded.
    “In the carriage on the way over here, I would have given anything to be rid of this responsibility. But now, having met you, Miss Wentworth, I am not so sure I want to be relieved of my duty. I was expecting a young child. Instead, I find a beautiful young woman who has made it perfectly clear that she does not need me. Yet I find that this is just what I want — for her to need me.” Emily could feel her embarrassed blush start at his words. “No, I do not think I will be remiss in my duty. In fact, I am sworn to my promise even more having met you. How can I desert this fair damsel in distress? Why, it is my opportunity to be a knight in shining armor come to rescue a fair maiden.” He leaned forward taking her hand. “Is it possible, my lady, that out of many I might claim your heart?” His voice was low; his eyes sparkled. “Oh, but one kiss from your sweet, gentle lips to carry with me forever would be so kind.”
    Emily felt a new rush of warmth course through her that had nothing to do with the brandy. She knew he was teasing her, yet she tingled with excitement. Just the thought of his soft lips against hers, being held in his strong arms … what was she thinking? She stood quickly.
    “I fear you mock me, sir, when all I desire is to settle our lives so we can each go our separate ways. Please just agree with me that this solution would be best and we shall be finished with it.”
    “I do not mock you, Emily,” Jonathon spoke softly, “but even if I wanted to, which I do not, I could not agree to your plan.”
    “Why ever not?” she cried near tears.
    “Because your father’s will states that I hold everything in trust for you until you marry. Or, if you do not marry, until you reach age twenty-one. I am afraid you cannot be on your own until such time.”
    Emily’s face went white. Tears welled in her eyes, and she turned quickly so he could not see them. It would not do to cry. Not here, not now. Her mind raced. She would be packed off to the colonies, and she was helpless to stop it. What could she do?
    “Then I shall marry.” She had not realized that she had spoken aloud. Michael Dennings had called quite frequently lately. She was sure he would propose soon. Of course, now he would have to wait until Emily was out of mourning. “That is what I shall do.”
    Jonathon cleared his throat. “There is one more thing. I must approve the marriage.”
    “You what?” she shouted. “Do you think, sir, to take my father’s place? How dare you come here and tell me what I can and cannot do? Whom I may or may not marry? Who gives you the right?” She shook with rage. Her upswept hair was coming loose; tendrils tumbled and framed her face and shuddered with her anger.
    “Your father, Emily.”
    Emily stared at him, her mouth half open.
    “Father?”
    “Yes, it is in his will also. Your father loved you very much, Emily. He

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