Magnificent Passage Read Free Page B

marry us, but we can cross the territorial line. I’ll marry Jason under an assumed name. The marriage won’t be legal, but if we can get some time alone together, maybe Father will worry about the scandal and let the marriage stand. I’m sure if he ever gets to know Jason, he’ll give us his approval. Time, Mandy. Time is what we need.”
    Mandy hugged Julia protectively, trying to act as mature as her eighteen years would allow. She wondered enviously if she would ever be fortunate enough to love as her cousin did.
    The sound of a man’s heavy boots crunching against the gravel beside the house attracted their attention.
    â€œJason!” Julia flew to the sill and leaned out, taking the hand of the handsome Army officer who stood outside. His dark blue uniform was spotless, the brass buttons polished to a fine sheen.
    â€œI’m on duty until eight,” Jason Michaels said to Julia. “Maybe when I get off we could go for a walk.” He smiled at her lovingly. The pleasure he felt in seeing her glittered in his blue eyes.
    Mandy felt a lump in her throat. They looked so happy together. Such a perfect match. It just didn’t seem right for Uncle William to keep them apart. Mandy was sure Uncle William didn’t believe Julia really loved Jason, but Mandy believed it. She’d never seen her cousin so happy.
    Though Julia had always been the life of every party, inside she had been lonely. If she lost Jason, she might be lonely forever. Mandy’s heart felt leaden.
    â€œUncle George left this morning for a tour of duty at Fort Sedgewick,” Julia told Jason. “Mrs. Evans, our next-door
neighbor, is supposed to be our chaperone. She’s been watching us like a jailer, but I’m sure a walk won’t be considered a jailbreak.” She smiled up at the tall lieutenant.
    â€œI’ll see you tonight, then,” Jason said.
    She nodded, leaned out, and kissed his cheek. She watched his receding figure until he disappeared from sight, then she turned her attention to Mandy.
    â€œMandy, there’s something I need to discuss with you.” She took a deep breath as if readying herself for a contest of wills, and Mandy shifted her weight nervously from one foot to the other. “Since I met Jason, I’ve discovered what I really want in life—a home, a real home, and a family. I want to marry Jason more than anything in the world. Please, Mandy. You’ve got to help me.”
    Mandy felt a tightness in her chest. “I wish I could, Julia, I truly do. If there were anything—anything at all, you know I would.”
    â€œI hoped it wouldn’t come to this,” Julia said, wringing her hands. She seemed a little nervous, her gaze a little hesitant. “There is something you could do. I’ve been thinking about it ever since I got Father’s wire.” She squared her shoulders in a gesture of determination.
    â€œI didn’t mention it before because I was certain we’d think of another way. Now time’s running out, and we’re all out of ideas.”
    â€œI can’t imagine any possibility we’ve overlooked,” Mandy said, sure there was very little chance of outwitting the governor. “But of course, if there is something . . . ”
    â€œYou know I wouldn’t ask you if there were any other way. I’m desperate, Mandy. Please, say you’ll do it.”
    Mandy eyed her cousin suspiciously. Julia had always
been able to talk anyone into anything. “What is it, Julia? What do you want me to do?” She watched her cousin’s face carefully. Green eyes gleamed with mischief, leaving Mandy with an odd queasiness in the pit of her stomach.
    â€œI want you to take my place,” Julia announced. “I want you to pretend you are me.”
    â€œWhat?” Mandy clutched at the sill. One hand crept to the base of her throat where she felt a rapid, fluttery pulse. “You