Rebecca Read Free Page B

sighed as she pulled herself reluctantly from the arms of the man she loved to face the man to whom she was married. Taking her fingers, Nicholas placed them on his arm. Without another word, he led her toward the door at the back of the church. She was startled that there were no shouts of protest, but the others had learned what she knew. Nicholas Wythe was her husband. According to the law, he had done nothing wrong. According to the law, she belonged to him.
    The sounds of a multitude of conversations followed them out into the sunshine. In response to his questions, she pointed out which cabin belonged to the North family. He quickly turned in that direction.
    â€œMy things are all packed,” she murmured. “Hart was going to take them to Keith’s house after the wedding. The trunk is in the main room of the house.”
    When they entered the small house, she fought the tears burning behind her eyes. Never again would she see this place that had been home for all her memory. When she had said farewell earlier, it had not been a real good-bye. She had planned to visit often. That would be impossible if she was living on the far side of the ocean.
    Nicholas said quietly, “Go change, Rebecca.”
    â€œChange?”
    â€œYou do not want to travel in your lovely dress, do you? It might soil quickly on our trip. It isn’t an easy journey to where our ship is docked in New York City harbor.”
    For the first time, she heard a hint of sympathy in his voice. Her eyes rose to meet his ebony ones. In the merest of whispers, she asked, “Why, Nicholas? Why are you taking me away from Keith?”
    â€œKeith? Oh, you mean your erstwhile fiance?” He chuckled in a tone as black as his hair. “My dear Rebecca, you are my wife. I don’t choose to be wed to a bigamist. No, no, there is no reason for you to say it. I don’t plan to let you ask for an annulment. Our wedding was legally and properly done. You are mine, sweetheart.”
    â€œBut you don’t love me!” she asserted. “How could you love me? You don’t know me! The last time we met I was just a child.”
    â€œYou are right. I didn’t come back for you because of love, but there are many reasons to marry other than love. Perhaps in the shock of our reunion you failed to hear me. You are Lady Foxbridge, my dear, for your husband is, by the unfortunate death of his brother, lord of Foxbridge Cloister. I married you five years ago to give you my share of that estate in gratitude for your kindness. Now, you shall have it all, including the lord.” He put his hand to touch the softness of her face. “Rebecca Wythe, you have become so beautiful. I never would have guessed such a scrawny child would turn into such a lovely woman.”
    In horror, she pulled away. Keith’s warnings filled her ears to replay over and over. This man was her husband. Tonight and every night he wished, he could take from her what she wanted to share only with Keith. If he asked her, she should not refuse, for she was his wife. With stern resolve, Rebecca told herself that Captain Nicholas Wythe, Lord Foxbridge of Foxbridge Cloister, whatever that was, would not find it that simple to have her as his lover. She would fight him before she was forced to surrender.
    His eyes narrowed as his eyebrows drew close together. On her face, he read the undisguised emotions of obstinacy and disgust. Although it had been many years since he had been in the company of a lady, he had not been accustomed to being repulsed.
    â€œCome here, Rebecca,” he growled. His hands grasped her shoulders and drew her to him. As one arm wrapped around her, his fingers tipped her chin up so he could view her pretty face. With a satisfied smile, he said, “You have yet to welcome your husband back from the cold of the grave, dear wife.”
    â€œPlease, Captain Wythe—”
    â€œNicholas, my dear,” he corrected,