A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano

Author:Joanna Davidson Politano [Politano, Joanna Davidson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian fiction;Inheritance and succession—Fiction;Christian fiction;FIC042030;FIC027170;FIC027050
ISBN: 9781493414024
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2018-06-03T16:00:00+00:00

21

Appearances can be deceiving, but in the end, fruit does not lie. They make it abundantly clear the sort of plant from which they have sprung.

—Notebook of a viticulturist

My eyes roamed about the crowded ballroom for Andrew despite my desire to avoid him. They were a magnet for the man when I knew him to be in the room. Yet his figure did not appear. Perhaps he had retired early. Then I looked about for the man Lucy deemed my partner, but I saw no one who fit. Violins drew out long notes in preparation for the waltzes and polkas to come, and a tickle of anticipation climbed my skin. Then the room fell silent.

Lord Armitage stood on a small platform addressing his guests, the curtained portrait behind him. Grand gestures accompanied the words I could not hear from the doorway, and after a long-winded speech he stepped to the side. Violins sang to accompany the sweeping movement of two servants drawing back the curtain, and there it was—the portrait of Princess Helena, the new bride, captured with elegant beauty in an off-shoulder gown with white roses. Exquisite beading looped about her hair among its chestnut strands. Oh to be in her place today, married and finished with the pain of the unknown, connected to someone forever.

Applause cascaded over the crowd, along with clinking glasses and “Here, here!” As the band swelled into “God Save the Queen,” the room quieted. When the music ended, Lucy leaned close to whisper. “He’s waiting for you.” She tugged my arm and pointed. My roaming gaze passed over the people in the room and lingered idly on a man looking directly at me, through the crowd and chaos, before passing on. Then realization jerked my gaze back and locked onto his familiar form across the room. He remained still as a rock amid the waves of gowns and strangers, those dark, penetrating eyes focused firmly on my face.

It couldn’t be.

But it was—Donegan Vance stood tall and stunning with masculine confidence, wild curls slicked back, and a heart-stopping cocky smile aimed at me. A dark cutaway jacket with velvet trim lay neatly against his chest, open at the top to reveal a crisp white cravat tucked in a stunning silver vest. His rugged appearance had always exuded a sort of raw attractiveness, but the sight of the restrained wildness and strength now standing before me nearly overpowered my senses.

“Well, go to him, then.” Lucy urged me on with a gentle shove.

Breathless, intrigued, I steadied myself and moved forward. I reached him and simply stared up into his handsome countenance until he extended one hand. I took it obediently and watched this foreign yet familiar face.

When the instruments eased into the introduction of a waltz and other partnerships formed around us, I remained suspended in time for a moment, wondering what on earth this man before me would do as the dancing began. Holding our clasped hands aloft and placing his other firmly at my waist, he stared, brown eyes smoldering with untold secrets, lips still tilted up in a roguish smile.

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