Captive Mistress by Deborah Levarre

Author:Deborah Levarre
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance, Fiction, Historical, General
ISBN: 9780821712825
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 1983-11-01T07:00:00+00:00

Seventeen

Christy opened the door of the quiet office and stepped outside into the crowded Charleston street. The sudden brilliant sunlight stung her red, puffy eyes, temporarily blinding her from the thriving life about her.

“Watch where you’re going, dearie!” came a harsh rebuke as she stumbled against an elderly, parcelladen woman.

“Excuse me,” Christy muttered, clutching a nearby post until her vision cleared. She gazed out into the busy street, but hardly saw the people scurrying about trying to finish their errands and find a cool haven from the oppressive heat. The noon stage thundered by and screeched to a halt in front of the Bay City Hotel, but she was scarcely aware of its existence. Her thoughts were still locked on the events in the quiet little office from which she had just stumbled.

She picked her way across the street to her buggy and set a course for Penncrest. Once away from the humming city life, she settled back to mull over her dilemma.

For the past two months she had been lying to herself about her peculiar earlymorning sickness and the disruption of her monthly cycle. However, with the , 318

\ distinct thickening of her waistline, she had finally decided to visit Dr. Littman.

But even though she had finally forced herself to contemplate the real cause of her malady, it had still been a shock to hear the doctor confirm her suspicions. “My dear, you are with child.” His words had been calm, but they struck her like a slap in the face. Only after she had sipped on a small glass of brandy the doctor had offered her did color once again return to her thin, pale face.

Dr. Littman had studied her, reaction closely, and in his own abrupt and outright manner had asked who the father was. She had reddened with shame, hesitating in her response, but had finally told him the truth. As for the turbulent details of the conception, she refused to elaborate. What had happened was between Michael and herself, and no one else need know.

“I would guess Michael knows nothing of your condition?” Christy nodded weakly. “Well then, face him. Tell him you carry his child. He is a fair man. He will do what is right for you, I am sure. For the good of yourself and your unborn child, do not take this upon yourself as your own burden. Michael has a right to know the truth, and the duty to take care of you both. Think it over and I am sure you will agree with me. Please promise me, Miss Patterson, that whatever you decide to do, you will come to me if you need help. You need not feel alone. There are those who can and will help you through this.”

As she bumped along the dusty road, Christy struggled with mixed emotions. It was wonderful to know that a tiny seed was growing within her that she would one day hold her baby close and cradle him in her arms. She had always looked forward to the day she herself would become a mother.

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