Dream Song by Linda Ladd

Author:Linda Ladd
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Open Road Media
Published: 1987-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

The ball of the Honorable William C. C. Claiborne, the first American governor of Louisiana, took place in the spacious grandeur of the Theatre d'Orleans. When Bethany entered, her fingers lightly touching Luke's elegant black-clad arm, her whole being thrilled at the magnificence of the scene in front of her. Hundreds of people clustered about the cavernous ballroom in their jewel-bedecked dresses and matching plumes, fans and turbans, diamonds glittering from the creamy skin of many a Creole lady to reflect brilliantly in the gilt mirrors and polished oak floor.

Never in Bethany's life, not even in the fantastic imaginings of a lonely orphan girl, had she expected to attend an affair of such magnitude. It was a dream, a beautiful, incredible dream, one that Luke had given to her just as he had given her the lovely new gown she now wore, a gown of white crepe edged in silver and the necklace of sparkling diamonds clasped around her neck.

He had returned to Cantigny the day after the opera, acting as if nothing had happened between them though Bethany had relived his embrace a thousand times or more. She was glad for the social engagements they were obligated to attend, since they gave her an opportunity to be with a husband who almost seemed to avoid her.

She smiled up at him now with warmth born of a sincere pleasure to be with him, and was thrilled when he smiled back, showing the dimples that she loved.

"You didn't tell me your bride was such a beauty, my friend," said a masculine voice nearby. "No wonder you've kept her hidden at Cantigny all these weeks."

Bethany turned to find the governor himself standing there, a pleasant-faced man with regular features and bright eyes with a hint of purpose in them. Luke reached out to shake his hand, and Bethany noted with approval that the governor did not seem adversely affected by Luke's reputation as le sauvage. She had begun to suspect that Luke had no real friends other than his brother, but she hoped that was not the case with William Claiborne.

"I am hardly hiding her now," Luke was replying, his arm encircling her waist to bring her up against his long, hard side. Though she was sure the affectionate smile he bestowed on her was meant for William Claiborne to see, Bethany's heart melted. Luke's eyes could be so warm at times, and so incredibly green, like emeralds on fire.

"You're looking at me as if you really care," Luke commented, his tone slightly mocking as the governor moved away to rejoin his young Creole wife.

"Perhaps, I do," she answered shyly as couples whirled gracefully past where they stood at the edge of the dance floor.

"Perhaps, you shouldn't."

Bethany looked away from the cold expression that overtook his tanned face. Her teeth caught at her lower lip, and she wished she hated him the way she had at first. But, she didn't, not anymore. Somehow she had grown to care about him, though she knew that was exactly what he didn't want.

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