Linda Castle by Territorial Bride

Author:Territorial Bride [Bride, Territorial]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The trio traveled in relative silence. Patricia seemed preoccupied with her own thoughts and Marisa had been tongue-tied ever since Brooks had whispered in her ear.

Trust me.

Just the memory sent chills trailing over her neck and shoulders.

Within a quarter hour the carriage turned up a long torch-lit driveway. Brooks roused himself and gestured toward the sweeping lawn, which glowed from the moon, as well as from dozens of gaslights.

“John Preston must’ve spent half his fortune on this,” Brooks remarked dryly.

Marisa swallowed hard. This was the biggest party she had attended since coming to New York. Her old fears about being a lady nipped at the corners of her mind, but she pushed them aside, determined to conquer her fear of inadequacy once and for all.

As the carriage rolled along the paving stones of the driveway she got a better look at the house beyond. Torches burned along the walk, bordering the edge of the spacious lawn all the way to imposing steps that were flanked by a pair of carved lions.

“I hope he has not squandered all his fortune.” Patricia smiled. “I would like a bit of it for the hospital. And I intend to spend the evening persuading Mr. Preston to endow St. Michael’s.”

Brooks chuckled and shook his head. “I should’ve known there was a reason you insisted I come along. Do you think you will need reinforcements?”

Marisa’s eyes darted to Patricia’s face. The older woman lowered her lashes as if she might be a little embarrassed. “No, I do not. I want you to spend the evening with Marisa. It is rude for her to be unescorted.” She turned her gaze upon Marisa. “I hope you don’t mind, dear, but it is very important that the hospital receive some money.”

Marisa would not allow herself to look at Brooks. But even as she thought it, her eyes met his.

A river of molten passion seemed to pass from one to the other in that gaze.

“I promise I won’t leave her side for a single moment,” Brooks said as his eyes raked over her hotly.

“I am so pleased you two are getting along better,” Patricia said.

The moment her back was turned Brooks leaned across the carriage. “Do you hear that? I have my own mother’s blessing.”

* * *

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