Love at Stake Deleted Scenes by Kerrelyn Sparks

Author:Kerrelyn Sparks [Sparks, Kerrelyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-12-18T23:00:00+00:00

VAMPS AND THE CITY

DELETED SCENES

HAREM STORIES

MISS CORA LEE PRIMROSE

Kerrelyn Sparks

On page 141 of Vamps and the City, Darcy interviews each of the five harem ladies. The interviews were later edited into the reality show. Cora Lee’s interview was scheduled to appear in the third show when she judged the men on their dancing ability on the rooftop (page 208).

Darcy: Cora Lee, we would love to hear your story.

Cora Lee: Why, thank you kindly.

I was born in Sumter County, Alabama, in 1842. My daddy owned a lovely plantation along the Tombigbee River. Oh, the parties we used to have! Still, the heat would get unbearable in the summer, so whenever my daddy had business to attend to in Mobile, I would beg to accompany him, so I could enjoy the cooler breezes that came in from the Gulf. Mamma never came with us. She was always feeling a bit under the weather and took comfort with Dr. Hadley’s Tonic for Female Ailments. The tonic seemed especially beneficial when followed it with a mint julep.

One summer in 1860, before all that unpleasantness began between the States, I was in Mobile with my daddy and my brother. They went to business meetings all day while I went shopping with my maid, Hattie. We were supposed to meet them that evening at our hotel room close to the port. I put on a very lovely gown so we could go out to dinner. I remember it was sky blue silk, the same color as my eyes, with yards of white lace that came from Paris. I grew impatient waiting for my daddy and brother to return, so I decided I would take a walk and show off my pretty new dress. Poor Hattie was so tired from lugging around my purchases all day that I couldn’t persuade her to come with me. I still remember her words to this day, "Please, Miss Cora Lee, please don’t go out there alone. The port is a dangerous place where wicked men will snatch you up and do terrible things to you!"

Unfortunately, that just made me want to go even more. I was strolling along the pier, enjoying the admiring glances cast my way, when I saw the most delightful riverboat. I commented on its perfect lines and graceful design to the colored man by the gangplank. He introduced himself as André and invited me to come aboard. I laughed and said I had no money for gambling, and my daddy certainly wouldn’t approve of such activity. André just smiled, flashing the whitest teeth, and said he would be honored to take me on a quick tour.

I suppose I should have said no. But then, I wouldn’t be here today. André escorted me onto the riverboat and into the most gorgeous ballroom. Glittering chandeliers, hand-painted, gilded wallpaper, and people wearing the most beautiful clothes. I thought I was in heaven. I remember standing in the middle of the room, pivoting in a circle, taking it all in.

And then I saw him.

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