Pattern for Romance: Quilts of Love Series by Carla J Gade

Author:Carla J Gade [Gade, Carla J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Published: 2013-08-20T05:00:00+00:00

“This way,” the manservant said. “Widow Lankton and Mrs. Wadsworth shall join you shortly.” Honour stepped into the parlor of Widow Lankton’s grand home.

She sucked in a deep breath, clutching the folds of her gown, utterly shocked at the scene before her. Joshua’s arms enveloped Mrs. Leach, who huddled against his stalwart form. He stroked her hair and spoke in low murmurs as ragged breaths permeated the space between them.

Joshua pulled away, spinning his head toward her. Horror bolted across his face.

Emily stepped back, smoothing her rumpled gown. “Miss Metcalf!” She briskly wiped her flushed face.

“Honour!” Joshua called after her as she fled from the room.

She exited through the front door and ran around to the rear yard. She ran past the gardens to the refuge of a weeping willow. Honour tripped and collided against the old tree, the rough bark pressing into her palms. She turned and girded her back against the pillar, attempting to catch her breath. Honour burst into tearless sobs. She crumpled to the ground, hugging herself as moist drops streamed down her cheeks. How could Joshua engage so inappropriately with a married woman? Yet, this time Emily returned his affections. She pounded the grass with her fists.

Her long tendrils hung loose around her face, and she brushed them away from her eyes, lifting her head. Long, willowy branches dangled to the ground, surrounding her beneath the shelter of the tree. Andrew’s words mocked her. “Like a willow, weeping.” Did he feel sorry for her? For himself? “I would never intrude on your ladylove . . .” he’d said to Joshua.

Ohh . . . Andrew was jealous. He loved Emily, but could not have her because of Joshua. Neither could Joshua have her for his own.

Yet, Joshua claimed her, despite it. The very thought of it made her nauseous. Pain gripped her middle. Her whole being longed for him, though he caused her such agony. She let out a deep sigh, finding his name upon her lips. “Joshua.”

“Honour.”

Joshua emerged through the tangle of willow, coming toward her without reserve.

He held her linen cap in his fists, the black ribbons dangling, and clutching it as if it were his last hope. His earnest gaze pleaded with her. “You must allow me to explain.”

She shook her head. “Must I?”

Joshua reached to her to help her up, but she jerked away. “I was only comforting her.”

“Aye, I see she found great comfort in your arms.” Venom spewed from Honour’s lips. “She has a husband for that, does she not?”

The muscles in Joshua’s jaw pulsed. “My brother loves her, not I.”

“I realize that, but I saw you kissing her. Apparently you have no qualms with impropriety.”

Joshua raked his hand through his hair. “On my honor, I was not kissing her.”

“Honor? Hmmph! I do not want to hear you say the word . . . or my name.”

He lowered himself to the ground, leaning on one knee. “Please. Believe me.”

“My senses do not deceive me.” She looked at the ground, toying with some willow fronds.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.