Satin Surrender by Carol Finch

Author:Carol Finch [Finch, Carol]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Scan; HR; Runaway; Antebellum South; Louisiana; Riverboat
ISBN: 9780821718612
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 1986-08-02T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

When the servant rapped on her door to inform her that she had a guest, Erica bounded down the steps, expecting to see her aunt. She came to a screeching halt when she saw Elliot Lassiter propped against the balustrade, peering up at her and displaying his most charming smile.

"Good morning." He greeted her in a cheerful tone. "I have come to take you on an outing. What would you like to do today?"

Erica smiled weakly. "I doubt that Dante would approve."

Elliot's shoulders lifted in an unconcerned shrug. "Your servant tells me that you are only allowed out of the house in the presence of a chaperone." Elliot bowed in the chivalrous manner of the knights of old. "I am at your service, my lady. Name your destination and I will see that you safely reach it."

Why not? Erica asked herself. She would like to visit her aunt. Surely Dante wouldn't complain about such a harmless excursion. Besides, he returned home so seldom that she doubted he would miss her.

"Thank you, Elliot. I accept," she said, blessing him with a smile that nearly melted him.

As they rode toward Natchez in Elliot's carriage, Erica inhaled a breath of fresh air and then relaxed. Elliot was gentleman enough not to mention her appearance in his home, and for that she was thankful. He was charming and attentive, giving her no reason to complain about his behavior. After he escorted her to her aunt's store and informed her that he would return within an hour to take her to lunch, Elliot took his leave and Erica glanced up to find Lilian staring at her.

"I thought Dante ordered you to remain at his plantation until the danger with Sabin had passed."

"I have a very capable chaperone," Erica assured her, letting her eyes stray to the plump, gray-haired old woman who sat in her usual position in the corner.

"Forgive my manners," Lilian chuckled as she followed Erica's gaze. She took her arm and led her toward Madeline. "Erica, this is Madeline Perkins, a dear friend of mine. And this is my niece, Erica. She has recently wed Dante Fowler."

From behind thick spectacles, Madeline gave Erica the once-over. "Dante's wife?" she murmured thoughtfully. "I doubted that the lad would ever wed. He is such a cynical sort."

Erica was startled by the woman's frankness, but she merely smiled. After all, what could she say to that? Madeline had Dante pegged as a skeptic, and he was skeptical about love.

"Erica, why don't you show Madeline to the parlor. The two of you can become better acquainted. I am expecting a customer momentarily, but I'll join you when I've finished my business transaction."

Erica spent the next quarter of an hour answering prying questions. The older woman was skilled in extracting information without seeming offensive. Indeed, her interest in Erica's past was very sincere. Nonetheless, Erica was relieved when her aunt joined them and brought a halt to Madeline's third degree.

"How are the two of you getting along?" Lilian inquired as she sank down in her chair and peered at Madeline.

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