Silver Enchantress by Patricia Rice

Author:Patricia Rice [Rice, Patricia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Book View Cafe
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Eileen had sent her own letters long ago and sorely regretted her hastiness now. When it had just been herself to protect, it had seemed the most expedient solution. Now she had this tiny seed growing within her, and the complications were overwhelming. Perhaps her letter had never arrived. She had heard no reply nor seen any results. It would be just as well if it had never been sent.

Flinging her bag to the floor of her chamber, she stared at the small writing desk in the corner. Threatening Lord de Lacy had not been an intelligent thing to do at all, but she had been desperate at the time. She did not know for certain if de Lacy could force Edmund to admit Drake’s innocence, but she strongly suspected de Lacy could do almost anything given enough reason. Threatening to expose her uncle as a murderer and rapist seemed sufficient reason.

But it had been a stupid, stupid thing to do. She had burned all her bridges behind her. She could never return to Summer Hall now. He would be waiting for her. She had worked too hard to keep the Summervilles out of this to bring ruin upon them now. De Lacy would not find her in Versailles, but she could not stay here any longer. She had to consider what was in the best interests of the child. Drake’s child.

Eileen sat down abruptly on the bed, still shaking with the wonder of it. She had vaguely known what came of lying with a man, but she had given little thought to the consequences. The idea of having a child had always interested her, but the reality added new dimensions. She wished to know more, but she could talk to no one here if she would keep Drake from knowing. That she had resolved to do already. He had too many burdens to carry still another.

She lay back against the pillows and closed her eyes. Things had been so much easier when she had only herself to consider. She disliked hurting her aunt and uncle, but Drake would probably be relieved to see her go. Perhaps she could find some way to write the Summervilles after the child was born. They would worry, elsewise.

Thinking these thoughts, Eileen drifted off to sleep.

Drake found her there a while later. He relaxed as he gazed down into the innocence of her sleeping features. He missed waking beside her, turning to find her copper hair spread across the pillows, her soft breath stirring the hairs along his arm as he reached for her. She always came willingly, even from the depths of sleep, but he dared not try that now.

Gently sitting on the bed’s edge, Drake bent to loosen her gown and corset so she might sleep easier. These late nights must have been taking their toll for her to sleep during the day. Or perhaps, like himself, she slept poorly alone. It would not do to linger on that thought.

Eileen stirred as the corset came undone, but she did not wake.

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