Surrender in Moonlight by Jennifer Blake

Author:Jennifer Blake [Blake, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
ISBN: 0-7592-0051-3
Publisher: ereads.com
Published: 2011-12-13T10:54:30+00:00

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Chapter 12

There was an expectant hush in the ballroom when Lorna made her way toward it again. As she stepped inside, she saw men and women with champagne glasses in their hands, all turned facing the end of the room. The isinglass moon had gone dark, the hour for leaving was at hand. Before the moon, however, stood Edward Lansing, drawn up with 2 glass of champagne held high. His voice rang out clear as he began what was apparently, a well-known toast.

"Here's to the Confederates who produce the cotton," he proclaimed.

"Here, here!" came the reply from the crowd, in deep masculine voices.

"To the Yankees that maintain the blockade and keep up the price of the cotton," he went on.

"Here, here!"

"And to the British who pay the prices to buy the cotton!"

"Here, here!"

"So, three cheers for all three-and a long continuance to the war and success to the blockade runners!"

In the shouts of hurrah that followed, the soprano voices of the women rose higher, surpassing those of the men as they gave vent to their admiration and apprehension for the men who would soon be leaving. It was some time before the babble of voices died away, leaving quiet enough for their host to make himself heard once more.

"I would like to ask the ladies to line the walls, one beside the other, while the gentlemen remain in the center of the floor. This last dance of the evening will be a choice dance, not included on the program. At the signal, the gentlemen will attempt to reach the ladies of their choice before some other scoundrel gets there first. And remember, if you will, that the idea for this was not mine, so I am not to blame for any disappointments! For the sake of the ladies, I will explain that the signal will be the complete lowering of the lights. Is everyone ready? Now!"

This was, without doubt, Charlotte's surprise, Lorna thought as the lights died slowly while servants with candle snuffers on long wands moved down the room, extinguishing the flickering lights. As the last candle was snuffed out, there was a rush of booted feet, a nervous laugh, an assortment of gasps and cries. Then, abruptly, Lorna was caught in a firm clasp and whirled out of reach of other, grasping hands. Her flying skirts brushed the legs of yet another man, and above her head she heard a low chuckle.

"Peter," she said as best she could with his arm constricting her waist.

"A near miss," he said, his lips near her ear.

"Who-"

"Bacon, I think; I saw, him looking in your direction. As for the other, I'm not sure, but I can guess."

Had it been Ramon? There had been nothing to tell her, one way or the other. It might just as well have been Slick or any one of a dozen of the blockade runners she had met in Nassau during the last weeks. Before she could demand an answer, the

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