This Fierce Splendor: A Loveswept Classic Romance by Johansen Iris

Author:Johansen, Iris [Johansen, Iris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Adventure, History
ISBN: 9780307798947
Amazon: 0307798941
Goodreads: 12308403
Publisher: Loveswept
Published: 1988-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

17

Elspeth cast a quick glance at Malvina saying farewell to Dominic a few yards away by the fence of the corral; she reached into the pocket of her riding skirt. “I’ve written a note to Silver.” Elspeth thrust the folded paper into Rising Star’s hand. “Please give it to her when she returns this evening. I wanted to explain and thank her for everything she’s done for me.”

Rising Star nodded. “I’m glad you thought of her.” She smiled sadly. “It is important that Silver feels she has value to those she cares about. There are too many of us who love her and yet are afraid to show that love.”

Elspeth’s eyes widened. “But you can’t be speaking of yourself. Silver told me how you saw that she was educated and insisted she stay here at Killara for a portion of each year.”

“It wasn’t enough.” Rising Star reached up to pat the nose of the gray mare, her gaze avoiding Elspeth’s. “I was afraid I’d lose what I had gained here. I’m not as brave and bold as Silver. I was afraid to take more than the tiniest step toward her. I will try to do better in the future. Perhaps when my child is born …” She trailed off and smiled. “Everything will be different then.”

“I hope you’re right,” Elspeth said gently. “Good-bye Rising Star.”

“Go with God.” Rising Star took a step back. “Good luck finding your Kantalan.” The faintest shadow seemed to pass through her eyes. “I feel I should be going with you.”

Elspeth shook her head. “You’re with child and there’s nothing for you in Kantalan.”

“No, there’s nothing for me there,” Rising Star whispered. “Except, perhaps, my destiny.” She moved her shoulders as if shrugging off a burden. “But that is the Indian talking. I must think like a white woman now. Whites believe they can write their own destinies. You are right, my place is here with my husband and my child.” She turned away. “Now I must say good-bye to Dominic. Be sure to use the salve I gave you.”

“If he will let me. He is very displeased with me at present.”

“It will pass. I think he’s worried you may be harmed if he takes you with him. I’m surprised that he consented to continue with his plans to go to Kantalan.”

“He had no choice. Do you think I’d let the man ride out alone with a hole in his shoulder? His mother may think he’s as invulnerable as Achilles and as immortal as Zeus because he bears the Delaney name, but I’m not so foolish.”

A tiny smile tugged at Rising Star’s lips. “I see. No wonder Dominic is displeased. He does not like having his decisions challenged. Your trip to Kantalan may be more interesting than I had thought possible.”

The sun was going down when Dominic and Elspeth rode out of the stableyard leading the two pack animals. Rising Star and Malvina gazed after them in silence until they were lost from view. Then Malvina turned briskly back to the house.

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