Catherine Coulter - Star Quartet 02 by Midnight Star

Author:Midnight Star
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-11-25T23:51:12+00:00

Chauncey was pulled from her roiling thoughts by Captain O'Mally's cheerful lilting voice. "A moment, everyone! I propose a toast. To Delaney and Elizabeth Saxton, our newlyweds."

Brent Hammond's black brows arched upward and there was a decidedly wolfish gleam in his dark eyes.

"To the lovely bride," he said, his deep voice bland as the white rice.

"May your union be blessed," Reverend Divine added in a pompous voice.

Chauncey's eyes flew to his face. Blessed! He must mean children! She felt her temples throb. Delaney had promised her, had assured her ...

MIDNIGHT STAR 239

She could feel his seed explode deep within her body, filling her. "Oh no," she whispered.

"What, Mrs. Saxton? Another toast?"

It was Mr. Hammond's smooth, mocking voice. Damn him! She lifted her chin, looked at him full in his darkly handsome face, and announced in a thankfully calm voice, "Yes, indeed, Mr. Hammond. A toast to the Scarlet Queen. And to my husband's excellent taste in wineglasses."

Chauncey couldn't face the array of sweet desserts, and nibbled on a small bunch of grapes. She could feel Delaney's concern, his puzzlement. God, she wanted to be alone! When the meal was finally over, she heard Captain O'Mally ask to speak privately with Delaney about some urgent business matters. She turned swiftly, schooled her features into what she hoped was the understanding-wife look, and said, "I shall be fine, Del. Indeed, I think I should like to walk on the deck for a while. It is a beautiful night."

Delaney wasn't fooled for an instant. Very well, his expressive eyes told her, I shall leave you be for the moment. "Soon, my dear," he said, patting her hand. "Your stateroom, Rufus?" he asked.

Chauncey drew a relieved breath as she made her way to their stateroom to fetch her velvet mantle. A few minutes later, she was walking past the gaming salon. She heard the laughter, and snatches of gay conversation. She walked forward, relieved that the one remaining couple on deck was leaving. She was alone with her thoughts at last. What thoughts? she asked herself facetiously. The night was beautiful, she thought vaguely, leaning her head back to gaze up at the quarter-moon and the array of bright 240 Catherine Coulter

stars overhead. She could see little of the shore, just the black outline of trees and hills. Not a soul out there, she thought, just savage, uncivilized land.

She leaned her elbows on tr|e brass railing and stared down at the rippling |lark water of the Sacramento River. She wondered what kinds of fish were below the murky surface.

I am changing, she thought, finally admitting it to herself. I am losing my purpose, succumbing to a man who is responsible for my father's death. Her hands gripped the railing until her knuckles showed white.

But it was the beautiful wedding ring that caught her attention. She closed her eyes a moment, trying to recapture the awful pain and bitterness she had nourished for the past long months. "I cannot falter," she said softly, the words merely forming silently on her lips.

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