Dark Splendor by Parnell Andrea

Author:Parnell, Andrea
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, gothic, historical, georgia, colonial georgia history, gothic romance, colonial america, sensual romance, historical 1700s, sexy gothic, andrea parnell, trove books
Publisher: Trove Books

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Silvia kept to herself for the next two days. Pretending to be ill, she spent most of the time alone in her rooms. She did feel a kind of exhaustion, a deep weariness that drained her strength and which no amount of sleep would relieve. She went out only when she was certain she would not encounter anyone in the house or on the grounds.

In time, the entire episode came to be like a bad dream and she might have persuaded herself it had never happened if Schlange’s health had not taken a turn for the better.

Her spirits had actually begun to improve. She was even able to face herself in the mirror without dissolving into tears by the third day. On that morning she called for Anna to help her dress. For the first time since her visit to Schlange’s rooms she was mindful of which gown she chose.

Outside, a rippling breeze stirred and birds filled the air with sweet melodies as she sat at the window. Breathing deeply, Silvia forced herself to think coolly and logically. She couldn’t shut herself away forever or hope to find a way to escape her fate if she simply shut her door on the world. Just the briefest flicker of determination showed in her eyes. She made up her mind that she would go downstairs for lunch. It was important that she sound out everyone and determine if she could count on anyone to aid her. If not the family, possibly one of the servants could be of help.

She shuddered, remembering the ominous manservant Odin and wondering if he kept a watch on the house, though it seemed no one was paying any mind to her the last few days. No one had inquired of her health, and that only served to strengthen her suspicions about Schlange’s hold on the family.

Only Vivien had stopped by her room each day, and being satisfied she was simply frightened from her encounter with Schlange, was content to leave her to herself. As it turned out, Silvia’s newfound courage came too late. Vivien visited her room an hour before lunch, and when she left later, Silvia was too upset to see anyone.

“Mr. Schlange is much improved and will announce the marriage at dinner this evening as planned. He has arranged a special celebration. The others are prepared for a surprise. It is all according to his plan.”

Silvia’s shoulders drooped and all her brooded-over doubts of the past days returned.

“Must it be so soon?”

Vivien’s face darkened menacingly.

“He may have little time left. It is essential it be done while he has the strength to attend to the matter himself.”

Silvia swallowed hard. “And what is my part in this evening other than to be on display?”

Vivien’s brows lifted sharply. “That is precisely your part. To be on display. To be charming. To present yourself as a lonely bride who longs for more male attention than her husband can give.”

“Will that not look ludicrous when I am on my husband’s arm?”

“Your husband will not be in attendance.

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