"I'm glad to hear it. Tell me, Holly, have you ever wondered at the fact that you and I have never kissed?"
*Wbat?*Holly nearly shouted at him, sure that she had misunderstood.
"Well, it's a perfectly normal thing to think." Jordan was as calm as if he'd been discussing the season's rainfall. "I mean we've spent hours together over the years, and it's not as if we find each other repulsive." Jordan had shifted to one side of the piano bench and was studying Holly with a roguish eye. Holly moved to put more space between them; in feet, she moved to put the piano between them.
"I don't know what's come over you, Jordan, but I think you had better leave." Holly hated how breathless she sounded, but she couldn't seem to help it.
"No," he said easily as he came off the bench. "I'm too curioustoleave."
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"Curious?" Holly felt a bit inquisitive herself.
"About what it would be like to kiss you." Jordan started
her.
Holly's eyes widened, and she moved completely around the piano, talking as she went.I
"Now you stop this, Jordan Townsend," she admonished him. 1 "You're in love with Sunny, and youVe got no business kissing me or anyone else."
"In love with Sunny?" Jordan sounded amused, as he calmly stalked her. "Who told you that?"
"No one told me. I, unlike some people, have eyes in my head."
"Ah, yes," Jordan was now back standing in front of the bench where he'd begun, looking tenderly over the top of the piano at Holly. "I believe it was the night of Sunny's coming-out ball," he continued. "You told me I wouldn't know a good thing if it bit me on the nose. You were right, my love," Jordan added gently as he sat down once again.
"Come over here, Holly." His voice was still as soft, but it was a command. Holly, always obedient, moved toward him dutifully, but ^ then stopped short.
"I can just as easily come to you," Jordan went on. "In feet, if I have to climb right over the top of this piano, I will. I'm rather hoping, however, that you'll want to come over here, as much as I want you to."
Holly was uncertain, but she allowed herself to approach him nonetheless. Jordan moved to one side of the bench, and Holly sat next to him. As soon as she came near enough, Jordan turned slightly and reached for her hands.
"Never has anyone or anything confused me like you have. I didn't know if I was coming or going," he admitted. "It wasn't until you spoke to me at the ball like you did that I realized what I'd been missing."
"Sunny-" Holly began.
"Is a good friend. I care for her deeply, but she's not the woman I want to marry. Not even when I thought I was in love with Sunny did I feel for her as I do for you."
"You'll change your mind," Holly began.
"No, I won't," Jordan stopped her gently. "I want to marry the sweetest woman in all of England. I want to marry a black-haired
woman with skin as soft as rose petals and eyes so dark and lovely I could get lost in them."
Tears pooled in Holly's eyes. "Do you have any idea how long I've cared for you?" she asked softly, suddenly sounding very weary.
Jordan's answer was to pull on her hands until she was close enough to kiss. Jordan's lips gently touched her own for just an instant. Holly's sigh was so heartfelt that Jordan kissed her again, this time, his arms going around her, and with all the love he felt inside.
"I want to be married right away," Jordan told her when he could speak. "In fact I want to talk with your father today. Any objections?"
Holly's answer was to kiss him again. Jordan smiled when she broke the kiss. "That's what I love, Holly, a woman who knows a good thing when she sees it."
"Sunny," Aunt Lucy called. "Have you seen my little jewel box? The one I keep by my bed?"
"Why, Aunt Lucy," Sunny replied. "I wouldn't touch your things."
"Oh, I know, my dear, but I know I put it there, and now it's missing."
"I'm sure it will turn up," Sunny said rather indulgently. This wasn't the first thing Aunt Lucy had misplaced, and as Sunny had said, everything always turned up. The elderly woman went back to her papers then, and Sunny was given a few moments of quiet thought.
Since moving to Ravenscroft, she had misplaced a few things herself, and they too, always turned up. But it wasn't like her to do that, and for a moment Sunny wondered at her staff. She hated to doubt them-it felt very disloyal-but she couldn't seem to help herself. Some of them had come with Aunt Lucy and had been with her for years, but one maid, Tina, had been recently hired. She had worked for Heather, and when she had found out that Aunt Lucy was moving to the country, had asked to be replaced at the Jamiesons'.
And then of course there was Wilson. Sunny was still not comfortable with him. She had even talked with Rand, who had admitted that he had asked Wilson to keep an eye on her. At the time it
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seemed to explain the feeling that someone was listening outside the door and the sense of being watched, but then recently something else had happened.
Wilson had come up missing one morning when Sunny needed him. When she questioned the staff, no one knew where he had gone. He had shown up in just a few hours and had a very valid explanation for leaving, but Sunny had been disturbed. She told him if it happened again, he'd be dismissed. He was quite apologetic, but Sunny was not comforted.
And then there was Phipps. He worked in the stables, and Sunny was always a bit alarmed over how willing he was to ride with her. He was not a young man, nor did he make improper advances hi any way, but his protection of her seemed a bit excessive.
Sunny let out a soft sigh. Maybe she wasn't cut out to be the mistress of her own home. Chelsea and Heather had made it look so easy. Since Aunt Lucy was still quiet, she began to pray.
Lord, if there is something unsafe here at Ravenscroft, please show me. Help me to be discerning. If You want me to go back to Willows' End, Vttgo. I love my home here, but something just isn't quite right.
"Excuse me, my lady," Wilson interrupted from the door. "Lady Holly is here to see you."
"Thank you, Wilson," she said softly and made an instantaneous decision. Holly's wedding, scheduled for April 20, 1849, was just ten days away. After all the celebrations calmed down, she would speak to Rand.
"Hello," Holly called as she entered and nearly danced across the sunlit salon. Sunny rose to hug her and then turned her to face Aunt Lucy.
"Aunt Lucy," she said with a gleam in her eye. "Don't you think that Holly looks a bit ill these days? I mean, she has no color in her face at all, and her eyes have such a listless look about them."
Aunt Lucy, who never caught a joke the first time, studied Holly's radiant countenance with a serious expression.
"Well," Aunt Lucy spoke hesitantly. "She does look rather flushed." She stopped at Sunny's low chuckle.
"Oh, you dear girls," she beamed at them. "I never know when you're making a joke."
The younger girls laughed then and took the davenport. They sat with heads dose together and talked about the wedding to come. Aunt Lucy listened with half an ear and didn't interrupt. She remem-
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bered well how it felt to be young, and the way she felt at her own coming out.
**I must put that in my book," she said decisively as she stood. "Tildy," she called as she exited the room, not bothering to bid the girls goodbye.
"How do you like living with Aunt Lucy?" Holly wanted to know when the older woman had left.
"I really like it. If I need to think, and she's rattling on, I just tell her. Some days she's quite clearheaded and others she's not. Strangely enough, she seems to be aware of what a chatterbox she can be and isn't the least offended if I ask her to stop. The only cloud-" Sunny hesitated.
"What were you going to say?" Holly urged her.
Sunny, wanting to confide in someone about the servants, explained briefly and then asked Holly to be praying with her. "It might not be anything, and I don't want to overreact. I'm going to talk with
your father after the wedding."
"Why don't we pray right now?" Holly suggested, and they did just that. They sat together for an hour, covering subjects far wider than Ravenscroft as they lifted loved ones near and far to the Lord.
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sunny had never seen or even imagined a bride as beautiful as Holly Gallagher. She was a vision of loveliness in a snow-white gown and a veil that streamed out for yards behind her. Sunny, who couldn't take her eyes off Holly, didn't realize the vision she herself made in a deep rose gown. Her hair was piled atop her head and little curls fell around her neck and forehead.
As maid of honor, Sunny was to be the last to come down the aisle ahead of Rand and Holly. She waited in a room by herself this time, and found she was more nervous than when she had stood up at Dexter and Judith's wedding. Sunny's nerves had been affecting Holly, so Rand had found his sister a small room where she could be alone to wait and pray.
Brandon seemed to know he was needed and sought out Sunny while guests were being seated. They'd had little contact since he had been to Ravenscroft, but when he showed up to keep her company, she was much relieved to see him. Keeping his feelings for her at bay, Brandon carried on an effortless conversation, and even managed to make Sunny smile and forget her nerves.
"Have you seen Mother?" he asked kindly.
"No."
"Well, I think she looks especially lovely, but since the first of her grandchildren is being married, she's somewhat tearful."
"She is?" Sunny was very concerned, not ever having seen Andrea break down and cry. "Is she all right? Maybe I should go to her."
"Well," Brandon smiled to himself at how selfless she was. Sunny had quickly forgotten the long walk she must make up the aisle. "I believe she's already seated, but do find her at the dance. I know she'd enjoy talking with you. Did I tell you how lovely you look?** Brandon's tone was just as conversational with this change in subject, but Sunnv's entire demeanor altered.
"Do I really Brandon?"
"Yes." He was surprised at her question. "Did you think otherwise?"
"It's not that," Sunny admitted, her cheeks heating slightly.
"What is it?" Brandon prompted her gently.
Sunny hesitated for just an instant, studying the floor as she answered. "I just value your opinion, that's all."
Brandon's long-fingered hand was gentle as it captured her jaw and brought her gaze to his own. His fingers were tender as they stretched up onto the soft skin of her cheeks.
"I'm glad to hear that. And since I am now aware, allow me to alter my first choice of words. Utterly captivating is a much more accurate description for the way you look." His eyes were loving, and Sunny could not tear her gaze away.
"And please allow me to apologize once more," he went on in soft regret, "for my unforgivable question while in your home. I can't think what caused me to act in such a fashion, or to speak to you that way, but I've deeply regretted it ever since."
"Thank you, Brandon." This second apology meant more than she could say. Again their eyes held, and Sunny thought her heart would melt with the love she felt.
/would make you ct wonderful wife,she said in her heart, hoping beyond hope that he would someday see past the calm face she always presented, and also hoping that someday she too would be able to share her feelings.
Brandon did see something, but he wasn't sure of the source. He opened his mouth to speak, but someone knocked on the door.
"That's your cue," Brandon told her, moving his hand slowly from her face and taking a step back.
Sunny's thoughts were such a jumble that she moved past him without a word. In just moments Brandon was forgotten. Sunny caught sight of the crowd and took her place at the rear of the church, her heart again thumping with fear.
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Jordan led his bride onto the dance floor in cadence to the first waltz. Sunny stood watching them and worked to control her tears. She thought they made the most beautiful couple in the world. The love she saw in Jordan's eyes as he looked into Holly's face made something painful squeeze around her heart.
Jordan had said that Holly looked at him as a big brother and that he was going to change all of that. Sunny couldn't help but hope that someone else might be feeling the same way. Brandon, unnoticed by Sunny, was feeling just that, as he stood to the side of her and surreptitiously studied her face.
Does she regret that it's Holly who*s married and not her?Brandon asked the question of himself, now knowing that Sunny was not in love with Jordan. Through various conversations Brandon had learned that the very day he had seen Sunny with Jordan was the day Jordan had come to tell Sunny of his love for Holly. Brandon felt agony all over again at how he had judged her. He now watched as Foster claimed Sunny for a dance and found himself wishing he had asked her first.
"You're scaring them away, do you know that?"
"Who, Mother?" Brandon feigned innocence, his eyes still on Sunny.
Andrea was not fooled. "The several young men who were interested in dancing with Sunny. Your scowl was so fierce it even scared me."
Brandon chuckled softly, but sobered on his mother's next words.
"If you're not going to claim her, Brandon, give her a chance to love someone else."
"You make it sound as though she loves me now."
"Indeed. I believe she does." Andrea watched Sunny and Foster's progress on the floor as well.
Brandon looked at his parent for the first time. Her face was a study in confidence. Still, Brandon slowly shook his head.
WI would act within the hour if I believed that were true, but I'm afraid I see no evidence."
Andrea could only nod. He was right. Sunny was a master at
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hiding her feelings. However, Andrea believed that Sunny wouldn't be hiding her feelings if Brandon would only reveal his. Suddenly she smiled to herself. Milton had asked her years ago if she would wish to marry again.
No, my sweet matchmaking father-in-law,she thought to herself.The Lord has made me most content just as I am.
"Where are my manners?" Brandon's voice broke into her thoughts. "Mother, may I have this dance?"
Andrea beamed up at her oldest son and allowed him to swing her onto the floor for a minuet. The dance took all his concentration, or Brandon might have noticed the way Rand had captured Sunny and was talking to her in an alcove just off the dance floor.
"I don't want to overreact. That's why I didn't come to you right away."
"And you say that it's Wilson, Tina, and one of the stable hands?"
"Yes, but there's more to it than that, Rand. I always felt protected at Willows' End, but never spied upon. Now at Ravenscroft I hear noises in the hall, but no one is there. I feel eyes on me, but no one appears to be watching. My room feels as though it's been invaded at times, but nothing is ever missing. A few times I thought I misplaced something, only to have it turn up a day later." Sunny shrugged, suddenly uncomfortable with how near to tears she felt.
"I don't want to cry at Holly's wedding" was all she said, and her brother understood completely. His voice was no longer tender, but became extremely businesslike.
"I'll be coming by just as soon as we head home. I'll do some checking and have a look around. I think we should return to the dance, but before we go I need to tell you that I trust Wilson. Call it gut instinct if you will, but I think he'll do all right by you."
Rand's voice, as well as his words, rescued Sunny, and within moments they returned to the dance floor.
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"Chelsea?** Sunny called from the doorway of the bedroom, hoping she was not asleep.
"You can come in, Sunny," Chelsea answered from the bed, "but if you're looking for Rand, he's still downstairs."
Sunny shook her head and slowly approached the bed; she climbed onto the foot, her feet tucked beneath her.
"It was a beautiful wedding, wasn't it?"
"Yes, indeed," Chelsea agreed, and waited for the real reaso
n Sunny had sought her out at this hour of the night.
"Whenever a new woman would come into the harem," Sunny began, "she would be prepared, bathed, and groomed for her first night with the emir. It didn't matter how she had come to be there, as a slave or as the daughter of another household; she was always terrified. All the women went willingly to the emir's chambers after the first night, but they were very frightened that first time."
Chelsea, a bit in shock over Sunny's words, watched as tears puddled in her eyes. "I can't stand the thought, Chelsea," she finally sobbed. "I can't stand the thought that Holly will be frightened tonight. I know Jordan is a wonderful man, but I can't stand the thought that she'll be afraid."
Chelsea's arms opened, and Sunny climbed high onto the bed to be held. She was 18 years old, but tonight she felt about ten. Chelsea pressed a large handkerchief into her hands, and Sunny didn't notice that Rand had joined them. Chelsea waited a moment for the harsh sobs to abate, and then began to speak calmly.
"First of all, you're exhausted, and everything always looks worse when you're tired. Second, you couldn't be more right about Jordan; he is a wonderful man. But there is something else I want you to consider. Have you thought about how scared Jordan might be tonight?"
Sunny's head came off Chelsea's pillow, and she stared at the older woman in the lantern light. Rand was in the dark, sitting in a chair on the other side of the bed. He smiled at the look on Sunny's face.
"Sunny." Chelsea spoke gently as she brushed the tangle of hair from the younger girl's face. "Rand and I both saved ourselves for marriage. Neither one of us came to our marriage bed with experience, but Sunny, that's just the way God wants it. I won't tell you that we weren't a little nervous, but we loved each other, desired
each other, and knew we were married in the sight of God and with His blessing. No relationship is perfect, but because we've always worked to please each other above ourselves, we've enjoyed the physical side of our marriage for years."
"Oh, Chelsea," Sunny was sobbing again. No one had ever explained it that way, and Sunny was so relieved that all she could do was cry. Chelsea knew it was time to get this girl into bed. They moved down the hall toward Sunny's room, Chelsea's arm around her, still talking softly. Chelsea bent low over Sunny's bed to kiss her goodnight and told her to sleep as late as she wanted in the morning.