Abigail's Secret (A Whimsical Select Romance Novella) by Tamara Ternie Read Free Book Online Page A

labor and heart raced in wild secessions when Brice caressed her hands within his.
    “I dare say,” Brice said concerned, “I believe you are going to faint.” He released her hands and cupped her face with his strong, warm hands. “We shall call for one of your maids to dress this wound.  I believe it’d be best if you lie down and rest.” He scooped her into his arms and laid her out onto the bed. He leaned over her and their eyes met. At first he looked startled but his face softened and he smiled down at her. They looked at one another for a spell, and it was well longer than what society would deem proper. But there was something sweet and gentle in the way he caressed her with his stare and Abigail was reluctant to look away.  Brice lowered his head and his lips verged on touching hers.
    She was so mesmerized by Brice that she hadn’t heard Thomas enter the room.  Her brother hemmed and loudly cleared his throat and made his presence known.  Abigail guiltily jumped from the bed.
    “We weren’t doing anything improper,” she rushed out.
    “You’re an unmarried woman who is laying in a bed with a half-naked and nearly betrothed man, my dear.  That is the epitome of impropriety.”
    H er cheeks heated in a blush. Although Thomas gave a hint of a smile, she didn’t find any relief from her embarrassment. Abigail quickly gathered the linens and water and started working on the task that had sent her into the room from the start.  “I’ll be done here shortly,” Abigail supplied.
    Thomas looked at Brice.  “Tess asked me to check on her, ‘dear Mister Winslow.’” He imitated Tess’s honeyed voice which was more soothing than listening to breezes rustle the tree leaves.  “After today’s events and your gallantry, I can’t imagine her choosing anyone else to take her hand,” Thomas said. “She is beyond smitten by you now.”
    Brice sat up a little more erect. “Is that so?” he amusingly asked and smiled.  “I’ll go to her as soon as Abilene is done here.”
    Abigail reached into the medicine bag and retrieved the carbolic acid.   She saturated his wound with the stringent liquid and Brice nearly flinched so hard that he jumped from his seat.  He sucked in a deep breath.
    “ By God, Abilene, you did that on purpose,” he said between tightly clenched teeth.
    “ Quit bellyaching and sit still, Brice,” she chided. Abigail finished wrapping his wound, which was as Brice stated, a flesh wound that hadn’t penetrated the bone.  Despite being annoyed with him, she was relieved it wasn’t worse.
    Brice reach ed for his shirt and dressed.  “It’s getting late.  Best if I say my farewells to Abigail and head back home.”
    “Be careful,” Thomas warned.
    His gaze met Abigail and he looked catawampusly chewed up.  Brice observed her for a dreadfully long time and Abigail wondered if he was ruminating about what she did with the carbolic acid or thinking about their near kiss.  She was beginning to believe he was just as displeased with her by both.  It was then she realized that that it was going to be a hard row to hoe if she was going to win Brice’s heart.
    Abigail considered telling him the truth.  She wanted to remove all the deception between them as well as prevent another attack that may prove more fatal. But before she had the chance to cleanse the air, Brice walked out the door.
    “So what are your thoughts on what transpired this evening?” she asked Thomas.
    “I believe someone wants to eliminate the biggest competition.”
    “ I agree.  It’s best if we just end this charade, Thomas.  I never imagined something so dreadful could come of it.”
    “There’s no need to go to such lengths due to this evening’s event s.  I’ll send some inquires and I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of who was responsible for tonight.”
    “I believe we’re getting nowhere with this plan.  As you undoubtedly viewed upon entering, there was a tender moment shared