Challoner Bride by Unknown Read Free Book Online

interested in family traditions.
    She believes in living in the present.“
    „There is no way to avoid living in the present,“ Cardinal said. „But the present has so much more
    meaning when the past is understood and appreciated, don’t you think?“
    „Of course the past is important.“ Sitting there under the scrutiny of the two men, Angie felt as if she
    had to defend herself. „But it should never be allowed to dominate the present or influence decisions that
    must be made for the future. It also shouldn’t be given undue importance. Traditions are all very well and
    good, but to do something simply for the sake of tradition is meaningless. The Torres Dagger is, according
    to Julian, very interesting and a fine example of craftsmanship. But to think that the reason two families
    have practically died out was because the dagger was lost a couple of generations back is ridiculous.“
    „Is that how your uncle feels? I would not have thought of Julian Torres as a superstitious man.“
    Cardinal steepled his fingers and regarded Angie with an inquiring gaze.
    She flushed, aware that she’d overstated the case. „Naturally Julian doesn’t attribute any magic to the
    dagger. But I think it’s become symbolic to him. He’s the last male of our line and it somehow represents
    the whole history of the family.“
    „It represents the history of another family, too,“ Flynn pointed out softly. „According to the story, Maria
    Isabel Torres brought that dagger with her when she married the neighboring landholder. It seems to me
    that the descendants of her children have more claim to the dagger than Julian Torres does.“
    Angie shrugged. „Julian doesn’t think there are any descendants left.“
    Cardinal considered the issue. „Fascinating. Yet you are not overly interested, Miss Morgan.“
    Angie smiled. „I think the dagger’s symbolic meaning has become far too important to Julian. He’s
    thought of nothing else for weeks now, ever since you agreed to sell. He was very disappointed when he
    came down with the flu and was forced to send me in his place.“
    „As I said, family traditions often become more important to us as we grow older.“ Cardinal sipped his
    drink. „Those of us who reach a certain age and realize that the family will not live on after us find
    it…disturbing.“ His blue eyes became curiously shadowed.
    Flynn leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, his drink cradled between his palms. „Traditions are
    important in other ways, too, not just for nostalgic reasons. Angie says there’s no magic in the dagger, but
    maybe there is.“
    Cardinal gave him an interested glance. „In what sense, Mr. Sangrey?“
    „For two families that dagger represents history and power. It may be only a symbol, but symbols are
    important. Wars and revolutions have been fought over symbolic objects. Legends grow up around such
    objects for a reason. From what Angie tells me, there’s no denying the fact that both families associated
    with the Torres Dagger began to die out after the thing was sold off back in the twenties. Maybe something
    important was lost when the dagger disappeared.“
    „Such as?“ Angie challenged.
    „Such as a unifying focus, a sense of tradition, a commitment to keeping the families strong. Who
    knows? All I’m saying is that you shouldn’t discount the power of that dagger.“
    Angie sighed. „Well, it will make Julian very happy to have it back and for that reason alone, it’s worth
    your price, Mr. Cardinal.“
    The older man smiled approvingly. „You appear to be quite loyal to your uncle, Miss Morgan. Loyalty is
    a valuable commodity in this day and age. In any day and age, for that matter. Don’t you agree, Mr.
    Sangrey?“
    Flynn looked at Angie, his expression unreadable. „Loyalty is more than merely a valuable commodity,
    Mr. Cardinal. It’s priceless.“
    „You are obviously a man who has learned that lesson well.“ Cardinal rose to his feet and