Clouded Innocence by D. Gambel Read Free Book Online Page B

escorting Francesca to the ball?”  
    Oh no, this was not what I wanted. The very idea of being next to Steven all night made my stomach churn.  
    “Actually, sir, I have already asked to escort one of the other ladies in town.” Oh thank goodness . I wondered if that explained all his constant business in town. Was Steven attempting to court someone? Perhaps she was a girl he knew when he lived in town, before Lilly married my father and moved in here. “I am sure Conner would not mind though.” Steven finished his eyes bouncing back and forth between Conner and myself. I could not help but feel suspicious of Steven’s suggestion, but let the delight from the prospect of Conner escorting me overwhelm that suspicion.  
    “Well Conner?” My father asked.  
    Conner looked at my father then to me. “It would be my pleasure.” His hypnotic eyes made me feel as if words were only meant for me.  
    We continue to stare at each other until Steven cleared his throat, bringing us back to reality. Not good. Thankfully, my father was going on about something with Lilly, too absorbed in conversation to notice.
     
    I excused myself early, desperately in need of some much deserved sleep. Even after my long nap, I was even more tired than normal. I guess the sun really does drain you.
    As I climbed up the steps towards my room, I was intercepted by Steven. “May I have a word?”  
    Confused, I did not know what Steven could possibly need to talk over with me. I hoped it was not yet another favor. “Of course Steven, what is on your mind?” I continued towards my room.  
    “Francesca, let me be honest with you. Conner is a good man and I am glad to call him a friend, but you need to be careful.” I paused in my ascent, turning to stare at him.  I was not sure where his statement was coming from.
    “Excuse me?”  
    He exhaled a deep breath. “Look, you know your father better than anyone. Do you honestly think he would be happy about you marrying a man without something more to offer than himself?” He was right, of course, although I had never given it much thought. My father would want me to marry someone who was financially secure. The idea of marrying anyone had never really occurred to me. No one had ever grabbed my attention. No one before Conner, and the idea of marrying him did get my heart pumping faster. “I do not want to see either of you get hurt.” 
    I nodded not having anything to say then made my way to my room, leaving Steven standing alone on the stairs. I understood his concerns, but I thought they were misplaced. No one was talking about marriage, were they?  

 
    Chapter 7
    Lilly vs. Conner
     
    After breakfast, Lilly and I huddled into the coach as the driver made his way into town. Buying dresses was not really something that I truly enjoyed. Lilly did though, in fact she thrived on it. We had done this very same thing shortly before the wedding. She had hoped we would bond, like most women, over the newest fashions. I had been utterly miserable being dragged from shop to shop and here we were at it again. Before we had only been looking for my dress. I could not imagine what this trip would be like if both of us needed to find dresses.  
    The street was lined with shops and booths on both sides. They were old and dusty. The clothing shops were near the end of the rows. People bustled in and out of the shops with arms full of purchases buying things they needed before moving on to another shop.
    Lilly made small conversation with me as we made our way from store to store. She had me try on countless gowns until we finally found the one that she stated was just perfect for me.  Oh thank goodness,  I thought to myself doing my best not to roll my eyes in relief. Lilly was carrying on with the salesman when I caught sight of my reflection. 
    At first I thought some other girl was staring at me. I was in a white gown with an open neckline, trimmed with white lace and beaded pearls. The