Rapture in His Arms by Lynette Vinet Read Free Book Online Page B

defer to you.” He chuckled and sipped his tea, as if they hadn’t been speaking of his death at all. Jillian thought Edwin had given up the conversation much too easily. She didn’t understand how a man who felt his time was coming to an end could be so utterly cheerful—almost as if he had a great secret that only he was privy to. A knock sounded on the dining room door shortly after that. “Come in,” Edwin called. The door opened and in walked Donovan Shay. Apparently Edwin had expected him, because he rose from his chair and extended his hand to the man, behaving as though the man was his equal.
    Jillian tensed in her seat and slowly brought her gaze to Donovan. She hadn’t seen him since they arrived home, her time being taken up with household chores the last few weeks. In fact, Jillian had put the man from her thoughts. But now here he was, and she had to blink twice because she barely recognized him. Gone were the raggedy clothes and the ill-kempt hair. Instead, Donovan wore a white linen shirt and a pair of brown trousers with dark brown boots. His golden-red hair was trimmed to just above his collar and tied back with a piece of leather. He looks almost like a gentleman, Jillian thought and swallowed hard because a part of herself found him to be incredibly handsome. She stood up and wiped her suddenly perspiring hands on her apron, eager to be away from Donovan and the odd feelings he always aroused in her.
    “I—I shall leave you alone,” she told Edwin, but Edwin protested that she stay and pour a cup of tea for Donovan.
    A cup of tea for a slave? Jillian was incredulous at Edwin’s kindheartedness, but she poured the tea into the cup, her hand shaking as she gave the cup to Donovan. His fingers brushed hers, and she pulled back as if he’d scratched her. The man barely looked at her but thanked her in a deep, baritone voice. Jillian realized that she never had heard Donovan speak more than a few words. She decided that he must be simple or at least not very bright.
    Edwin motioned for Donovan to be seated, and Jillian clamped her mouth shut, though she wished to voice her objection to Edwin. A slave didn’t sit in his master’s house like an invited guest. What must Edwin be thinking?
    With his hands behind his back like a doting father, Edwin stood looking down at Donovan. Finally he took his seat. “Would you care for some apple pie?” Edwin asked Donovan. “My wife is a wonderful cook.”
    Pie? This was too much for Jillian who was totally and completely baffled by her husband. Why was he accommodating this slave?
    “Nay, I’m not hungry, sir.”
    “Ah, then you’re eating well?” At Donovan’s nod, Edwin smiled. “Good, good. ’Tis important that my people be well fed and comfortable.” After a few moments of strained silence, Edwin cleared his throat. “I trust you’re happy here at Cameron’s Hundred.”
    “As happy as I can be, sir.”
    “You’re very truthful. I like honesty in a man. And I think you’re an honest, decent fellow. Do you have any idea why I invited you up to the house?”
    “Nay, I don’t.” Donovan clenched the small cup in his large hand, and Jillian thought he might crack it in half. He had the look of a man who expects the worse and has always received it.
    Edwin apparently noticed Donovan’s wary expression. He quickly dispelled it when he said, “I’ve decided to train you as overseer on Cameron’s Hundred. Thompson is getting on in years and needs help. With your experience on Horatio Mortimer’s plantation, I believe you’ll prove quite an asset to me. Report to Mr. Thompson in the morning—and move your belongings to the small cabin in the clearing. The cabin is yours now.”
    “Thank you, sir,” was Donovan’s succinct reply, his face expressionless. “May I be leavin’ now?”
    “Of course. You must get your rest, for tomorrow is the beginning of a new life for you, my boy.” Edwin patted Donovan on the back as Donovan rose from