Scent of Triumph by Jan Moran Read Free Book Online Page B

expression crossed Abigail’s face and she coughed into her hand.
    I wonder what’s troubling her?
Danielle gave her a moment, and as she waited, she saw that Abigail favored her older brother, with the same liquid brown eyes and wavy chestnut brown hair, though her features were more delicate. Tall and slim, she had the athletic build of the Newell-Grey family, and her complexion was alabaster smooth. She wore a black sheath-style dress with a single strand of large creamy pearls at her throat. Danielle detected the subtle aroma of lily of the valley emanating from her skin and hair.
    Abigail regained her composure. “I should introduce my friend, Cameron Murphy.”
    Cameron greeted everyone in turn. With his charming manner and darkly handsome, Hollywood features, Danielle understood why he had a reputation as a ladies’ man.
    “I promised Abigail I’d call when I came to London.” Cameron’s melodic voice resonated sensuality. “And I never break a promise to a beautiful woman.”
    Laughter bubbled in Abigail’s throat. “Don’t believe him. He’s left a string of broken hearts and promises in his wake. Thank goodness we’re just friends.”
    Cameron turned to Danielle and bowed, his black eyes dancing. “She lies,
madame
, do I look like a slimy swain?” He gave her an alluring smile, took her hand and kissed it. “I am but a noble knight, at the bidding of damsels in distress.”
    Danielle didn’t have the energy to muster a snappy reply. And when Max cleared his throat, she knew he was only partly jesting. She withdrew her hand, and crinkled her nose as she caught a whiff of Irish whiskey from Cameron’s kiss.
Northern Ireland whiskey
, she noted, her brain instantly recalling the aroma.
Bushmills
. Still, he was charming.
    “Come on Cam, she’s taken.” Jon glanced pointedly at Max. “Careful with your wife around this one. He’s been known to melt the will of nuns.”
    Abigail arched a brow at Jon. “Oh Jon, you’re just jealous because Cameron always steals your girlfriends. Speaking of which, where’s Victoria?”
    “On holiday in Ireland with friends,” Jon said with a shrug.
    Abigail raised a brow, then took Cameron’s elbow. “Let’s have drinks, I believe I promised you a Pimm’s Cup.”
    They moved to the verandah for cocktails. The conversation continued, turning to the sinking of the
Newell-Grey Explorer
and Germany’s advances.
    Danielle sipped water and listened as Max spoke first in defense of the German people, then against Hitler. He’d always taken pride in his homeland. His father’s family was an old and distinguished line.
    The heated discussion continued through dinner. Danielle managed the chicken broth, but couldn’t stomach the lamb chops. Listening to Nathan and Herb, it was clear they were businessmen of considerable influence with keen political insights. At last, she gave in to exhaustion, and Max followed her upstairs.
    They sat on the couch in front of the fireplace. She removed the pins from her hair, sank her throbbing head into her hands and rubbed her temples.
    “I feel so useless, Max. What can we do about Nicky and Sofia?”
    He put his arms around her. “I fear there’s not much we can do.”
    Why was he sounding so defeated?
She arched away from him. “We’ve got to go back right away.”
    “Perhaps Poland can defend herself against Germany.”
    “But you heard what Herb Leibowitz said at dinner. Poland cannot stand against Nazi Germany. We must get our family away from those monsters.”
    “Have faith, Danielle.”
    “Faith? Faith has nothing to do with this.”
What on earth was wrong with him?
She punctuated her words with her finger. “Don’t be condescending to me. What about
my son
?”
    “Damn it, he’s
my
son, too!”
    Danielle stared at him, stunned at his uncharacteristic outbreak.
    A chinoiserie clock on the Chippendale desk ticked loudly in the silence.
    Max stood and strode to the mantle, clearly