From the top of the wide spiral staircase came a high-pitched voice. “There you are, Mama. I’ve been ever so worried.”
Felicity watched as a plump woman in billowing skirts floated down the steps. When her feet landed on the marble parquet floor she rushed to Mrs. Blackstone, enveloping her in a gigantic hug.
“Are you trying to suffocate me, Judith?” Eveline extricated herself from the encompassing arms and stepped away.
“Why no, Mama.” Judith sounded sincerely upset by her mother’s remark. “You were just gone so long, and you know I don’t like you driving around Charleston unescorted.”
“I’ve been driving around Charleston since before you were born.” Eveline tapped her walking stick on the floor to emphasize her point.
“Of course you have, Mama.” Judith’s tone was condescending. “But times have changed.”
“I’m well aware of that. Felicity.” Eveline turned toward her. “This is my daughter Judith Fenton. Judith, Felicity Wentworth of Richmond. She’s Louise Fraser’s cousin. Miss Wentworth will be staying with us for a while.”
Was it Felicity’s imagination or did the older woman hesitate before she said Richmond? In any case she didn’t have time to worry about it. Mrs. Blackstone hobbled off into the large room to the right. After a quick assessment of their guest and an even quicker greeting, Judith followed.
“But Mama, we’re not in the position to have visitors. Besides,” her voice lowered, “you never liked the Frasers.”
“Whether I do or do not like the Frasers is immaterial.” Her tone never dropped so much as a decibel, and Felicity had to smile at the way Judith tried to hush her. “And the day you bury me,” Eveline continued, “is the day this house won’t have room for guests.” She settled onto the edge of an elaborate winged chair that dwarfed her diminutive frame. “Come, come, Felicity, don’t allow my daughter’s manners to offend you. Leave your bag in the hallway. Lucus will get it for you.”
Felicity gripped the handle tighter, lugging the valise as she entered the parlor.
“I certainly didn’t mean she wasn’t more than welcome.” Judith’s lips curved into a smile. “I merely meant—”
“Yes, yes, Judith. We are aware of what you meant. Now do ring for some refreshment. It’s devilish hot out. Oh wait, here’s Ruth.”
The same elderly woman who opened the door entered the room bearing a tray that seemed likely to topple her forward at any minute. She set the silver on the tea table in front of Eveline. Her mumbled, “Of course it’s hot out there, it’s June ain’t it,” brought a chuckle from Mrs. Blackstone; a scowl from her daughter.
“Mama, you really shouldn’t encourage Ruth to...” Judith began, but when she noticed her mother paid her no heed, stopped. With a muttered noise, she sank into the chair across from Eveline and snatched a sweet off the platter.
Felicity sat on the settee, her carpetbag nestled on the cushion beside her and longed to do the same. The sight of food made her salivate and she swallowed, trying not to show how hungry she was.
It seemed to take forever for Mrs. Blackstone to pour the tea and Ruth to pass it. When the platter of cakes was finally offered, Felicity’s hand shook as she reached for the largest. She nearly sighed as her teeth sank into the sugary confection.
“Well, I guess ye heard the news.” Felicity paid little heed to the black woman’s announcement until she caught a glimpse of Judith’s expression as she reached for a second cake.
“I’ll tell her Ruth. You may leave now.” Judith’s lips thinned when she noticed the black woman didn’t move.
“Tell me what? What is it Judith?”
“I would have preferred to relay this to you after you rested.” Judith scowled at Ruth, who was still in the room. “I know how tired you must be.”
“Stop chattering away and get on with it. I’m not the least fatigued.”
Well, if she wasn’t, Felicity certainly was. She almost asked if she could be shown to her room, but Eveline’s annoyed voice stopped her. “Whatever are you searching for, Judith?”
Looking up from the drawer she’d opened, Judith shook her head. “I know my smelling salts are here somewhere. Ruth, did you take them?”
“Of course she didn’t,” Eveline answered for her servant. “You’re the only one who ever needs them, Judith. Now will someone please tell me what’s going on?”
By this time Judith found the small bottle and Felicity’s curiosity was piqued.
“It’s Devon,” Judith began and paused.
“Devon?” Felicity glanced toward Mrs. Blackstone when she said the name. Perhaps she’d need the smelling salts after all. Her face was ashen. “Has... has something happened to him?”
“Oh, Good Lord no.” Judith brushed the thought aside. “Your grandson has the proverbial nine lives. It’s just that according to Ruth he’s back in Charleston.”
For the first time in their short acquaintance Felicity saw the sharp-tongued Eveline Blackstone actually smile. And though she was still tired and uncomfortable and had no idea how she was going to accomplish her goal, Felicity smiled too.
“Yes ma’m,” Ruth said when Eveline questioned her. “Heard ‘bout it this mornin’. That boy done ran through them Yankee ships again.”
*********
Titles by Christine Dorsey
written under the name:
Christine Elliott
The Captain’s Conquest,
written under the name:
Christine Dorsey
The Traitor’s Embrace
Southern Nights
Bold Rebel Love
The Captain’s Captive
The Rebel’s Kiss
Sea Fires
Sea of Desire
Sea of Temptation
Sea of Christmas Miracles (novella)
My Savage Heart
My Seaswept Heart
My Heavenly Heart
Splendor
The Renegade
The Rebel
The Rogue
By the Book
Under His Spell (novella)
The Way to a Man’s Heart (novella)
A Bride’s Desire (novella)
Christine Dorsey
Christine Dorsey lives in Richmond, Virginia with her proof that there are “happily ever afters”, her husband of forty-four years, Chip. She has three grown children, a son and daughter-in-law, and four of the most delightful grandchildren imaginable... just ask her. She also has a Springer Spaniel puppy, Stella, who keeps the household more than lively. Besides her family and friends, reading, writing and love of the sea are her passions. The author of seventeen books and four novellas with more to come, Christine loves to share the stories and characters that had Romantic Times Magazine calling her “one of the most talented authors in the genre.” You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter and her website, www.christinedorsey.com
Sea of Desire Page 33
