HEARTSTRINGS
by
Rebecca Paisley
Published by Amber House Books
Smashwords Edition
Copyright by Rebecca Paisley All Rights Reserved.
This Edition 2015
Cover design by Control Freak Productions
Cover Photo Copyright Romance Novel Covers
Cover Photo Copyright Period Images
Cover Background and Graphics Copyright Holly Kuchera, Oxana Zuboff and Mega Pixel (Used via license Shutterstock.com)
Published by Amber House Books, LLC
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Table of Contents
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Heartstrings Blurb
Praise for Heartstrings
Amber House Books by Rebecca Paisley
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Epilogue
About the Author
Amber House Books by Rebecca Paisley
Sneak Peek Bed of Roses
Heartstrings by Rebecca Paisley
WANTED: TALL, DARK-HAIRED, BLUE-EYED MAN TO SIRE GENIUS CHILD. PRIZE: $100 IN GOLD
When bluestocking bookworm Theodosia Worth resolves to bear a baby for her childless sister, she decides an advertisement is the most practical way to find a father. Leaving behind the comforts of Boston, she travels west in the hope of striking a business-only arrangement with a likely candidate.
Hired gun Roman Montana gallops into the dusty Texas town on his silver steed, not knowing he’s been hired to guard the luscious body of a golden-haired, whiskey-eyed beauty with plenty of “book smarts” but without a lick of common sense. Roman is forced to protect the infuriating woman—and her infernal parrot—from the lechers who respond to her ad.
Roman may not be a genius but he’s smart enough to realize he’s the only true candidate for the job of the “stud” who can make all of Theodosia’s dreams come true. By proving he’s up to the task, he just might earn a prize more precious than gold—Theodosia’s heart.
Praise for Heartstrings and Rebecca Paisley
Winner of the Affaire de Coeur Reviewers Choice Award for “Best Historical Romance”
“Enchanting and funny…The queen of endearing and perplexing heroines is back! Do not let this book slip by.”—Affaire de Coeur
“Witty and charming…a refreshingly different read. Rebecca Paisley has a delightful way with words. She makes your heart sing with joy and her talent shines brighter than any diamond! Historical romance at its best!”—Romantic Times
“Charm, imagination and laughter! All you need is Rebecca Paisley!”—Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author
“Boldly goes where few writers go and she does it brilliantly!”—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author
“Rebecca Paisley is the Queen of unique and charming love stories!” Jill Barnett, New York Times bestselling author
“Rebecca Paisley dazzles the heart!” Teresa Medeiros, New York Times bestselling author
“One of the most talented writers in the genre, Ms. Paisley is an absolute delight to read! Once you’ve read your first Paisley, we can guarantee it won’t be your last!”—Historical Romance Writers
Amber House Books by Rebecca Paisley
A Basket of Wishes
Heartstrings
Bed of Roses
Moonlight and Magic
A Prince to Call My Own
Happily Forever After
The Barefoot Bride
Diamonds and Dreams
Dedication
In Loving Memory of Major Emil Edward Boado, USAF
Once when I was little, I wrote, “I love you, Daddy,” on a small scrap of paper. I gave it to you and asked you to keep it in your wallet forever.
You promised you would.
Years later you left for Vietnam.
You didn’t come back.
They returned your things to us, and among your various belongings was your wallet.
The note I’d given to you was still inside.
Thanks for keeping your promise, Daddy.
Prologue
Lillian’s baby died.
The terrible words echoed endlessly through Theodosia’s mind as she stared from the threshold of her sister’s room toward the canopied bed where Lillian lay sleeping.
Another cross will be planted in the family cemetery alongside the three others. No grave; only a tiny cross commemorating the passing of a tiny life.
Theodosia’s fingers curled around the envelope in her hand; the paper crackled, and the sound grated. She’d arrived home only moments ago with such happy news to share—news for which they’d all been waiting for weeks.
News that suddenly didn’t seem important at all.
“Come in, my dear,” Upton called softly.
Theodosia stepped into the room and caught the scent of lemon verbena, Lillian’s favorite perfume. She stopped before nearing the bed. “Lillian. The baby.” Her own words sounded ragged to her, as if someone had ripped them out of her.
Her brother-in-law rose from his chair beside the bed and joined Theodosia in the middle of the large elegant room. Embracing her tenderly, he smoothed her bright gold hair, then drew away and gazed into her huge brown eyes. “She lost the baby soon after you left this morning, Theodosia. It happened very quickly this time. There was little discomfort, and the doctor said she would be up and about in a week. I would have sent for you, but I didn’t know where you were.”
Slowly, Theodosia looked up at him, her eyes caressing every line of the face of the man she’d loved like a father for as long as she could remember. “I—I was walking. In the Common. Reading. The letter. I was reading the letter, and…”
She couldn’t finish; too many thoughts crowded her mind. Lifting her hand to her temple, she glanced back at Lillian and felt guilt stab through her sorrow. Her sister should have begun her family long ago. Lillian and Upton had waited too long, and now, not only did Lillian experience great difficulties conceiving, but she’d lost four babies, each in her second month of pregnancy. The physicians had made it clear that the only chance Lillian had to deliver a full-term baby now was to carry it into the third month. But so far she hadn’t succeeded.
Everyone, including Upton, had suggested adopting an infant, but Lillian wouldn’t hear of it. She desperately wanted a son or daughter of her own flesh and blood, a child who would resemble her and Upton, and her desire was planted so deeply within her heart that there was no uprooting it.
It’s all my fault they have no children, Theodosia thought miserably. She closed her eyes; memories whisked her back to the day when she’d come from New York to Boston.
She’d been a frighte
ned, lonely, and devastated child of five whose parents were killed when lightning struck a tree beneath which they’d been picnicking. She’d watched them die, and the unmitigated horror of it had nearly destroyed her.
Lillian and Upton’s unwavering love had saved her. They’d been newlyweds at the time, ready to start the Peabody family. But because they believed Theodosia needed their undivided attention, they’d chosen to postpone having children. And no doubt, it had taken most of their savings to provide for her.
Lillian, guided by maternal instincts, had taught Theodosia the feminine arts that a mother shares with her daughter. And Upton, a distinguished Harvard professor, had seen to her academic education. The man was a true genius, and thanks to him, she was every bit as brilliant as he. Indeed, her intelligence surpassed that of many of his Harvard colleagues and had gained her much recognition throughout the academic world.
Patiently, willingly, Upton and Lillian provided her with their love, knowledge, home—everything they had to give, sharing nothing at all with the children they’d yet to have.
And now those children would never be born. “Theodosia?” Upton took her chin in his hand. “What letter are you talking about?”
She blinked, then looked up at him. “Letter?”
“You said you’d been reading a letter while strolling in the Common.”
“Oh.” She showed him the envelope. “Dr. Wallaby’s letter.”
Upton brightened visibly. “Finally. I knew Eugene would answer you. He wants to interview you, of course.”
His heartfelt confidence in her future intensified her guilt. “It’s the very best of news, Upton,” she murmured.
“Theodosia?” Lillian rubbed sleep from her eyes and lifted her head from the mound of pillows. “Come here, darling.”
Upton whispered a few words of caution into Theodosia’s ear. “You know full well how she will endeavor to conceal her grief from you. Spare her from having to discuss her loss right now. Instead, share your glad tidings with her. I’ve no doubt she will be overjoyed to hear them.”
Theodosia crossed the room to the bed and smiled into her sister’s big brown eyes. Like a shimmering fan of gold, Lillian’s hair lay spread over the mound of white satin pillows; Theodosia fingered one bright curl, feeling as though she were peering at her own reflection in a mirror. But for their sixteen-year age difference, she and Lillian might have been twins.
She leaned down, and while she pressed a tender kiss to her sister’s smooth forehead, the fragrance of lemon verbena floated around her. “I’ve something wonderful to tell you, Lillian,” she said, struggling to maintain a calm demeanor. “Dr. Wallaby has agreed to interview me for the position as his research assistant in Brazil.”
True happiness lifted the sorrow from Lillian’s eyes. “South America,” she murmured through her smile. “Your dreams are all coming true for you now. You must write to me every day. Upton, my love, how long will it take for our Theodosia’s letters to arrive from Brazil?”
“I’ll be writing from Texas first, Lillian,” Theodosia clarified. “That is where Dr. Wallaby will conduct the interview. He has exhausted his research funds, has left Brazil, and is in Templeton, Texas, waiting for further financial backing. Once he receives the grant, he will return to Brazil. And if he accepts me as his assistant, I will go with him.” Upton put his arm around Theodosia’s shoulder. “You’ve worked very hard for the opportunity. I have no doubt that once Eugene interviews you, he will hire you on the spot. Why, I’d venture to hypothesize that the interview is a mere formality, Theodosia! After all, the two of you have been corresponding for almost two years, and he most certainly understands the extent of your interest and intelligence.”
“That he does,” Lillian agreed, reaching for the envelope in Theodosia’s hand. “May I, darling?” When her sister relinquished it, Lillian opened the envelope. As she unfolded the letter, a stiff oval-shaped paper fell to the bed. “Why, he included a miniature painting of himself,” Lillian exclaimed. “Probably so you will know what to expect when you first see him. How thoughtful.”
“A miniature?” Theodosia asked. “I must have overlooked it.” She glanced at the small painting, then leaned forward for a better view. “My goodness, he looks like you, Upton! Same thin, angular face, long straight nose, bright blue eyes, and gray hair. He’s obviously older than you, but the resemblance is nothing short of amazing.”
“He’s nine years my senior, which would make him fifty-three,” Upton said. “He’d already graduated when I entered Harvard, but he continued to avail himself of the library, and that is where I met him. The two of us soon became a familiar sight on campus, and many people believed he was my older brother. He was a fine friend, Theodosia. A pity he never married and raised children, for I am sure his offspring would have inherited his passion for scientific research. The world might have benefited from their studies. For personal reasons, however, he chose to remain unwed. But he is a good man. Of course, I haven’t seen him in many years, but his reputation remains untarnished. You will be in excellent hands, my dear.”
Nodding her agreement, Lillian scanned the letter. “Upton, Dr. Wallaby writes that Theodosia is to travel to Oates’ Junction, Texas. From there, she will ride to Templeton, in the company of an escort he will send to meet her.”
“You must leave at the first opportunity, Theodosia,” Upton declared.
“Don’t be silly, Upton,” Lillian admonished him. “Our Theodosia will need no less than a month and a half to prepare for her trip. She might need as much as two. One cannot pack a simple overnight bag for such a journey, and there are many things we must purchase for her.”
“Very well,” Upton conceded, smiling indulgently. “You will leave when Lillian deems you are ready, and you will take John the Baptist with you. The parrot will keep you company during your travels.”
“You will also take the gold that Father left to us,” Lillian added. “I’ve kept it for you all these years. You know very well that Dr. Wallaby will be unable to pay you a salary in Brazil. He will need every cent he has to continue with his research. The gold will see to your needs for a long while, and when it is gone, we will sell Father’s business. It continues to thrive, and I am sure we can sell it for a substantial amount of—”
“We will not sell Father’s business, Lillian,” Theodosia argued. “It means as much to you and me as it did to Father, and you know it. And as for the gold, I will take my share of it. You must save your half for—”
“For what? I’ve no one else to spend it on. I— what I mean to say, is that I—”
It took only a moment for Theodosia to understand what Lillian was thinking. There were no Peabody children to spend the gold on, so she wanted Theodosia to have it. “Lillian—”
“You will take the gold. I have no need of it.” Lillian glanced around the opulent bedroom. “I have everything a woman could want. A beautiful home. A loving sister. A wonderful husband. Everything…”
Her voice trailed away as she lost the battle with her sorrow. Tears blinded her to everything except her all-consuming grief. “I have everything except what no one can give me.”
Quickly, Theodosia stepped aside as Upton moved to take Lillian into his arms. Watching the couple cling to each other, she felt a wave of helplessness course through her.
If only there were something she could do to repay them for saving her very life. Something that would make them as happy as they had made her. If only…
Her desperate thoughts ebbed away when the miniature of Dr. Wallaby fluttered to the floor and landed by her foot. For one fleeting moment, she thought it was Upton, not Dr. Wallaby, looking up at her from the dark green carpet.
Same thin, angular face, long straight nose, bright blue eyes, and gray hair.
Same brilliant minds.
An idea struck so suddenly that she staggered backward, forced to grab the bedpost for support. Her distress vanished as swiftly as a shadow confronted by light.
She would give her sister what no one else on earth could give her.
A child of Lillian’s own bloodline, one who would inherit many of Lillian and Upton’s personal traits.
And the man who could assist in the creation of that very special child was in Templeton, Texas.
Chapter One
“Dr. Wallaby, would you be willing to impregnate me?” Oblivious to the appalled stares of the nearby passengers aboard the train, Theodosia hugged her parrot’s cage to her breasts, settled back into her seat, and contemplated the sound of her query. Ever since leaving Boston five days ago, she’d been pondering the all-important question. Now she felt the need to hear it with her own ears.
Nibbling at her bottom lip, she glanced out the window and saw a mass of huge pecan trees. Primrose and thistle painted the edge of the grove with bright hues of pink and purple, and yellow butterflies floated above the flowers like bubbles turned gold by the kiss of the sun.
But the beauty of the landscape began to fade, finally escaping her altogether. She could not concentrate on anything but the estimable Dr. Wallaby. Indeed, she imagined she could see the renowned scientist’s face within the sun-filled windowpane.
“Dr. Wallaby,” she began rehearsing again, “it is imperative that I conceive a child. You meet all the qualifications regarding the paternity of the child, and it would please me enormously if you would consent to be his or her sire. The act required for the conception is, of course, a mere scientific procedure, and I don’t believe I am mistaken in believing that it can be accomplished in a totally objective manner and, no doubt, in a relatively short amount of time.”
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