Amy's Choice (A More Perfect Union Series Book 2)
Page 25
"I'm fine, a touch tired after the day's exertions." He wiped his hand down his dove gray evening coat then raised his gaze to look over Samantha's head. "You made it!"
She turned to see who Benjamin greeted and froze, her flute trembling in her fingers, the liquid sloshing within the fragile crystal. Dr. Trenton Cunningham. His sandy blond hair waved back from his open expression, his crystal blue eyes echoing the wide smile revealing even white teeth. Broad shoulders filled the dark blue evening coat he wore, a canary yellow cravat neatly tied at his throat and tucked into an elaborately embroidered waistcoat. Creamy breeches and black leather boots completed his attire. Despite the formality of his clothes, Dr. Trent appeared as though he'd recently arrived on board a ship from some distant port. Fresh and windblown and ready for adventure.
"Benjamin, should you be out here?" Trent strode to stand by his friend, inspecting Benjamin with a sweeping glance. "You look terrible."
"I'm fine. Can't miss Samantha's toast, after all." Benjamin shook Trent's hand and then drew Amy up to his side. "Congratulate me, my friend. Miss Amy has agreed to be my betrothed."
Trent nodded at Amy, who beamed in her newly donned role as fiancée. "My heartfelt wishes to you both." He gazed at Samantha and half bowed. "Miss Samantha, I'm honored to be included in your gathering this evening."
"I'm pleased your schedule permitted you to attend." She dipped a curtsy, her thigh jerking in protest.
Trent grasped her arm to steady her as she caught her balance, the contact jolting along every inch of her skin. She stepped away, out of his reach. "Thank you for your assistance."
He half bowed again, gaze intent on her face. "My pleasure."
Although she'd been in his presence a couple times before, mainly when he challenged her abilities as a healer, she couldn't deny the impact he had on her. Trent was a gorgeous man, strong and clever, and extraordinarily dangerous to her sense of wellbeing. She forced herself to remain still, appear calm, even as her heart raced. This feeling of imbalance and rushing emotions had never happened to her before.
Trent's currently smiling eyes had been furious the last time she saw him, furious at what he called her ineptitude treating Emily's young nephew when he was bitten by a snake. He'd been wrong, of course, as little Tommy had fully recovered without the doctor actually doing much more than administering a small dose of emetic and then bathing the fever that followed her treatment. But she'd never had the opportunity to discuss the proper treatment so he continued to act as though her skills proved inferior to his. Bah.
Though aware that Benjamin had summoned the young doctor, she had hoped he would not arrive until after the party ended. Or at least after she'd given her short speech. But he'd shown up a while ago, unsettling her composure preceding her annual duty. Perhaps she should change the speech, but to what? Indeed, time had slipped away and the moment had arrived. She turned back to face the remaining guests, and raised her glass, the wine trembling in the flute.
"My friends, we gather this evening as in years past to rejoice in the bounty we've realized this year. As our country begins to define our government and create a new society, consider the wise words from the lauded Anna Bradstreet, some folks called the Tenth Muse back in her day, in her wonderful Meditations, Divine and Moral."
Trent locked eyes with her, disconcerting her already roiling thoughts. Strange how his presence caused such a reaction inside her. Was it the animosity she sensed flowing from him like sea foam after a storm? Or could it be more of an underlying awareness triggered by similar interests? She blinked to break the near trance and focused instead on the cluster of her closest friends and her parents. She took a breath and smiled at the gathering.
"She reminded us that, 'Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish.' Pray keep this thought in mind as the year draws to a close and we face new challenges. Our governor and other state leaders will need our support and God's guidance."
Glasses clinked all around her to the accompaniment of "Huzza! Huzza!"
She sipped the wine, the cheer of the moment echoing inside her heart. Scanning the crowd, she watched as others mimicked her actions. All but two anyway. Her parents turned and walked away. A chill froze her smile into place.
~
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Samantha's Secret
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Betty Bolté writes both historical and contemporary stories featuring strong, loving women and brave, compassionate men. But no matter the setting, she loves to include a touch of the paranormal.
In addition to romantic fiction, Betty has authored several nonfiction books, including Hometown Heroines, an award-winning young adult book featuring true stories of bravery, darning and adventure.
Betty earned her masters in English in 2008 and is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Historical Novel Society, the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and the Authors Guild.
www.bettybolte.com