Read Online A Path Toward Love by Cara Lynn James - Free Book Online

“I’m not saying this correctly . . .”
    His crooked smile seemed to be covering up an amused grin. “That’s all right. I believe I understand.”
    She wasn’t encouraging him in a romantic way, was she? She’d never forgive herself for misleading him. After Charles, she vowed never to wade into those poisonous waters again. Andrew was the dearest friend she ever had, and she’d never intentionally hurt him with false hopes—in case he had any.
    Katherine felt the tears burn again. More than anything she wanted to lose herself in Andrew’s kindness and tell him what she’d learned about Charles. Andrew would understand, but should she burden him with her husband’s infidelities and her sorrow?
    She only had to look into his eyes to know she couldn’t. He was a friend, possibly a bit more than a mere friend, and she’d never do that to him. Yet it was probably her weakness that drew her to him right now and not anything else.
    She pushed that thought away.
    Andrew looked down at the letters and then up at her. Did he want her to explain what was written on the scattered pages? Of course, he’d never ask.
    He waited a few moments and then rose. “I’ll give you your privacy, Katherine. I feel as if I’m intruding.”
    She didn’t stop him, even though his departure left her feeling torn. When his footsteps died away, Katherine stared at the closed door a long time before she opened another envelope, her hands shaking, her pulse still racing. She wasn’t sure why she tortured herself by perusing these hurtful letters. But perhaps she could completely rid her mind of Charles if she faced the brutal truth. Then, not one shred of emotion for him would remain to torment her.
    For the last several years she’d combed the memories of their marriage trying to understand what exactly went wrong between them. She’d believed it was her fault he’d lost his passion for her. Shortly after old Mr. Osborne passed, open hostility had replaced Charles’s love. He blamed her for their alienation and she’d believed him.
    She believed she was at fault because her own mother had said nearly the same thing. Mama claimed she was outspoken and stubborn and willful. So the problem lay only with her—though now, when she scrutinized her married life, she couldn’t recall when she’d acted in a headstrong manner as she had so often as a child and young woman. With Charles she’d never fought for her way or defended herself. She’d given in to his wishes at every turn.
    Now she knew the cause; Charles longed for Harriet and saw Katherine as the only remaining obstacle. Katherine glanced through the next letter, and then another. The illicit words of lust twisted her stomach until she thought she’d vomit. There was just one letter left, the envelope blank. She steeled herself to read it; then she’d be through with Charles forever.
    After ripping the letter open, she started reading, expecting more sickeningly sentimental words. But this was different. It was from Charles to Harriet, and it had never been posted.
    My darling Harriet,
    I’m so sorry you are suffering because I’m still living with Katherine. You know my heart is with you, and I yearn to join you soon. I can’t tell you how agonizing it is for me to remain with my wife in a loveless marriage when I only wish to share my love with you and our little son.
    Son? Katherine let the letter fall to her lap. She’d never suspected Charles had a child. Her hands trembled as she tried to absorb this new revelation. She’d wanted to give him a child, but that dream hadn’t come to pass. Swallowing the bitterness rising in her throat, she picked up the note and resumed reading.
    I shan’t stay here at Buena Vista much longer. I can’t abide the tension. At present, I’m trying to put my affairs in order so we can be together. As