Read Online Southern Beauty by Julie Lucia - Free Book Online

the room.  She felt considerable relief when she spied her dear friend Mary Alice. 
    “You have truly surprised me!  It’s so nice to see you out.”  Mary Alice hugged her.  “I can’t believe you would come to Clarice’s ball.”
    “It’s not her ball it’s her family’s ball.  Actually, I came with someone,” Johanna pointed to Malcolm who had been still involved in conversation with Beauregard. “He’s over there.” 
    “I guess you don’t need me to set you up, you did fine on your own,” Mary Alice laughed impressed with her friend’s companion for the evening.  “Where did you find him, and does he have a brother?”
    “Oh, he came and rescued me from a terrible situation and a dreadful man,” said Johanna.
    “You must tell,” Mary Alice intrigued now.
    “Another time Mary Alice, I must find my uncle. Have you seen him yet?” Johanna asked.
    “No, not yet, but I will let you know if I do.  Did you hear that Clarice’s mysterious lover is here at the party? I haven’t seen him yet, but I heard he is the most handsome man in the room.” She looked at Johanna’s agitated state.  “Of course until you came with Mr. Graystone.”
    Johanna smiled back at her.  “You are truly a good friend, Mary Alice.”
    “Oh no, she is heading this way,” said Mary Alice.
                  “Who is?” By the time Johanna glanced away to see who was approaching them, Mary Alice slipped away.
    “Hello Johanna,” Clarice said with a bit of arrogance.
    “Ah, Clarice,” Johanna nodded with a slight bow.
    “It’s so nice to see you out, ” Clarice lied. “It’s been awhile.”
    “Well, thank you, you have a lovely home.” Johanna followed.
    “It’s not as nice as the one in New Orleans, but it is charming. It is Parisian decor.  You probably recognized it, actually, you probably feel more at home here.  Anyway, I am surprised to see you.” Clarice said.
    “Oh?” Johanna questioned ignoring Clarice’s jab about her family.
    “Well, since you have been in that little depression of yours, secluded from everyone, a lot has happened.”  Clarice said.
    “A lot has happened where?” questioned Johanna.
    “Oh, not with the conflict, I don’t waste my time on depressing thoughts like that, it would ruin one’s day, don’t you think?  No, I mean a lot has happened to me.”  Clarice proudly announced.
    Oh great, here she goes, thought Johanna.
    “Yes?” Johanna asked although she didn’t want to know, equally annoyed with Mary Alice for leaving her stuck with Clarice and her nonsensical talk.
    “Oh yes.  You might not have heard yet,” she steps closer and lowers her voice to a whisper,” but I am soon to be engaged.”
    “Engaged!?” Johanna gasped.
    “Keep your voice down.  My papa doesn’t know yet,” Clarice said.
    Stumbling over her words, still in shock, “You committed to only one?” Johanna mockingly asked.
    Clarice laughs.  “Oh, it is very easy when you’re in love.  I am sure you someday you will know what I mean.”  Clarice slams Johanna.
    “Who could he possibly be?”  Johanna now extremely annoyed by her remarks.
    “Oh, you wouldn’t know him, he is new to the regiment,” said Clarice.
              “A soldier?”  Johanna choked on her words.
    “Oh yes.  I only just met him but he and I knew right away we were meant to be together.”  Clarice announced with pride.
              “That’s so nice for you.” Johanna said with slight sarcasm.
    “I am sure you will be invited to our wedding,” said Clarice.
    “Oh, thank you very much.  I will look forward to it.” Johanna lied.
    “Please do not tell anyone what I’ve told you.  I want us to tell my papa tonight.  I guess there really isn’t anyone for you to tell is there?  I have more guests to talk to so I must leave you, goodbye.”  Clarice gets one more jab in.
    “He’s here?”  Johanna asked in vain.  Clarice had already