Read Online Brenda Joyce - [Francesca Cahill 05] by Deadly Caress - Free Book Online Page B

will make sure your engagement to Miss Channing is off.”
    “It is off, because I decided so,” Evan said evenly. “Let’s talk about this unpleasant subject another time.”
    Julia was still. “Surely you do not think to still move out?” she finally said, eyes wide.
    “As soon as I am able. I am sorry, Mother, but this isn’t simply about Sarah. It is about my entire life up-to-date. And it is about Father.” He was firm.
    And Francesca was so proud of him. She had never realized how difficult it had been to be Andrew’s only son. She stepped forward. “Mama? Evan isn’t going anywhere for some time, as he has quite a bit of recuperating to do. Might I speak with him privately? I haven’t had the chance to do so since, the . . . er . . . brawl.”
    Julia nodded, tears shimmering in her eyes. Francesca went into shock, as her mother was the strongest woman she knew and simply did not cry. Instantly Francesca took her hands. “Everything will be fine!” she exclaimed.
    “Will it? Andrew is still angry with me, Evan is leaving his house—and he is lucky to be alive. Connie and Neil remain at odds, with Connie dejected.” Neil Montrose was a titled Englishman, whom Francesca’s sister Connie had married four years ago. Recently he had been unfaithful, and Connie had learned of it. “And you are in love with a married man, never mind that his wife has returned to town to prevent a sordid affair! Will everything be all right, Francesca?” Julia demanded with some anger now.
    Francesca could only stare in shock. She must never underestimate her mother again. Julia knew everything that went on in town—and in this house. Francesca finally said, “I am not having a sordid affair.”
    “Well, praise be for some common sense at last,” Julia snapped, and she walked out.
    Francesca did not move, and then she met Evan’s unwavering and speculative stare. She turned and closed the bedroom door, then went swiftly to his side. She sat down on the bed. “Are you better today?”
    “Much, actually. Through the haze of pain and laudanum, I heard Doctor Finney tell Mother yesterday that I am young and strong and that I’d be up on my feet in a few days. Yesterday I did not believe it, but today I rather think he might be right.”
    “I am glad,” Francesca said, patting his hand.
    He eyed her. “So you have given up your love affair with the commissioner?”
    She sighed. “I love him. I always will. But it was the most terrible experience of my life to actually meet his wife, Evan. Until then, I think I didn’t really believe she existed. When she was tucked away in Europe—where she had a number of lovers, I might add—she seemed so distant, almost unreal. But she is real. She exists. And not only is she terribly beautiful; she is determined to reclaim her marriage. I am filled with guilt for loving the man who is her husband. Yet I cannot change my feelings. But I can change my behavior, and I have. We will remain friends, but nothing more.”
    He took her hand. “I think you believe every word you have just spoken, but I know you, Fran. You are a creature of impulse, and sometimes, sadly, your judgment is lacking. I am worried about you.”
    She instantly recalled her suspicion, shared by Bragg, that an angry creditor had done this to Evan. And she also recalled the reason they must speak. “And I am worried about you. Evan? What really happened?”
    He looked away. “I was drunk. I got into a fight. And that’s the gist of it.”
    “You’re lying.”
    His gaze slammed to hers with heat. “I don’t like the accusation, Fran.”
    “I am your sister! I love you! I want to help, Evan. And I can. The one thing I am good at is helping others and you know it! Is this about the money you owe?”
    Their gazes locked. He did not look away. “Yes.”
    “Oh, God.” Francesca stood. She stared down at him in fright. “Did they mean to kill you?”
    “No. He wants his money, Francesca. This was a