Read Online Forever My Love (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Constance O'Banyon
Tags: Fiction, adventure, Romance, Historical, Adult, Action, England, Georgia, Courage, destiny, conspiracy, guardian, 18th Century, revolutionary war, american revolution, finishing school, savannah, Cherish, FOREVER MY LOVE, British Nobleman, Fiery Winds, Georgia Plantation, Wanton Ward
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to accomplish anything. All we know is that there was a skirmish at Lexington."
"War will come," Joseph Graham insisted. "It's just a matter of time until the British push us too far. What I want to know is who's going to stand with us—who demands freedom from our British enslavers?"
Some of the men raised their hands with a shout, others with more restraint.
"What about you, Damon?" Joseph demanded. "You haven't raised your hand."
Caleb Edwards came to his neighbor's rescue. "We all know that Damon is loyal to Georgia."
"For those of you who doubt my loyalties," Damon said, "let me assure you that if war comes, I will stand with you. I am not, nor have I ever been, a king's man."
"You have the most to lose if war comes," Joseph reminded him. "Since Swanhouse is the largest plantation in Georgia, you might be reluctant to join in a war."
"I repeat, gentlemen, if war comes, I'll stand with you—and war will come, make no mistake about that. But will we be ready?"
"Shouldn't we organize, form an army—do something?" Caleb asked, voicing everyone's concern.
"I suggest we do nothing for the moment," Damon injected. "Don't be in such a hurry to see destruction descend on us. It will arrive soon enough. We must be prepared."
Several men shook their heads. They all knew that Damon Routhland was right. When war came to the South they must be ready to fight.
"I ain't going to leave my home," Ezekiel Elman announced. "If I fight, it'll be right here."
"No army will take you, Ezekiel," Caleb told him. "You're long past your prime."
"That may be so," the old man admitted, "but I can still out-shoot anyone in this room, 'cepting maybe Damon here, and I taught him."
Damon studied the old man with affection. From Ezekiel he had learned to hunt and how to survive in the swamps. The old man was indeed a good marksman, but he was in his seventies. Damon's gaze moved to each man in turn, assessing his value to an army. They were planters and shopkeepers—none of them had been trained as soldiers. Lord help them if war erupts!
"I suggest we do nothing for now, but wait and listen." Damon added under his breath, "And pray that when war comes, God will be on our side."
6
Dearest Papa,
Until now I have never known the meaning of loneliness. I have little hope of making friends here at Fulham School So far I have only met the headmistress and the housekeeper, and neither has done much to recommend herself to me. I have been warned that I must not be late for supper, so I must close and make myself presentable.
Royal knew the black taffeta gown with its high, unadorned neck and long, loose-fitting sleeves was not flattering on her. She was certain to make an unfavorable impression on her first appearance in the dining room, she thought miserably. She was resigned to wearing black out of respect for her father, but, oh, it did make her look pale and insignificant.
Aided by Hannah, the maid her aunt Arabella had engaged, Royal arranged her hair in simple curls that were appropriate for a girl her age. Determined to add a touch of elegance to her toilette, she directed Hannah to weave a black ribbon through her unpowdered locks.
Downstairs, Royal paused at the dining room door and peered around the corner nervously. Several girls were already inside, laughing and talking among themselves. Shyly, Royal avoided their eyes and looked instead at the four long tables that were adorned with snowy white tablecloths and laid with crystal, china, and silver that sparkled in the dancing candlelight.
When she stepped into the room, Royal could feel everyone staring at her, but no one gave her a smile or indicated that she was welcome. She wished she could run back to the safety of her room, for she could feel hostility in the eyes that watched her.
Bravely she raised her head and moved forward until she attracted the attention of a serving girl, who bobbed a quick curtsy and led her to a table at the back of the room.
"I was told to
"War will come," Joseph Graham insisted. "It's just a matter of time until the British push us too far. What I want to know is who's going to stand with us—who demands freedom from our British enslavers?"
Some of the men raised their hands with a shout, others with more restraint.
"What about you, Damon?" Joseph demanded. "You haven't raised your hand."
Caleb Edwards came to his neighbor's rescue. "We all know that Damon is loyal to Georgia."
"For those of you who doubt my loyalties," Damon said, "let me assure you that if war comes, I will stand with you. I am not, nor have I ever been, a king's man."
"You have the most to lose if war comes," Joseph reminded him. "Since Swanhouse is the largest plantation in Georgia, you might be reluctant to join in a war."
"I repeat, gentlemen, if war comes, I'll stand with you—and war will come, make no mistake about that. But will we be ready?"
"Shouldn't we organize, form an army—do something?" Caleb asked, voicing everyone's concern.
"I suggest we do nothing for the moment," Damon injected. "Don't be in such a hurry to see destruction descend on us. It will arrive soon enough. We must be prepared."
Several men shook their heads. They all knew that Damon Routhland was right. When war came to the South they must be ready to fight.
"I ain't going to leave my home," Ezekiel Elman announced. "If I fight, it'll be right here."
"No army will take you, Ezekiel," Caleb told him. "You're long past your prime."
"That may be so," the old man admitted, "but I can still out-shoot anyone in this room, 'cepting maybe Damon here, and I taught him."
Damon studied the old man with affection. From Ezekiel he had learned to hunt and how to survive in the swamps. The old man was indeed a good marksman, but he was in his seventies. Damon's gaze moved to each man in turn, assessing his value to an army. They were planters and shopkeepers—none of them had been trained as soldiers. Lord help them if war erupts!
"I suggest we do nothing for now, but wait and listen." Damon added under his breath, "And pray that when war comes, God will be on our side."
6
Dearest Papa,
Until now I have never known the meaning of loneliness. I have little hope of making friends here at Fulham School So far I have only met the headmistress and the housekeeper, and neither has done much to recommend herself to me. I have been warned that I must not be late for supper, so I must close and make myself presentable.
Royal knew the black taffeta gown with its high, unadorned neck and long, loose-fitting sleeves was not flattering on her. She was certain to make an unfavorable impression on her first appearance in the dining room, she thought miserably. She was resigned to wearing black out of respect for her father, but, oh, it did make her look pale and insignificant.
Aided by Hannah, the maid her aunt Arabella had engaged, Royal arranged her hair in simple curls that were appropriate for a girl her age. Determined to add a touch of elegance to her toilette, she directed Hannah to weave a black ribbon through her unpowdered locks.
Downstairs, Royal paused at the dining room door and peered around the corner nervously. Several girls were already inside, laughing and talking among themselves. Shyly, Royal avoided their eyes and looked instead at the four long tables that were adorned with snowy white tablecloths and laid with crystal, china, and silver that sparkled in the dancing candlelight.
When she stepped into the room, Royal could feel everyone staring at her, but no one gave her a smile or indicated that she was welcome. She wished she could run back to the safety of her room, for she could feel hostility in the eyes that watched her.
Bravely she raised her head and moved forward until she attracted the attention of a serving girl, who bobbed a quick curtsy and led her to a table at the back of the room.
"I was told to
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