Read Online Love’s Betrayal by DiAnn Mills - Free Book Online

kings was first introduced into the world by the Heathens, from whom the children of Israel copied the custom. It was the most prosperous invention the Devil ever set on foot for the promotion of idolatry. The Heathens paid divine honors to their deceased kings, and the Christian world hath improved on the plan by doing the same to their living ones. How impious is the title of sacred majesty applied to a worm, who in the midst of his splendor is crumbling into dust.
”
    Had Mr. Paine written the truth or merely twisted it to suit his own purpose? Henry felt the conviction of the man’s words sear his heart. God be his judge, every word of
Common Sense
spoke to the core of his being.

    Near dusk on the third day of their travels, a few miles inside New York, a man on horseback approached Delight and her father.
    â€œAre you a stranger to this fair country?” The rider reined his stallion in close to the wagon. The horse was a fine one indeed, its coat a silky black. It pawed at the ground, indicating a desire to run with the wind. The animal’s master offered an incredible smile, sinking deep dimples into the corners of his cheeks.
    â€œA sojourner, my friend.” Papa brought the horses to a halt.
    An odd reply for Papa unless …
    â€œAh, we are all but travelers on this earth for as long as the Lord blesses us,” the young man said. “Pray tell, where are you bound?”
    â€œWhere the soil breathes of liberty.”
    The young man smiled. “I’m honored to meet you, sir. I’ve heard courageous tales about your endeavors.”
    I was correct in my assumption.
Pride soared through Delight at Papa’s valiant stand for the patriots.
    Her father reached out to shake the man’s hand, then nodded at Delight. “This is my daughter.”
    The young man extended his hand to her. “A pleasure to meet you, miss. I shall be near your home two weeks hence, the Lord providing.”
    â€œDo honor us with your presence,” Papa said.
    â€œThank you. I shall most certainly do so.” He tipped his tricorn hat.
    â€œWe look forward to seeing you again,” Delight added. She felt a glimmer of warmth spread over her cheeks at his engaging smile. She must ask Papa his name, since they had not been properly introduced.
    â€œPardon my hasty departure, but I must be on my way,” the young man said.
    â€œOf course.” Papa turned to her. “Your shoe.”
    She hurriedly removed it and produced the document for her father. In the next instant, the young man turned his steed and disappeared into the brush. A strange sensation flashed through her body.
    â€œAnd who might that be?” Delight’s cheeks grew hot at the realization of her interest in the dark-haired young man with the dimpled smile, and she hid her confusion by bending down to put on her shoe.
    â€œJames Daniels, the son of an influential patriot. Both have worked closely with Sam Adams and the Sons of Liberty,” Papa said, picking up the reins. “He’s not married.”
    Delight caught her breath. “I simply wondered what his name was.”
First Papa mentioned the most absurd possibility with Henry, and now he indicates Mr. Daniels is not married. Is he anxious to marry me off?
    â€œI merely mention his marital status because he works diligently for the patriots, often transporting information through enemy lines. He’s been beaten by loyalists, wounded by British soldiers, has witnessed his father’s death at Bunker Hill, and watched while his home burned to the ground, yet still he refuses to settle for anything less than liberty.”
    Delight’s heart pounded hard against her chest. Such valor! Such heroism! That was the sort of man she wanted to share a home with one day, not the likes of a redcoat named Henry O’Neill with his carrot-top hair and unbridled loyalty to the British.
    The matter of Henry had better be laid to rest. She had