Read Online Nan Ryan by Love Me Tonight - Free Book Online Page B

their many complaints, interrupting each other often. When each ache and every pain had been discussed at length, he casually asked if they knew any “juicy gossip.” And he winked at them when he said it.
    After going into peals of high, rippling laughter, the sisters sobered and, their eyes flashing, said in unison, “Now, you know we don’t like to tattle on old friends, but … have you heard about the young Widow Courtney?”
    He nodded, frowning sadly. “Sam the smithy told me that Mrs. Courtney hired a Yankee captain. Said the Northerner is living right there on the old Burke place with her!”
    The sisters blushed and nodded their heads. “Isn’t it scandalous?” said Caroline, the older of the two. “Why, proper folks will never associate with her again! I know sister and I certainly won’t!”
    “Can’t say that I blame you,” agreed Niles. “We’re all awfully disappointed in the young widow.” He shook his head. “She’ll learn that such questionable behavior will not be tolerated by upright, God-fearing folks like us.”
    The Livingston sisters vehemently agreed. They went on and on about the dirty Yankee and the foolish widow until the carriage rolled to a stop before their once grand, but now run-down home a mile outside Spanish Fort.
    When Niles Loveless left the pair, they waved madly, calling out to him to give their fondest regards to his sweet wife, Patsy. Smiling, nodding, promising he would, he drove away with them chattering gaily about what a fine, handsome gentleman Niles Loveless was.
    “What a devoted, loving husband he is to Patsy,” trilled Caroline.
    “Yes. And such a doting father to his two little boys,” added Celeste, the younger sister.
    Holding hands, the sisters hurried up the flagstone walk to the house, still talking about the kind, upstanding Niles Loveless.
    Niles Loveless continued on his way, the high-stepping blacks prancing proudly northward. When he’d driven another mile, Niles turned the big brougham off the main road and into a private drive, its entrance guarded by matching stone statues imported from Italy.
    His destination within sight, Niles grew anxious to reach the big two-story dwelling at the end of the long pebbled drive that wound its way through the thick tall pine trees. For the first time since leaving town, he applied the whip, sending the horses into a fast trot. He circled the big white house and pulled to stop in the rear.
    He bounded eagerly down, leaving the carriage to a waiting groomsman. Inside the manicured yard, he strode hurriedly toward the shaded veranda, climbed the back steps, crossed the wide porch, and let himself in the back door.
    He was smiling with pleasure and anticipation by the time he closed and locked the door behind himself.
    “Honey, it’s me,” he called, and started through the silent, spacious house, disrobing as he went.
    He hung his planters hat and grey linen waistcoat in the marble-floored entrance hall. The matching gray vest was dropped on the carpeted stairs along with the gray silk cravat. Gold studs scattered as he stripped off his white shirt.
    “Darling, where are you?” he called, reaching the wide upstairs landing. “Daddy’s looking for his baby girl. Daddy’s taking off his belt …” His grin broadened as he pulled the smooth black leather belt from the loops of his trousers and walked to the end of the cool, quiet corridor toward the last door, which stood open.
    Eagerly he stepped into the open doorway, his face flushed, his broad chest heaving with excitement. And then he saw her across the dim bedchamber. She was seated at the dressing table calmly stroking her long dark hair with a gold-handled brush.
    She wore a sweetly demure dress of pale yellow organza with frilly short sleeves and full ruffled skirts. On her small feet were slippers of soft yellow kid leather. Her full pink lips were naked of rouge, as was her lovely, flawless face. From across the dim bedroom she actually