Read Online The Seven Sapphires of Mardi Gras by Vickie Britton - Free Book Online Page B

I’m so sorry.”
    “And this is Nathan,” the girl announced in a bold, breathless manner, for Edward had pointedly ignored the shy, rather shabbily dressed young man who stood awkwardly by her side. “My fiancé,” Christine boasted, her eyes challenging Edward.
    Edward’s gaze narrowed as he regarded the young man. Nathan’s clothes were faded and worn, the breeches splattered with white. “Where the devil have you been? Out riding? I’m paying you to whitewash the patio, not make cow’s eyes at my daughter,” Edward scolded.
    The boy looked down, stammering something I could not quite understand—the same strange Cajun dialect that Cassa had spoken.
    “Oh, Edward. Only a short ride,” the girl placated with a winning smile. Christine was tall, and slender as a reed. She seemed a bright and lively girl. Her little face was thin and rather pointed, her cheeks were flushed, and her long, chestnut-colored hair tousled by the wind and the horse ride. I was a little surprised that Edward allowed her to run about unescorted with the boy, Nathan, for she seemed quite young. Unless she was older than she looked, she must have been around fourteen. I supposed that the rules governing courtship might be more relaxed out here so far from the city.
    “And he’s not your beau,” Edward said gruffly, as if he was reading my thoughts. “You’re far too young to even think of a beau.”
    To my surprise, she agreed. “Maybe you’re right, Edward.” I saw her bright gaze had fallen upon Nicholas, and a strange, wistful expression filled her eyes. “Why, Nick! I didn’t even see you!” The bold, defiant girl of a moment ago seemed suddenly as shy and awkward as the young boy at her side. “What—what are you doing here?
    “I came to bring you your cousin, Louise.”
    Christine turned to stare curiously at me. “So that’s who you are. I thought you’d be much older. And not quite as pretty,” she stated bluntly.
    “I must be going.”
    Nicholas’s words caused her to whirl back around to him.  “Oh, so soon?” I was a little amazed at how swiftly the shyness turned to a beguiling coyness. “Please stay a while,” she begged. It’s been so long since we’ve seen you.”
    Nicholas ignored her pleading eyes. “I’m afraid I must go.” He began to move toward the door.
    “Nicholas, wait!” Like an anxious puppy, Christine bounded forward to catch up with him.
    “Christine!” Edward’s sharp command drew her back. The girl hesitated. An ugly scowl was beginning to cross her petulant features. But she obediently moved back toward Edward and the rest. I took the opportunity to step forward.
    “I’ll see you out, Nicholas,” I said, taking his arm in mine. “And thank you for all the help you’ve given me.”
    We stood for a moment out on the veranda. “Something tells me you’re not quite the welcome guest in Edward’s home,” I commented, once we were out of hearing range of the others.
    A smile lightened his black eyes, making the dark speck dance. “You’re quite perceptive, Miss Moreland,” he agreed. The black eyes began to cloud again, becoming murky, as the surface of a muddy lake becomes when it is disturbed by sudden motion. Something—unpleasant memories?—was stirring their opaque depths. “There’s no love lost between us,” he admitted. “In fact, this is the first time I’ve been here since—” He did not need to finish.
    He unexpectedly took my hand in his and held it tightly for a moment. “Louise, promise that you’ll have a word with me before you sign any contracts with Edward. Your inheritance may be worth far more than you realize.”
    “Are you saying that my uncle might try to cheat me?”
    Laugh lines appeared on either side of his well-sculptured mouth. “Oh, not intentionally. Edward has plans—and you are simply in the way of them. It would be much more convenient for him if you would agree to sell your inheritance so he can put Evangeline out of