Read Online Today's Embrace by Linda Lee Chaikin - Free Book Online

the gold and diamond moguls in order for Jameson and others in the BSA to secretly ride into Pretoria. Jameson had been assured by the leaders of the Uitlanders that they would rise up in rebellion, and together they would overthrow the Boers just as they had overthrown Lobengula and taken Bulawayo.
    It was insane. Did Rhodes know about it? And what about Milner and Secretary Chamberlain?
    Rogan thought of his father. Sir Lyle had many important friends in Parliament. He even knew Milner and Chamberlain, and when in London, he visited Chamberlain at his country house. Even so, after reading Arcilla’s letter, Sir Lyle had merely waved a hand.
    â€œYou take our dear little Arcilla’s word for anything of this magnitude?”
    â€œYes, and for the reason you just mentioned.”
    His father had looked at him with puzzled gray eyes.
    â€œArcilla would never come up with anything this shrewd on her own. This smells of Julien and Doc Jameson to me.”
    His father considered, then nodded. “Maybe so. Still, son, there is nothing I can do.”
    â€œFather, you can go straight to the Parliament.”
    â€œAnd bring down the wrath of the government on my head? I’ve my work here to do.” And he patted his desk. “Here, I shall stay.”
    â€œThen I’ll go.”
    â€œThe one thing that worries me is Arcilla. If Julien discovers she sent that wire to you—”
    Rogan frowned to himself, remembering his father’s warning. Heplaced his sister’s letter inside his jacket pocket and snatched his hat from the peg. His mind was made up. Arcilla was already at odds with Julien over Peter’s career. There had also been that scandal in Capetown over Arcilla’s foolish behavior. Julien had browbeaten her over that fiasco.
    Maybe he should contact Peter about this first.
    But could he rely on Peter to tell him the truth about a plot to invade the Transvaal? He could trust his brother-in-law about Arcilla, but little else. Peter, as yet, was astride two horses, struggling to keep them in rein.
    His father, Rogan thought, irritated, was little better. The old frustrations welled up inside him. He loved his father, naturally. But not much could work him up except musty history!
    Someone at Pall Mall must put pressure on Milner in Capetown to drop any plans for an invasion.
    When would Evy return from her afternoon ride? He looked at the time. He quickly wrote her a note about where he would be and when he expected to return, then left Rookswood for London.

    The summer leaves outside the medical-office window were red and gold. Evy finished dressing and was seated on the chair when the angular Dr. Tisdale entered with a benign smile.
    â€œWell, dear Evy, you were right. You are going to have a baby. Congratulations! I’m certain this is happy news indeed for both you and Rogan.”
    The smile on her face had felt glued there for the last half hour. At any other time the news would have thrilled her. Weighing heavily upon her mind now was how this pregnancy would affect her plans to go to South Africa. From her own viewpoint, nothing could change her mind except a bedridden state. But it was Rogan’s view that worried her. What would he say?
    Evy paused, her hand on the doorknob, and turned back.
    â€œDr. Tisdale, I’ll ask that you please not mention this to anyone until I speak to Rogan.”
    He drew himself up to look an inch taller, his professional countenance showing. “My dear Evy. As a doctor I never discuss the health of my patients with anyone except those immediately involved. I would not for any reason preclude your singular right and joy of informing Rogan that he’s to become a father.”
    She blushed. “No, of course you wouldn’t, Dr. Tisdale. I suppose I’m a bit flustered over the news.”
    His face mellowed into an understanding smile.
    â€œNormal, my dear, quite normal. I saw you ride in on the horse. You be