Read Online True Heart by Arnette Lamb - Free Book Online

Agnes, the older sister who’d always told Virginia to look to her wits in times of trouble. She couldn’t have survived without Agnes’s good advice. She remembered the dedication in Napier’s book. Agnes was now the countess of Cathcart.
    What of everyone else? In moments, she’d know. All she had to do was pick up her feet.
    Footfalls sounded in the hall. A heartbeat later Cameron peered around the screen. The moment he saw her, he breathed a sigh.
    Staring up at him, she felt a burst of pride. No longer gangly and cocky, he cut a powerful figure in his Highland garb, and the kindness in his brown eyes reached out to her, same as always.
    Smiling, he moved closer. “I saw your shadow and thought you might be frightened.”
    He hadn’t forsaken her.
    Now she must pretend to have forgotten him.
    She recalled her blackest moments at Poplar Knoll. With those horrors in mind, she could easily conceal her thoughts. “I’m somewhat overwhelmed.”
    â€œThen we’ll go slowly, but the sum of it is, we’re all happy to our souls to have found you.”
    Regard for others was not new to him, she decided and felt tears fill her eyes. “I’m very glad that you’ve come for me.”
    â€œGood, then I’m safe until you remember what I gave you on your sixth birthday.”
    She had to duck her head. Oh, Lord. She felt ready to crack apart inside. He’d given her two badger’s teeth on a string to replace her own front teeth. She hadn’t talked to him for an entire week she’d been so angry.
    Gathering strength, she looked up. “You’re certain I am who you think I am?”
    He gave her a smile that weakened her knees. “Aye. You’re Virginia MacKenzie.” Reaching into his sporran, he retrieved the scarf she’d given him in the stables at Rosshaven Castle on the day of their formal betrothal. “You stitched this for me a long time ago.”
    She didn’t have to pretend surprise; she hadn’t expected to see that piece of silk and girlish vanity again. It brought back a flood of memories. At first sight of the hallmark, Cameron had shamed it for a silly design. But he’d been young and brash and more eager for manly pursuits than for tending the feelings of a love-struck girl.
    How did he think of her now? “It was special to you?”
    â€œVery special, and see, you haven’t forgotten everything.” His kind eyes gleamed encouragement. “You remembered the symbol.”
    â€œBut not apurpose. I thought I’d just thought it up.”
    â€œThe rest of your past will come back to you. Just give yourself some time.”
    The rest would come. An hour ago she had decided to wait a week or so, then suddenly regain her memory. But that plan was faulty and might arouse suspicion. Unknowingly, he’d given her a way out of the lie. Each day she could pretend to remember a little—a person here, an event there. Yes, that was a better plan.
    But she must move cautiously, start in the logical place. She’d made a list of questions a person with no memory would ask. With those queries in mind, she gave him back the scarf. “Are you Cameron Cunningham? Mrs. Parker-Jones said that was your name.”
    Assuming a military stance, he clicked his boot heels together and gave her a formal nod. “At your service, my lady.”
    The title brought her up short, but she had wits enough to ask a question. “Why do you address me so?”
    â€œBecause your father is the duke of Ross, and that makes you a lady.”
    He spoke of Father in the present tense. Papa was alive. What about Mother? Why hadn’t they come with him? Apprehension clutched her heart. “You know my parents?”
    â€œOf course, and you’ll be reunited with them soon.”
    Virginia felt a relief so deep she closed her eyes to savor it.
    His hand gripped her arm. “Will you