Read Online Velvet Chains (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon - Free Book Online
Authors: Constance O'Banyon
Tags: Fiction, adventure, Romance, Historical, Adult, Action, British, captive, ocean, 18th Century, kidnapped, Pirate, sailing, escape, sea voyage, captain, ransom, Nautical, freedom, american revolution, bound, Spirited, VELVET CHAINS, American Patriot, Redcoats, Will To Resist, Abductor's Eyes, Possessing, Rebelled, Linked Fate
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on powdering her hair, she knew she had seldom looked better. Indeed, she had rarely been dressed as fashionably and she had never been to a ball such as the one she was attending tonight.
Season wished Mrs. Tibbs hadn't taken ill. She would have preferred her company tonight. A hundred butterfly wings fluttered inside her stomach as they approached the double doors, and Season felt the chill wind sting her cheeks as the doors were quickly opened and the colonel ushered her inside. A butler in full military dress and powdered wig took Season's cape and requested their names before leading them into the grand ballroom.
Edmund was deep in conversation with Lucas when the butler cleared his throat to make his announcement. The servant's voice rose above the music since he was introducing such an important guest. "The Lady Chatsworth, and Colonel Tibbs," he boomed.
Season could feel all eyes turn in her direction and she nervously clutched her silver lace fan tightly in her hand. She smiled weakly at General Clinton as he moved forward to take her hand.
"You are the loveliest young woman I have seen since leaving England, Lady Season," he said, beaming at her.
Season was unaccustomed to receiving compliments and made no reply other than a soft "Thank you." She was acutely aware that somewhere in that sea of faces was the man she was to marry. She laid her hand lightly on General Clinton's proffered arm and raised her head proudly, hoping she would present a picture of elegant sophistication. She did not want to reveal the frightened young girl she felt herself to be at the moment.
General Clinton smiled down at her in a fatherly manner. "Come, my dear. I have it on good authority that Edmund Kensworthy is anxious to make your acquaintance."
The music had ceased, and the crowd seemed to move aside to allow them free passage. Season couldn't help but overhear some of the remarks people made as she passed. "Imagine, a duke's daughter," someone declared. "What an exquisite gown," someone else was heard to say. "She is beautiful," another whispered. Season felt anything but beautiful at that moment. She was terribly frightened.
She caught a glimpse of two men standing at the end of the long line of people. Her eyes went first to the taller one. His imposing presence seemed to cast everyone else into shadow though he was modestly dressed in black velvet. He was tall and broad shouldered. Season couldn't help but notice that his handsome face was deeply tanned and his hair was unpowdered.
As she drew near she could see that the man's eyes were the startling color of liquid gold. He didn't smile, but instead looked at her boldly, almost insolently, causing her to lower her gaze.
Season's heart was beating rapidly as General Clinton stopped before the two men. She waited for what seemed an eternity for the general to make the introduction, meanwhile she dared to steal another glimpse at the imposing stranger through half-veiled lashes. This was the man of her girlhood fantasies. Handsome was too tame a word to describe him. He was alive and virile. His brilliant golden eyes were half amused, half mocking. Oh, please, please, she prayed silently, let this man be my cousin, Edmund Kensworthy!
As Lucas watched the Lady Chatsworth walk gracefully toward him he thought the blue of her gown gave her skin the appearance of silken alabaster. As she drew nearer, he noted her lovely, delicate features and her unusual green eyes. Surely nature had erred in painting her eyes; never had he seen such a brilliant green. Although the lady's hair was powdered, Lucas instinctively knew in its natural state it would be golden in color. Lucas was a man of the world and had seen many beautiful women, but he had not seen one who rivaled this lovely vision. He remembered the story of her tarnished reputation. Why does she appear so shy and frightened? he wondered. She must be a very adept actress, he thought, because she certainly seems to be an
Season wished Mrs. Tibbs hadn't taken ill. She would have preferred her company tonight. A hundred butterfly wings fluttered inside her stomach as they approached the double doors, and Season felt the chill wind sting her cheeks as the doors were quickly opened and the colonel ushered her inside. A butler in full military dress and powdered wig took Season's cape and requested their names before leading them into the grand ballroom.
Edmund was deep in conversation with Lucas when the butler cleared his throat to make his announcement. The servant's voice rose above the music since he was introducing such an important guest. "The Lady Chatsworth, and Colonel Tibbs," he boomed.
Season could feel all eyes turn in her direction and she nervously clutched her silver lace fan tightly in her hand. She smiled weakly at General Clinton as he moved forward to take her hand.
"You are the loveliest young woman I have seen since leaving England, Lady Season," he said, beaming at her.
Season was unaccustomed to receiving compliments and made no reply other than a soft "Thank you." She was acutely aware that somewhere in that sea of faces was the man she was to marry. She laid her hand lightly on General Clinton's proffered arm and raised her head proudly, hoping she would present a picture of elegant sophistication. She did not want to reveal the frightened young girl she felt herself to be at the moment.
General Clinton smiled down at her in a fatherly manner. "Come, my dear. I have it on good authority that Edmund Kensworthy is anxious to make your acquaintance."
The music had ceased, and the crowd seemed to move aside to allow them free passage. Season couldn't help but overhear some of the remarks people made as she passed. "Imagine, a duke's daughter," someone declared. "What an exquisite gown," someone else was heard to say. "She is beautiful," another whispered. Season felt anything but beautiful at that moment. She was terribly frightened.
She caught a glimpse of two men standing at the end of the long line of people. Her eyes went first to the taller one. His imposing presence seemed to cast everyone else into shadow though he was modestly dressed in black velvet. He was tall and broad shouldered. Season couldn't help but notice that his handsome face was deeply tanned and his hair was unpowdered.
As she drew near she could see that the man's eyes were the startling color of liquid gold. He didn't smile, but instead looked at her boldly, almost insolently, causing her to lower her gaze.
Season's heart was beating rapidly as General Clinton stopped before the two men. She waited for what seemed an eternity for the general to make the introduction, meanwhile she dared to steal another glimpse at the imposing stranger through half-veiled lashes. This was the man of her girlhood fantasies. Handsome was too tame a word to describe him. He was alive and virile. His brilliant golden eyes were half amused, half mocking. Oh, please, please, she prayed silently, let this man be my cousin, Edmund Kensworthy!
As Lucas watched the Lady Chatsworth walk gracefully toward him he thought the blue of her gown gave her skin the appearance of silken alabaster. As she drew nearer, he noted her lovely, delicate features and her unusual green eyes. Surely nature had erred in painting her eyes; never had he seen such a brilliant green. Although the lady's hair was powdered, Lucas instinctively knew in its natural state it would be golden in color. Lucas was a man of the world and had seen many beautiful women, but he had not seen one who rivaled this lovely vision. He remembered the story of her tarnished reputation. Why does she appear so shy and frightened? he wondered. She must be a very adept actress, he thought, because she certainly seems to be an
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