Dakota Dreams (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Page A

been considered a beauty. Her brown hair was now white at the temples, and her soft gray eyes had lost much of their luster. In spite of the adversity, Sophie's spirit was uncrushable. She had the rare ability to always look on the bright side in almost every situation, a trait Breanna admired, since there had been so few bright sides in their lives of late.
    On entering the morning room, Breanna was surprised to see that tea and finger cakes had been arranged on a table near the fireplace where a crackling flame chased the chilling dampness from the room. "Are we expecting visitors, Sophie?" she asked, knowing that tea was a luxury they could ill afford. What little money they had must be spent on essentials for them and luxuries for Fielding.
    Sophie's eyes were downcast, and she seemed to be having trouble deciding what to do with her hands, so she clasped them behind her. "No, the tea is for you." She raised her head, and sadness as sharp as a knife brightened her eyes. "I have something to talk to you about."
    Breanna was puzzled. Why was her sister-in-law acting so strangely? Suddenly she was afraid. "Please, tell me nothing is wrong with Fielding or the children."
    Sophie gave a small shake of her head and motioned for Breanna to be seated. For a moment, she allowed her eyes to move over Breanna critically. For the first time, she became aware how lovely Fielding's young sister had become. The sunlight poured through the window, making Breanna's hair sometimes appear red, and other times it would come alive with streaks of golden highlights. Loveliness was molded into every soft feature on her face. Her eyes, golden with brown flecks, always seemed to be dancing with humor and merriment. She was outgoing, and she had a kind and loving temperament. Yes, Breanna was a beauty, but her looks had been wasted in this remote corner of England. Sophie hoped that after today Breanna would have the kind of life she deserved.
    Before Sophie spoke, she poured a cup of steaming tea and handed it to Breanna. "I hardly know where to begin. Fielding wanted to tell you himself, but knowing his gruff manner, I insisted on being the one to relate the events of this morning to you."
    Breanna was in the process of raising the teacup to her lips, but she set it down with a clatter. Something was definitely wrong. She looked at Sophie suspiciously, trying to imagine what it could be. "Tell me what is wrong, Sophie," she insisted, unable to stand the suspense.
    Sophie clasped her hands in her lap, looking older than her thirty years. "You know it has been a joy for your brother and me having you live with us, Breanna. Since I never had a sister of my own, you became like my. younger sister."
    "Yes, I have always thought of you as my sister also, Sophie." Breanna was bewildered. Why was Sophie acting so strangely? Had she finally decided to leave Fielding? Had she grown weary of doing without and sacrificing for Fielding's obsession with gambling— tired of his squandering his inheritance and that of his sons? In the last two years it had taken Breanna's and Sophie's combined efforts to keep the creditors from taking the house and lands. "What are you trying to tell me, Sophie?"
    "Were you aware that the Marquess of Weatherford's solicitor was closeted with your brother all morning?"
    Breanna's face registered her surprise at the twist the conversation had taken. She, like everyone else in England, knew of the Marquess of Weatherford. He was one of the most powerful and influential men in the country. "No, I was not aware that Fielding was even at home. Why would the Marquess of Weatherford's solicitor call upon our humble home?" Her hand went to her mouth. "Surely Fielding does not owe the Marquess a gambling debt."
    "No—nothing like that." Sophie looked befuddled for a moment. "Breanna, this happened long before you were even born, but do you recall hearing accounts of how the Marquess's son and daughter-in-law disappeared while on an