When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas Page A

lingering smile. “Justifiably so. Claiborne is young and inexperienced. His political adversaries would like to discredit him and separate the territory from the Union.”
    “Are you one of those who wish Louisiana to attain statehood?”
    “I’m counting on it,” he replied. “When the Americans took over the territory two years ago, I pledged my loyalty to Claiborne. Unfortunately, the Americans have not kept their promise to admit Louisiana into the Union.”
    “But why?”
    “They claim that our population is not ready for citizenship.”
    “I don’t see why…” Lysette began, and broke off as a wave of dizziness swept over her. She shut her eyes, and when she opened them, Max was staring at her closely.
    “You’re very pale,” he murmured. “Do you feel ill?”
    She shook her head. “I…I’m rather tired, monsieur. Clumsily she pushed back from the table. “If you will excuse me, I will go to my room.”
    “Of course.” He helped her up carefully, his large hand cupping her elbow. “I am sorry to be deprived of such a charming supper companion. For a mere female, you manage to keep up with the conversation quite well.”
    A brief laugh escaped her, and she smiled into his teasing dark eyes. “I will repay you for that tomorrow, when I am feeling better.”
    He held her gaze for a moment, and his hand slidreluctantly from her arm. “Have a good rest,” he murmured, and remained standing while she left the room.
    Lysette’s legs felt leaden as she climbed the stairs. As she entered her room, she put her hand to her face, knowing something was not right. Her skin was covered in cold sweat. More perspiration trickled between her breasts and beneath her bodice, and she longed to strip off her confining clothes.
    There was a white square of paper on her bed, having been placed carefully against the pillow. Frowning curiously, Lysette picked it up. Her heart stopped beating as she saw what it was.
    “The letter,” she whispered, suddenly finding it hard to breathe. The envelope trembled in her hands. It was her letter to Marie, unopened, undelivered. Vallerand had assured her that it had been sent. Why had he lied? And what was his purpose in keeping it? Oh, God, she had known she couldn’t trust him!
    She decided to confront him at once. Her head throbbed with sudden vicious pain, and her back ached from the top of her spine to her hips. White with outrage, she gripped the balustrade in her slippery hand and began the long descent. Halfway down the steps, she saw Vallerand walking out of the dining room.
    “Monsieur,” she said, her tongue feeling thick in her mouth. “You have something to explain to me.”
    He came to the bottom of the stairs. “Explain what, mademoiselle?”
    She held up the letter. “Why did you lie to me?My letter to Marie…you kept it! You never intended to send it.” She shook her head impatiently to dispel the ringing in her ears. “I don’t understand.” She tried to back away as he began to ascend the stairs. She couldn’t think above the annoying jangling in her head. “St-stay away from me!”
    Vallerand’s face was inhumanly calm. “How did you get it?”
    “That doesn’t matter. Tell me why. Now , damn you! Tell me—” The letter dropped from her nerveless hand, fluttering to the steps. “I am leaving. I would rather be with Sagesse than endure another minute with you.”
    “You’re staying,” he said flatly. “I have plans for you.”
    “Damn you,” Lysette whispered, her eyes prickling with humiliating tears. “What do you want from me?” She raised her hands to her head in an effort to stop the pounding inside. If only it would stop. If only she could calm herself enough to think.
    Suddenly Vallerand’s face changed. “Lysette…” He reached out to steady her swaying form, his hands closing around her waist.
    Wildly she pushed at him. “Don’t touch me!”
    His hard arm slid around her back. “Let me help you