Wild Innocence by Candace McCarthy Page A

Rachel’s friend.
    Miranda blushed under the man’s smile. “I’m afraid not. I’m her friend, and I’m pleased to meet you.” She held out her hand. “Miranda Clark. You must be Daniel Trahern.”
    Amelia’s husband took it and gallantly bent down to kiss her knuckles. “I’m pleased to meet you.” He was an attractive man with blond hair and a great deal of brawn. His shoulders were broad and powerful. His chest filled out and stretched the linen of his blue shirt. The arms below his rolled-up shirtsleeves were muscular and bronzed with fine blond hairs grazing the skin. He wasn’t the man Rachel had imagined. He was too good-looking, too well-mannered, to fit the picture of a wilderness blacksmith.
    Daniel turned then to greet his wife’s sister. “Rachel?” he asked. He narrowed his gaze.
    Rachel felt the sudden frost in the air between them. “That’s right,” she said. She didn’t offer her hand, and he didn’t offer her a smile. “So you’re Daniel.” She was about to say more when her sister’s voice drew her attention.
    â€œI can’t believe it,” Amelia repeated.
    Turning her gaze away from the husband, Rachel smiled at her sister. “I’m real,” she said. “Can we come in so we can catch up?”
    Amelia appeared flustered as she stepped aside. “Of course! Come in, come in!” With her husband looking on with indulgence, she waved the two young women in.
    The interior of the cabin was a little dark, but it was cozy and comfortable, and Rachel could see her sister’s attempts to brighten the inside. A large vase of wildflowers sat on the dining table on top of a crocheted table runner that Rachel recognized as Aunt Bess’s work.
    On the fireplace mantel was a piece of blown glass; it had belonged to Rachel and Amelia’s mother, one of several pieces that had been divided equally and given to the two girls. To the right, there was a door to another room. Toward the rear of the great room, three doors led to what Rachel assumed were bedchambers. It was a big house for the married couple. Perhaps they’d built it to raise a large family?
    â€œYou have a lovely home,” Rachel said.
    â€œSurprised?” Daniel asked with a hint of sarcasm.
    Amelia didn’t seem to notice the mockery in her husband’s tone. “We love it here,” she said. “There’s plenty of room for a growing family.” She turned to smile at her husband.
    The obvious affection between the two was painful to Rachel. “It’s good to see you,” Rachel said. Amelia gestured toward the sofa. The three women sat down.
    â€œIt’s so wonderful to see you, too!” Amelia exclaimed. “And you, Miranda.”
    Miranda smiled. “Rachel has been anxious to get here. I’m afraid we didn’t leave under best circumstances, I’m afraid—”
    â€œIs Aunt Bess all right?” Amelia asked with concern.
    â€œShe’s fine,” Rachel assured her.
    â€œDid you get Rachel’s letter?” Miranda said, and Rachel flashed her a grateful glance.
    â€œNo, I didn’t.” Amelia frowned as her gaze went to her sister. “You sent a letter?”
    â€œSome months ago,” Rachel admitted.
    â€œThen you don’t know about the wedding,” Miranda said.
    Amelia blinked. “Did Aunt Bess finally decide to marry?”
    â€œNo, she hasn’t,” Miranda said. “Rachel wrote to inform you that she was betrothed.”
    â€œYou did!” Amelia exclaimed. “Why, that’s wonderful!” She reached across the table to grab her sister’s hands. “You must be married then. Where is he? Where is your husband?”
    A well of misery, Rachel stared down at their joined fingers, then gazed at her friend with a pleading look.
    â€œRachel called off the engagement and escaped,” Miranda