Wild Innocence by Candace McCarthy Page B

said quietly.
    Amelia appeared confused. “I don’t understand.” She studied her sister. “You’re not married? You didn’t come with your husband.”
    â€œNo.” Rachel’s voice sounded hoarse. “Miranda’s uncle brought me.”
    â€œHer fiancé was a jealous madman,” Miranda said. “Rachel learned this before it was too late. She called off the wedding, but Jordan—Jordan Sinclair—was persistent.” She paused to pat Rachel’s arm. “He was more than persistent. He threatened her! She feared for her own life, and Aunt Bess’s.” The young woman placed an arm around her friend’s shoulders. “So she left ... we left, and, well, here we are.”
    â€œOh, Rachel,” Amelia whispered. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”
    Rachel’s tears were real. The mention of Jordan’s name had brought back the pain.
    â€œI’m sorry, Rach,” Miranda said softly.
    She nodded. “I’m all right.”
    â€œSo this Jordan Sinclair fellow was bothering you,” Daniel said.
    Rachel looked at him. “Yes.” She didn’t blink. It was the truth. Jordan Sinclair bothered her still. He had stolen her heart, then trampled it to pieces when he’d run away with his widow.
    Daniel continued to study her. “And your aunt?”
    â€œOh, Aunt Bess is fine,” Rachel replied. “She has George to protect her.”
    Amelia smiled. “Has she married him?”
    â€œNot yet,” Rachel replied, “but soon, I think. Right before I left, I sensed that she was weakening.”
    â€œGood for George!” Seeing her husband’s puzzled look, Amelia explained, “George Bentley is a kindly gentleman who is in love with my aunt. He’s been trying to marry her for years. I think she loves him, but she refuses to admit it. Look how long it took before she’d allow George to court her.”
    â€œI hope she marries him soon,” Rachel said. George Bentley was one of the few males left in the world that Rachel trusted. He was perfect for Aunt Bess. Rachel’s experience with Jordan had made her leery of all men. She transferred her gaze to her sister’s husband, who had moved to stand near his wife.
    â€œHow’s Father?” Rachel asked.
    â€œYou haven’t seen him?” Amelia said.
    Rachel shook her head. “We arrived yesterday afternoon.” She blushed and avoided Daniel’s glance. “I lay down for a nap at the hotel, and I was so tired that I slept through supper.”
    â€œFather’s been away,” her sister told her. “Daniel will find out for you if he’s returned.” She lovingly caressed her husband’s shoulder. “Won’t you, darling?”
    His expression, which had been grim, softened as he studied his wife. “Whatever you want, love.”
    He dislikes me, Rachel thought, knowing that it was true. She decided to pretend otherwise. “I appreciate it, Daniel. You’re a good brother-in-law and a true gentleman,” she said with just a hint of mockery.
    His blue eyes flashed with anger as he met her gaze. She nodded, smiling, then turned her attention back to her sister.
    â€œYou’ll stay with us, of course,” Amelia said without expecting an answer. “We have plenty of room. You can go to the mission later. I think, though, you’ll find it quite comfortable here.”
    Rachel saw Daniel’s look of dismay. “She might like it better at the mission,” he said carefully.
    Amelia looked at him with surprise. “You don’t mean that! Rachel will like it here well enough.”
    â€œAmelia,” Rachel said softly, “I don’t plan to return to Baltimore. My home is here now. I can’t live with you. It’s not right—”
    â€œYes, Amelia, she—” Daniel began.
    â€œWhy not?” Amelia