Captive Hearts by Teresa J Reasor Page A

took several deep breaths at a bid for control that seemed just out of reach. He thrust his face close to Edward’s. “Should I hear you have even hinted that my wife was anything but pure, as you just did to me, kin or not, I will call you out and take great pleasure and satisfaction in extracting your apology before I drop your cold, dead carcass overboard for the fish to pick over.”
    The man grew pale and he seemed to have trouble swallowing. “You can not threaten me like this. I am a Lord.”
    “Lord or not, makes no difference to me. This is not a threat, Edward. It is a promise.” He studied the man’s sallow complexion with some satisfaction. “I hope I shan’t discover there are rumors already circulating. I would hate to have to enquire just who might have started them. Though it might take some time to track it down, eventually, the truth always surfaces.”
    Edward remained silent.
    Matthew straightened. “Talbot, Clarisse, please excuse me. I feel Katherine and I need a few moments away from the house. I thought it might be the perfect time for us to visit the Caroline.” He returned his attention to Edward. “I will be certain to tell Katherine you wished her well, Edward.”
    ****
    Katherine watched the tiny brown wren pluck dismally through the fallen leaves for something to eat.
    The creature hopped close and cocked its head from side to side studying her. A breeze ruffled the heavy dark blue fabric of her skirt startling the bird and it skittered across the path and under a bush, it’s tiny feet a blur.
    She shivered beneath the chill of the wind. She preferred the cold to the oppressive atmosphere of the study. No doubt, they were planning to keep her under lock and key, as Edward had done. Resentment raced through her at the injustice of it. She had become a prisoner instead of the men responsible for her family’s death. It did not matter that the cage was gilded, only that she couldn’t go about with any freedom.
    A movement from the path set the wren to panicked flight and it soared upward and away. Turning her head to see what had disturbed the creature, her attention settled on Matthew’s tall form as he strolled toward her.
    She studied the masculine appeal of his features. The strong angular shape of his jaw, the cleft in his chin, more than hinted at a strong will. She found an unusual beauty in the lithe grace of his powerful body. Thoughts of how he had looked that morning in bed brought heat rising to her cheeks and settling in other more intimate places. He was proving to be a distraction to her peace of mind, just as Edward had hoped.
    He unfolded the cloak draped over his arm and, with a practiced movement, wrapped it about her shoulders.
    She wondered how many women he had performed such a service for in the past. “You are very adept at that, Captain.” The words were out before she could think to retract them.
    “It comes from dressing a four year old who is seldom still.” He took a seat beside her on the bench.
    Shocked at the comment, her gaze leaped to his face.
    “You have a child?”
    “Yes, a daughter.” His black brows snapped together in a sharp V. “You didn’t know?” She shook her head. “Edward did not tell me.” He
    had a daughter
     
    . The thought tumbled through her mind end over end. A sudden realization brought a sinking feeling of despair to the pit of her stomach. “Your wife,
     
    was it a recent loss?”
    “Caroline died in childbirth four years ago.” Though his features remained composed, a tightening of the muscles about his mouth belied the ease with which he said it. She rested a sympathetic hand on his arm for a brief moment. “I am sorry.” After a silence she added, “You must be eager to return home to your daughter.”
    “Yes, I am. I had promised her I’d be home for Christmas. Unfortunately, that isn’t possible. I’ve sent a letter explaining that I’ve been delayed and will be there as soon as I can.”
    How he