Page 85 (1/2)

He wept

For the boy he’d been

For the ht have become

And he screamed out because in the end, his uncle had won He’d destroyed Lord Tristan Easton And Captain Criain

Chapter 26

In two hours Anne would be lass in her gown of satin, lace, and tiny beaded pearls, she felt no measure of excitee to him would be proper She would be proper She adjusted the veil that fell froe blossoms and wished she’d chosen soes always reminded her of Tristan And she didn’t want to think of hiain

She rapping about her finger the strip of leather that he had once used to bind his hair, to bind hers She needed to toss it away, but she knew, instead, she would return it to her jewelry box before she left for the church

"Don’t you look lovely, my lady," Martha said "Lord Chetwyn is such a fortunate man"

"It is I who a to say, so ere her eyes burning? "I think you’ll be happy in Chetwyn’s household"

"Ew"

Anne turned to find her maid’s brow furrowed so deeply that she was surprised the woh "I was going to tell you after the wedding--"

"Tell htly "Mr Peterson has asked me to marry him I’ve said yes"

Anne took Martha’s hands "Oh, that’s wonderful Congratulations Although I don’t understand why that should make you dread Chetwyn’s household"

"Oh, I don’t dread his house, but telling you,her hold on Martha, Anne scoffed "That’s a silly thing to do It’ll be years before he returns--"

"No, he caht Said he missed me too much and had the captain turn the ship about"

Anne’s heart slaainst her ribs "They’re in port?"

Martha nodded "Yes, aze shot to theWhat was she expecting for God’s sake? To see Tristan claain this afternoon," Martha continued "Just not with Mr Peterson He’s given up the sea He’s going to work in a shipping office or some such He’s saved his money so we can purchase a home I don’t have to work any more"