~ ~ ~
“Are you going to tell me what’s troubling you?”
“Nothing is amiss. Why do you ask?”
Lady Sophia pulled Cassandra into a windowed alcove, away from the crush of people in the palace ballroom. “Because you haven’t listened to a word I’ve said.”
“Of course I have. You were discussing Lady Dupont’s gown, wondering if her décolletage could be any lower before her breasts spilled forth.”
Sophia smiled. “It is shocking.”
Cassandra lifted her fan in mock surprise. “I was of the opinion that nothing shocked you.”
Sophia’s expression sobered. “Well, your contention that you wished to pull Madam Cantrell’s wig off and sit upon it did. I could hardly believe what I was hearing—that you were expressing a deep-felt desire to expose her bald head to everyone.”
“What are you prattling on about? I never said that.” Cassandra’s gaze flashed toward her husband’s mistress who stood beside the Grand Duke, one hand resting possessively on his arm. She might have thought of doing such a thing in the past. But no more. And she certainly would never voice such an intent. But her friend Sophia was shaking her head and laughing.
“Perhaps you didn’t say it. But you did agree... when I said it.”
Cassandra tilted her head. “I never—”
“You did. Right before I pulled you in here. I suggested you might wish to try it and you said ‘Of course, Sophia, that sounds like an interesting idea.”
“I obviously wasn’t paying your words any heed.”
“Which is exactly my point. You’ve been distracted all evening. All day really. This morning you barely touched your chocolate. And you know how you usually enjoy that.”
Cassandra turned to stare out the window. Mirrored in the glass were the dazzling gowns and jackets of the dancers. All gaiety and light. Cassandra shut her eyes. “I had the vision again last night.”
“Of the soldiers?”
“Yes.” Her voice was little more than a whisper.
“Oh, Your Highness, I’m sorry, truly I am. If I could do anything to help you know I would. But you must stop worrying about that. You know as well as I that it won’t happen. Look.” She tamed the Queen to face the ballroom. “Everyone is happy. As they’ve always been. Dancing and laughing. See Lady Dupont and her silly gown. There is no conquering army.” Her fingers squeezed over her friend’s hand. “It is simply a bad dream that you must forget.”
When Cassandra turned her head toward Sophia there were tears in her eyes. “I don’t want to see these things. I try not to think on it.” She swallowed. “When I was very young I envied Simon his ability to... to see things that were not there. It seemed such a wondrous gift to peek into the future, to know what would happen before anyone else. I told him as much once.”
“And what did he say?”
“That I spoke with the voice of a child.” She grasped her friend’s hand. “Sophia, I do not wish to be a seer. But since my father and brother died, since Simon disappeared, the visions have been upon me. At first only once in a while and barely strong enough to cause notice. But now...”
“Have you spoken to the Grand Duke?”
“Nay, he would not care to know.”
“You’ve no doubt the right of it there.” Lady Sophia snapped open her fan and smiled as one of her suitors strode by. He would have paused to join his beloved had not she turned her attention back to the Queen.
“Will nothing stop this? A spell perhaps?”
The memory flashed through Cassandra’s mind. Of broad shoulders and blue eyes. Of the shattering pleasure that had made her forget. But she merely shook her head. There was no way she could tell even her friend and confidante about what she’d done last night. Her lips parted on a sigh. “I don’t know.”
“Well, we must do something. I fear this is affecting your health. You’re so pale. Did you sleep at all last night?”
“A bit” In the arms of a stranger. Cassandra took a deep breath. “But you are right. I can not allow this to continue. Perhaps I should speak to Albert. If I assure myself that all is well with Breslovia, then perhaps I shall be able to rid myself of these visions.”
“Cardinal Sinzen is the one you should speak with. From what I understand Albert can barely be bothered. But look, here is Cardinal Sinzen heading our way as I speak. And who is that sinfully handsome man at his side? Certainly no one I’ve ever seen before. Do you know who he is, Your Highness?” Sophia glanced back toward her friend. “My God! Are you all right? Someone help me. The Queen is going to swoon.”
Other Books by Christine Dorsey
written under the name:
Christine Elliott
The Captain’s Conquest,
written under the name:
Christine Dorsey
The Traitor’s Embrace
Southern Nights
Bold Rebel Love
The Captain’s Captive
The Rebel’s Kiss
Sea Fires
Sea of Desire
Sea of Temptation
Sea of Christmas Miracles (novella)
My Savage Heart
My Seaswept Heart
My Heavenly Heart
Splendor
The Renegade
The Rebel
The Rogue
By the Book
Under His Spell (novella)
The Way to a Man’s Heart (novella)
A Bride’s Desire (novella)
Rave Reviews
My Savage Heart
“My Savage Heart will leave readers breathless and eagerly anticipating the remaining novels in this new trilogy. Ms. Dorsey has created another incredible hero and a wonderful love story.”
~ Romantic Times
“As always, Christine Dorsey can be counted on to give us a tale full of adventure and romance. My Savage Heart is a poignantly written, emotion-packed read that will touch your heart. Her full-bodied characters and well-written storyline will have you engrossed from the first page to the very last.”
~ Affaire de Coeur
Sea of Temptation
“In Sea of Temptation, the sensational conclusion to her outstanding Charleston Trilogy, Christine Dorsey demonstrates why she is one of the most talented authors of the genre today: strong, unforgettable characters, rousing adventures, and history combine to create “keepers.”
~ Romantic Times
“Ms. Dorsey’s hero and heroine are both strong-willed individuals and their misunderstandings add some very funny situations to this action-packed historical. On the other hand, their fiery passion will send your temperature rising. An outstanding, conclusion to a fascinating series on the Blackstones.”
~ Rendezvous
Sea of Desire
“Christine Dorsey has written a tale of passion, adventure, and love that is impossible to put down. Her heroine is feisty and her hero will leave you breathless. Sea of Desire is a book you shouldn’t miss and will ,need some space on your keeper shelf. it is marvelous!”
~ Affaire de Coeur
“Blazing passion, nonstop adventure, and a “be-still-my-beating-heart” hero are just a few of the highlights of this captivating second novel in Ms. Dorsey’s Charleston Trilogy. Sea of Desire is not to be missed!”
~ Romantic Times
Sea Fires
“From the instant Miranda and Jack meet, you know this is going to be a very special relationship and that Sea Fires is going to be a very special book. If this auspicious romance is any indication, the Charleston trilogy is destined to be an excellent series from Christine Dorsey’s sparkling pen. Be sure not to miss Sea Fires!”
~ Romantic Times
“Sea Fires is well plotted, sensual, and a pure delight!”
~ Affaire de Coeur
“There is an undercurrent of dry wit and many humorous incidents that make this swashbuckling romance a most enjoyable reading adventure. Ms. Dorsey spins quite a talc.”
~ Rend
ezvous
Kansas Kiss
“Kansas Kiss is a tender, moving novel that touches the heart. M Dorsey’s star shines brighter than ever.”
~ Romantic Times
The Captain’s Captive
“Make room on your “keeper” shelf for The Captain’s Captive. This mesmerizing novel has it all: rousing adventure, intriguing plot, and enchanting lovers sure to please lucky readers.”
~ Romantic Times
“From first page to last, the word for this book is captivating, it has all the ingredients for an excellent read. Adventure, verbal battles, sensuous love scenes, humor and above all, it’s well written. This one is a keeper.”
~ Rendezvous
Traitor’s Embrace
“A bang-up story full of adventure, humor, wonderful characters, and an interesting time period. This is one you shouldn’t miss.”
~ Rendezvous
About the Author
Christine Dorsey lives in Richmond, Virginia with her proof that there are “happily ever afters”, her husband of forty-four years, Chip. She has three grown children, a son and daughter-in-law, and four of the most delightful grandchildren imaginable... just ask her. She also has a Springer Spaniel puppy, Stella, who keeps the household more than lively. Besides her family and friends, reading, writing and love of the sea are her passions. The author of seventeen books and four novellas with more to come, Christine loves to share the stories and characters that had Romantic Times Magazine calling her “one of the most talented authors in the genre.” You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Blog and her website, www.christinedorsey.com
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Reader Letter
Excerpt: Splendor
List of Titles
Reviews
About the Author
Christine Dorsey - [MacQuaid 02] Page 33