An Unwilling Baroness (11 page)

The Reverend Billingsby slid into her line
of vision, his aged face and slouching shoulders reminded her that
this life was temporary and all she had to do was muddle through. A
pleasantly blind existence now became something to endure rather
than enjoy. What a shame. Sorrow threatened to swallow her up
completely.

"Good afternoon Lady Chloe," Billingsby
said, bowing as low as his hunched back would allow. He offered his
hand and she slid her cold fingers into the old fellow's even
chillier grip. "Know my sweet child that everything will be as it
should be." He withdrew his touch. "Trust in the Lord."

He shuffled to her groom, the pair talking
in hushed tones. Fredrick turned toward her and smiled, a dazzling
smile that would have touched the heart of a bride deeply in love
with her groom.

He started toward her, taking a few steps,
then just as suddenly, he froze. Offering a nod he bowed and rising
met her gaze. "I wish you happiness, my lady." Turning away, he
stepped back and disappeared into a small grove of trees.

Damnation, where was he going? Yet Fredrick
was all but forgotten at the sound of thundering hooves.
Hesitantly, Chloe turned, daring not to hope.

"Praise God," Maggie mumbled, holding tight
to her arm.

It couldn't be! Was she dreaming? No, a
dream was never so beautiful, so glorious. Yet, rushing through the
garden gate was Jude, his chestnut curls forced away from his face
as Sebastian galloped toward them. Pulling the horse to a halt, he
dismounted and sped to her, his expression one of pure
exhilaration.

Her heart thundered in her chest, her
breasts rising and falling with excited breaths. Pulling free from
Maggie, she rushed forward. Jude. It was her Jude. He hadn't let
her down. He was here. Hers for the taking.

"Jude!" she shouted his name and on legs
lighter than air, flew into his open arms. Dear Lord, he felt good,
smelled good, was good. "You're back."

"Of course. Don't I always come back to
you?"

"Thank God," she muttered, still unable to believe
that this was truly happening. Her life of late had not been
blessed. "But…Fredrick, he was so forceful I should marry him…and
Dorothea? Where is she?"

He chuckled. "The law, my sweet, does not like
abductors and your father's debts have reached a new high. Lord
Collins does not appreciate being owed a thousand pounds for such
an extended time. Your father's promises of payment fell of deaf
ears after I informed him you would not be sold to the highest
bidder."

"Where is Father?" she asked, glad not to see him in
the garden.

Maggie chuckled. "Debtor's prison for him and jail
for her?"

"Aye," Jude said, kissing Chloe's forehead. "It's
not hell, which is where they both belong. But it's close
enough."

"And Fredrick?" She pulled away as confusion coursed
through her addled mind.

"Fredrick, God bless him, although he loves you, got
word to me. Told me to make haste." He smoothed her cheek with his
fingertips. "I told you he was a good man."

She gazed at the spot where Fredrick had once stood.
"He is, indeed."

"You're not second guessing your choice of a suitor,
are you?" Jude asked, his questioning tone demanding her
attention.

Her breath caught in her throat and she stared into
his eyes. "Do you want me, for me?"

"Yes," he said, his gaze caressing her face with
such tenderness that she let out a joyous sob. "A million times
yes."

He leaned toward her, his warm breath
touching her ear and sending a cascade of chills across her
body.

"You did this for me?" she asked,
breathlessly, unable to believe her good fortune.

He gazed down upon her and the smile that
touched his lips sent her heart fluttering. "For you and me. When I
left for Virginia, I was certain we weren't meant to be, but seeing
you again I knew I was lost. I need you." He gently pushed a stray
curl from her forehead and she reveled in the pleasure of his
touch. "Say you'll be mine this time."

Her gaze scanned his face, memorizing each
and every bit of him. Today was the first day of a life she knew
she'd adore. The world was no longer an ugly, dirty place. "I
should've said yes the last time. This time you won't get away so
easily."

He leaned in closer still. "And I'll never
leave you again."

"And Maggie and May?" she whispered.

"Will come to Virginia with us."

Joy filled her heart as he pressed his lips
to hers. She savored the feel of his passion and desire, finally
secure in his love. His kiss ignited a spark deep within her and
she knew she was where she belonged. Her future, her life now
anything but something to endure.

####

About the author:

An Army brat, Harris Channing traveled
around the Southern US and Europe as a child before settling in
Tennessee as an adult. Married with two children, she enjoys her
family, reading, writing, and gardening.

Discover other
titles
by Harris Channing at
Smashwords.com:

The
Demon is in the Details, a Mainstream Romance

Cream
and Sugar, an Erotic Short Story

The
Cannoli Factor, a Short and Sweet Story

For more information about Harris and her
work visit her website at

www.harrischanning.com