Martha Schroeder (26 page)

Meg sighed. “That sounds wonderful. Though I do not believe I will ever have a good idea—or indeed any idea— about those silly accounts.”

She paused for a long moment. He could sense apprehension when she finally said, “About Claire. I really am glad to have her stay. She can make her home with us for as long as she likes, I have already come to love her, and I think she regards me as a friend. I did not mean—”

“Do not sound so worried, my love. I know you love her. You were just eager to have me accept my relationship with Reggie. And I am afraid I still cannot do that. But I no longer reject the possibility. It may be that the two of us will be able to meet and actually be civil. I frankly still doubt it, but”—he hugged her close, reveling in the touch and the taste and the smell of her—“I would not bet against anything you set your mind to, my dear Lady Meg.”

“Then I will not give up hope yet. Meanwhile”—she drew him down into the heat and softness of her body—”let us celebrate! For I have already won my biggest gamble, in marrying and falling in love with you, my dearest captain!”

Copyright © 1998 by Martha Schroeder O'Connor

Originally published by Fawcett Crest [ISBN 0449001369]

Electronically published in 2012 by Belgrave House/Regency Reads

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This is a work of fiction. All names in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to any person living or dead is coincidental.