Tracie Peterson - Dawns Prelude

"And I'm miserable." Evie fingered one of her rings. "Thomas never talks to me. He never shows me the slightest hit of attention or affection."

"I wish I had it as good. Mr. Stone is already talking of wanting more children, and Jerrad is not hut a year old. Goodness, but you would think two progeny would be more than enough for anyone.

Evic turned away. "Enjoy the party, Jeannette." She wasn't about to let her sister see how deeply her words had cut. Evic would love to have children. She longed for them, in fact. Jeannette spoke as if they were a curse.

"Genevieve, I heard you were just back from Europe. How did you enjoy your tour?"

Looking up, Evie found herself suddenly surrounded by several of the businessmen's wives. Mrs. Benedict, a particularly annoying woman, had posed the question.

"I found the Old World to be quite charming," Evic said with practiced ease.

"Did you sail on the Rhine?" Mrs. DeHart asked. "We sailed the Rhine last spring, and it was divine."

"We visited the Alps but did not sail the Rhine, I'm sorry to say."

The women continued to ply her with questions, and even Jeannette joined in. "Mr. Stone says we will take the grand tour when the children are a little older."

"Oh, it is so difficult to travel with young ones," Mrs. Benedict admitted. "I find it much easier to leave them behind. A good nurse is all they need, anyway"

Evic had taken all she could. She scanned the room to see where Thomas was but couldn't find him. No doubt he had taken his cronies to another room for cigars and brandy. She sighed. It would be impossible to plead a headache and retire to her room if Thomas wasn't available to host their party.

"If you'll excuse me," she told the women, "I should see to my other guests."

She moved away before anyone could protest. Evic was glad when the small orchestra Thomas had hired began to play music once again. Several couples immediately began to waltz to the strains of "On the Beautiful Blue Danube." It was a wonderful piece that Evie had first heard in Vienna. She had specifically requested it for the evening's events. She had hoped to dance instead of stroll around the room, but at least she could enjoy the music.

"Might I have the honor?"

She looked up to find one of Thomas's secretaries. Trayton Payne was a tall, sleek young man, not much older than Evie. She smiled. "I would love to dance. This song is one of my favorites."

He took hold of her, careful to keep her a proper and very formal distance from himself. Evie stepped into the waltz as if she were a part of the music itself. She lost herself in its beauty for several moments.

"If I may be so bold, you look sad tonight. Are you all right?"

She looked up at Mr. Payne in surprise. "I'm fine, thank you for asking. I am surprised, however, that you aren't in the library with the others, enjoying bawdy talk and more masculine refreshments."

He smiled down at her, piercing her with his dark-eyed gaze. "I've wanted to spend time with you since first coming here tonight."

Evic couldn't hide her surprise. "Why me? Thomas pays your salary."

He chuckled and pulled Evie just a bit closer. "Why not you You are much more intriguing. In fact, I would venture to say you are the most beautiful woman here."

H is comment was entirely out of line for a man of his position, but Evic couldn't be angry with him. His flattery was like food to a starving man-or woman, in this case. She lowered her gaze and smiled. What could it hurt to flirt with him a hit?

"I watch you all of the time, at any of the gatherings where you are both in attendance, and I can see how he neglects you."

"My husband is a very busy man," Evie replied. "And I'm quite capable of seeking my own entertainment."

"And might I he a part of that entertainment? At least tonight?"

We are waltzing, are we not?" She felt a shiver run down her spine at the way he looked at her. His gaze was a mixture of appreciation and desire. It caused her heart to heat faster. Or was it just the pace of the dance?

When the last strains of the music faded and the couples were forced to separate and bow to each other, Evie found herself weak in the knees. She knew she'd put herself in a dangerous situation but didn't care. She was having fun, and for once, she felt desired.

"Come. Let me get you some refreshment. You seem rather… well… breathless." He grinned.

Evic knew she should tell him no, but seeing that no one else seemed to he watching, she could only nod. The man led her to a small alcove and hid her to sit.

"I'll he right hack," he assured.

She stared after him as he walked away. He cut a dashing figure, to he sure. Thomas might have been considered one of the most eligible bachelors before their marriage, but this man carried a charm and essence of strength that Thomas could never hope to have.

When he returned, Evie had convinced herself that she would share one drink with him, and after that she would dismiss him and attend to her guests. Half an hour later, she was still trying to dismiss him.

"Why are you afraid to be with me?"

Evic shook her head. "I am not afraid. I am simply mindful of the fact that I am the hostess of this party. People will begin to talk if I allow you to take up any more time."

He laughed softly. "Let them talk. In fact, if you are the spirited and brave young woman I believe you to be, you would take a walk with me and give them something to really talk about."

She loved the way he looked at her. It made her feel truly pretty and wanted. Thomas had never made her feel that way. "I… uh… I can't," she said, trying to think clearly.

"Can't or won't?" He reached out and gently touched her cheek.

"Maybe it's better to say I shouldn't," Evie said, trembling as his fingers trailed down to touch her neck.

His eyes seemed to darken with amusement, and his knowing smile only served to intensify her desire to yield to his request.

"There are a lot of things we shouldn't do," he whispered against her ear, "hut I find that most things have a way of working themselves out. Now, why don't we slip away for some air? I happen to know you have a lovely sitting room on the second floor. A very private sitting room."

Evie spotted her husband across the room. He had just emerged from the library and was completely engrossed in a conversation with one of his business associates. He didn't so much as cast a glance around the room for her. Anger coursed through her. Why did her own husband offer her no affection?

She returned her focus to Mr. Payne and nodded. "Maybe for just a little while."

Kjell awoke slowly to find that Lydia was still unconscious. The doctor had done everything possible and had put her to bed in one of the hospital's empty wards, with Zerelda only a few beds away. Kjell had spent the night sleeping in the chair beside his wife, praying whenever he awoke that God would somehow set things right.

He reached over to gently stroke her hair. "Good morning, my darling." He was comforted that she continued to breathe steadily. The doctor had not held much hope for her recovery. Frankly, he hadn't thought she would make it through the night, but here she was.

Taking hold of her cold hand, Kjell rubbed it lightly. "Gee's doing very well. Her injuries weren't too had. She was knocked unconscious for a time, but the doctor said she will recover. She's sleeping just across the room." He kept his voice low so as not to wake Zerelda. He glanced over to see that she was undisturbed before continuing.

"It's been a long night." He realized that the sun had already risen and reached for his watch. He had enough light to see that it was nearly eight. He should have already been at work. The army lumber order was expected today.