A Soldier's Heart Read Online Free PDF Page B

homesickness washed over her when she saw him sitting at the head of the table consuming his favorite breakfast of kippers and eggs. In that faraway time she’d never have even thought of concealing her feelings from him. Now she was acutely conscious of saying the right words to please him.
    Immediately he rose and embraced her in the safe, strong arms that had always been her haven.
    “Serena, my dear, I have missed you so.” He held her at arm’s length, peering over the top of his eyeglasses. “Let me look at you. Yes, your aunt is correct, you are glowing. Even Mrs. Buckle said I must look for this glow of happiness, and certainly it is here. But, my dear, this is all so sudden. Are you sure you are ready for such an important step?”
    His myopic blue eyes crinkled at the corners with worry lines. Did he look older—his pale skin so like her own nearly transparent, and his wispy gray hair whiter? Never would she do anything to worry him or cause him pain.
    “Papa, I thought you’d be pleased. I’ve made a good match, according to Aunt Lavinia.”
    With his usual gentle smile, which Mrs. Buckle confided long ago made some parishioners feel like errant children, he settled her next to him in a chair.
    “A brilliant match, my dear. But how can you, on such short acquaintance, know if this is the man with whom you can share your whole life?”
    Biting her lower lip, Serena tried to formulate the answer that would please her father. She couldn’t possibly tell him Lord Blackwood was quite simply the most handsome and dashing man she’d ever laid eyes on, and although in truth she truly didn’t know him, he must be as beautiful inside as out.
    “He’s a distinguished soldier and is from an excellent family,” she offered carefully.
    The lines deepened in her father’s narrow face as he reached forward to brush back a stray curl from her forehead, much as he’d done throughout her childhood.
    “My dear, you have always been such a dutiful child. I hope you did not misunderstand when I talked about your Season. Of course you must marry one day, but this is so soon. I hope your heart is involved.”
    “I find him very … pleasing. I’m sure we shall be happy together, Papa.” It was quite difficult keeping her voice the calm, steady tone he was accustomed to hearing. Excitement coiled fingers through every part of her body, making her feel the giddy schoolgirl she’d never been. Lord Blackwood was the stuff of romance, which she now knew had little to do with the clearly defined view of life she’d once held.
    “My dear, have you discussed where you shall reside? I know Avalon’s main seat is in Berkshire. I believe Blackwood’s is on the Essex Coast. Will he resign his commission? Are his interests for politics, the land, or is he a scholar?”
    Papa’s face was so serious, just as it was in the pulpit. She felt the meanest creature alive for feeling this absurd irritation with him. Of course, reality must intrude into the romantic fantasy she’d been floating through since first she looked into Blackwood’s wonderful face, but not just yet. As far as she was concerned, the details would surely come later.
    “Papa, Lord Blackwood and I haven’t discussed such things.” She squeezed her father’s long fingers. “When he returns to speak with you, all can be settled then.”
    “Serena, my dear, what have you and Lord Blackwood talked about? I assume in the few brief weeks of this rather, I fear to say, unorthodox courtship you have had long, heartfelt discussions which led to such strong feelings, you are determined to share your lives.”
    Surely it was just nerves and not Papa’s knowing regard that caused her to jump up and go to the sideboard. “Pray excuse me. I’m suddenly famished.” Buying time, she opened each silver chafing dish to examine the contents. Truth to tell, she couldn’t eat a bite, there were so many flutters in her stomach. Nevertheless she piled her plate with