Captive Splendors Read Online Free PDF Page A

her choice will be in order, of course. Also a talk with her friend’s parents. It is well that we arrived early to put all these matters straight, don’t you agree, Regan?” Sirena touched him lightly on the hand.
    Her light touch and calm voice worked their soothing magic on the irate Dutchman.
    Regan’s tone was brisk when he addressed Tyler. “A drink, Sinclair, to show that neither my wife nor I hold you responsible. We both know that Wren is capable of being wily. She’s manipulated me on more than one occasion, and she was still a child at the time. I’m afraid that when it comes to women, we men are at their mercy.”
    â€œThat’s damn white of you, van der Rhys,” Tyler said in a relieved tone. “If we put our heads together and really talk this out, we should be able to come up with a solution. She can’t be permitted to marry that ass. If we start from there, we’ll think of something. For now, why don’t we enjoy our kippers?”
    While Sirena and Regan breakfasted, Wren was getting dressed, her eyes wary as she watched Sara go about her morning ablutions. Sooner or later the articulate Sara would start to chastise her. The sooner she got on with it, the sooner she would be finished. Why did everyone think he or she had to expound on her affairs? The only one who seemed to be on her side was Camilla. Camilla said there was nothing more beautiful than young love. Camilla should know. Hadn’t she loved Tyler from the time she was sixteen years old?
    â€œAre you ready, Sara?” Wren asked quietly.
    â€œYes, and I’m famished. I hope Cook has prepared something extra special this morning.”
    Evidently the voluble Sara wasn’t going to say anything. Wren shrugged. Maybe Sara had finally realized that Wren wasn’t going to pay any attention to her vicious comments about Malcolm. What could a straight-laced Puritan know about love anyway?
    The two girls descended the wide, circular staircase, which was thickly carpeted in a deep burgundy and muffled their footsteps. Suddenly Wren put a finger to her lips to warn the other girl to be quiet. She frowned. The voices she heard sounded like Regan’s and Sirena’s. It couldn’t be! They weren’t due for another week . . . It was! With a sound akin to a war whoop, she raced down the remaining stairs, leaving a wide-eyed Sara behind. Catapulting into the dining room, she threw herself into Sirena’s arms and hugged her with all her might. Satisfied that the living, breathing Sirena was no mirage, she extricated herself and turned to Regan.
    His anguish of moments ago forgotten, Regan felt his face split into a grin as he clasped the laughing, happy girl to him.
    Sirena watched the display of emotion between the two and felt sentimental tears smear her eyes.
    â€œWhen did you get here? Why didn’t you wake me? How long can you stay? Did Tyler tell you about Sara? It’s so good to see you! I’m so happy,” Wren squealed delightedly. “Look, here is my friend Sara. Come.” She beckoned to the girl standing in the doorway.
    The introductions completed and the girls seated with plates of food in front of them, Regan leaned back and lighted one of his cheroots, apologizing for smoking at the table. He wanted his cigar, and he didn’t want to go into Tyler’s library for fear he would miss something.
    It was Sirena who took the initiative and spoke first. “Well, little one, it seems that Tyler’s duties are coming to an end. Are you ready to return to the Spice Islands and make your home with us again? We’ve missed you.”
    â€œDarling Sirena, do we have to discuss that now? I’m so happy just seeing the two of you that I don’t want to talk about anything except the two of you. Tell me, how are the boys, and have you heard from Caleb?” If Wren noticed the tightness around Regan’s mouth, she gave no sign as she