Captive Splendors Read Online Free PDF

filled her mouth with kippers.
    â€œYou won’t recognize the boys,” he said. “They’ve grown so, I barely recognize them myself. Each is as fair as a staff of wheat, but with their mother’s green eyes. Caleb is still shipping cargo for the Dutch East India Company and making a thriving show for his efforts. We have no complaints other than we’ve all missed our little girl and want her home with us so we can be a family again.”
    Now, say it now, Wren, Sirena pleaded silently. Don’t make it harder for Regan, for if you do, he may never forgive you. Be honest, little one. Do it now; say what has to be said now. Surely you must know that Tyler has told us of your plans.
    Wren carefully avoided Sirena’s eyes. “You’ve told me of everyone but Frau Holtz and Jacobus. How are they? How I’ve missed the Frau,” Wren sighed, smiling at Regan.
    â€œYou know that the Frau married Jacobus and made an honest man of the old sea salt. They’re both well and send their regards and can barely contain themselves till your arrival.”
    Say it, Sirena continued to beg silently. Wren continued to ignore her mother’s silent thoughts.
    It was obvious that Sara was embarrassed for her friend. She placed her napkin on the table and directed a pleading look at Tyler. Interpreting her gaze correctly, he rose and held out his hand. “If you’ll excuse us, I promised to show Sara a book I purchased yesterday. She wants it as a gift for her father.”
    Regan rose politely, and Sirena smiled at the departing girl. Wren was on her own, it appeared and would get no help from her friend, which was as it should be.
    Silence. Each was waiting for the other to say something. The girl should know that Regan could outwait a tropical storm. Much squirming and downcast eyes did nothing for his disposition. He waited. Sirena waited. Wren swallowed hard and looked squarely at Regan. “Im sure that Tyler has told you. . .”
    â€œSirena and I would prefer that you tell us,” Regan said quietly. “Both of us are disappointed that you didn’t see fit to write of your coming plans.”
    â€œA letter wouldn’t have reached you in time,” Wren cried miserably. “I know that you both must be disappointed, but sometimes these things happen. A woman meets a man and they fall in love. Isn’t that what happened between you and Sirena? I can’t help how I feel. I didn’t want it to happen, but it did. I’m certain you’ll both like Malcolm and that he will like you. He loves me dearly, and I think he will make me a fine husband. With your approval, of course,” she added hastily.
    Sirena sat back and let Regan do the talking. He was so much better at handling Wren than she was. “First of all, young lady, Sirena and I were not boy and girl; we were man and woman. You’re but a child compared with Sirena at your age. We sent you here for an education, not to have you fall head over heels for the first dandy who pays you any mind. The world is full of men like Malcolm Weatherly. We had hoped that an education would help you acquire a little judgment. Now we learn the headmistress expelled not only you but also your friend. Tell me, Wren, was it showing good judgment when you involved another in your escapades? Think of how Sara’s parents must feel. By helping you, her friend, she earned a black mark against her reputation. It was thoughtless of you. A woman wouldn’t do something so foolish, and that’s why Sirena and I question your emotions concerning Malcolm Weatherly. It seems that you have more growing up to do. If your swain is bent on asking me for your hand, I am afraid I must deny it.”
    Wren’s eyes narrowed and then flamed. “Sirena was one year older than I when she married you,” she said coolly. “And, Regan, you’re not my father, so if you do deny my hand to Malcolm, I’ll