Damien's Destiny Read Online Free PDF Page A

half-drowned waif. Then he let Debby take her upstairs to a lovely suite of rooms, where her new maid Missy drew her bath and then tucked her into a feather-downed bed.
    Damien saw she was almost speechless with fatigue and new sensations. He was not displeased. She’d made no objection to her destination, although certainly Tregaron’s impressive beauty must have almost overwhelmed her with its scope and the reality of the change in her life.
    She appeared the next morning as he sat with his coffee and the morning paper.
    As he jumped to his feet, he saw she looked freshly rested and completely adorable. Her hair was loosely tied behind her back with one of the many wide ribbons he’d left with Missy and she wore one of the dresses he’d sketched and had made for her. All in shades of blue and green that brought out the radiant color of her eyes.
    “My lord,” she began before he interrupted her.
    “Toria, could you please abandon this detestable lordship business? You know me as Damien, my dear. You’ve known me now for some time. Please call me by my name. I’d be much obliged if you would.”
    She nodded and then sat at the table.
    As she started to thank him for the clothes he interrupted her. “As I said, you can pay me later when you obtain your funds. For now it’s Debby’s and my pleasure to provide these dresses to tide you over.”
    She nodded again, seeming doubtful until she saw the food.
    “Oh, this all looks so good. Carpenter School always provided plenty of food but not nearly this appealing.”
    Damien beamed. “Have whatever you want. Debora sees that we have an excellent cook. May I serve you?”
    Toria shook her head. “Oh no, thank you. I want to take my time and think about all this bounty. I might sample it a little at a time.”
    Damien watched as she did just that, taking first some eggs and bacon, then some toast, then more eggs and finally a large serving of strawberries.
    He poured coffee for her and sat back watching her enjoy her food. When she finally sighed and put her spoon and fork down he smiled. He loved to see a woman enjoy her food. So many picked at it, thinking such restraint showed their delicacy. He’d no use for false mannerisms. He’d always wondered if those hypocrites had food sent secretly to their rooms.
    He stood and took the back of her chair, ready to assist her as she rose.
    “Shall we go riding, my lady? Debby has kept your habit for you and unless I’m mistaken it’s now in your room. And I have a mare you might like. She’s presently named Dolly and I hope you’ll love her. If you wish to change her name you may.”
    Toria jumped up, eager to try out her new mount.
    “Oh, my lord Damien. How absolutely wonderful. Give me five minutes to change into my lovely new riding habit.” She dimpled into a smile. “I noticed new riding boots exactly my size are in my closet. You and your sister are too generous by far.”
    After a surprisingly short time she skipped down the steps, her look of anticipation making her even more beautiful. Glowing with pleasure when the groom let Dolly out, she let out a delighted gasp. Toria approached the horse with wonder. The young mare, eager to be friends, nuzzled her nose into Toria’s palm when she stroked her.
    “She’s perfect, my lord. How can I ever thank you?”
    Damien beamed and helped her mount.
    “No thanks are necessary, Toria. My stables are large but you should have your own horse while at Tregaron. I’m pleased you like her.”
    He didn’t tell her he and Jason searched for weeks to find Dolly, a beautiful mare with just the right amount of spirit for a practiced rider.
    Damien and Toria rode daily. Toria fell in love instantly with the mare. Nor did he ever tell her he’d bought Dolly especially for her. He simply luxuriated in her pleasure. Exuberant with her freedom and looking like an angel but one who could ride more like a demon, Toria and the black-coated Dolly made a striking pair. Dolly