Golden Paradise (Vincente 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

placed her in her early teens. She was as uncomely as her sister was beautiful. Her hair hung lankily about her shoulders, her skin was sallow, and she was uncommonly small, coming only to her sister's shoulder. The one thing that struck Marquis about the girl was the softness in her eyes. Sadness was reflected in their shining depths, a sadness that touched his heart. Marquis wondered what cruel twist of fate had cast this young girl opposite the beautiful Isabel. He found no humor in the fact that the girls wore identical gowns, calling unnecessary attention to the differences between them.
    Don Alonso stood up, leaning heavily on his cane. "Come in, Marquis. There is someone here you have been waiting a long time to meet. Come and greet Senorita Isabel Estrada, your betrothed."
    Marquis moved forward, taking Isabel's hand and bowing graciously. He felt her grip tighten on his, and her bold eyes stared straight into his. She might look like a lovely, demure young lady, but the eyes that stared at him were certainly not those of an innocent—they gleamed with raw passion that seemed ready to ignite.
    "I am glad we meet at last, senorita Isabel," he said politely. "I feel I have known you for a very long time."
    Isabel could hardly believe her good fortune. She had not been looking forward to today, for she had not known that her betrothed would be so handsome. It had been drilled into her head that Marquis Vincente was from one of the wealthiest and most influential families in California. She had been told by her father how fortunate she was to be marrying a Vincente.
    How fortunate indeed! She had not expected him to have velvet-soft eyes, a smile that would melt any maiden's heart, shoulders so broad and hips so narrow. He was arrogant, noble, sensuously male. She felt her skin tingle as his dark eyes swept across her face.
    "Yes, at long last," she breathed, lowering her eyes with maidenly shyness, knowing it was expected of her. "My father often wrote me about you. You see, even in Spain we know about Marquis Vincente."
    Marquis nodded his head, suddenly feeling trapped. He could imagine the net closing around him. When he thought of spending the rest of his life with Isabel Estrada, he experienced a sudden sense of . . . repugnance! Yes, he mused, that was the word. But why? There was no denying she was beautiful—many a man would be proud to offer her his name. Why was he feeling forced into a situation over which he had no control? Why did the thought of touching her make his skin crawl?
    Don Alonso cleared his throat and smiled at the younger Estrada daughter. "Marquis, I would now like to present you to Isabel's sister, Senorita Eleanor Estrada."
    Marquis bowed to the young girl politely, giving her a warm smile. "I am delighted to make your acquaintance, senorita," he said gallantly. Again he noticed the sadness in her dark eyes and was touched by it.
    Marquis was aware that everyone around him had been talking at once and that his mind had been wandering. The look his grandfather gave him clearly said that he was being rude. "Isabel asked if you cared to show her the garden, Marquis." The reprimand was clear in Don Alonso's voice.
    "It would be my pleasure to conduct you on a tour, Senorita Isabel," Marquis answered politely.
    Isabel folded her fan with a snap and used it to tap her sister's head. "Eleanor will have to accompany us since I have no duena," she said, lowering her lashes coyly.
    Marquis tilted his head. "But of course." Opening the door that led to the hallway, he motioned for the ladies to precede him.
    There was a heavy silence as the three made their way down the corridor and out into the inner courtyard. They were greeted by the sweet aroma of the many tropical flowers as it wafted through the air tantalizingly.
    "How delightful!" Isabel exclaimed, turning around in a circle, viewing the garden. "This is magnificent."
    Again Marquis's heart was touched with pity for the ugly sister as she