Indigo Sky Read Online Free PDF Page B

the railroad.”
    “Was it important?”
    “Of course it was important. Money is always damn important.”
    Leila flinched as his alcohol-laden breath blasted her. She shook her head. Early in her marriage, she learned it was best to shut up when Hank was in his cups and his temper roused.
    He dragged a hand through his brown hair. “The conversation you so rudely interrupted was not only with Vanderbilt, but also Curtis, the editor from New York. We were about to finalize a deal.” He scowled. “Have you forgotten that he gave me my first opportunity to publish? You’re out of place, woman.” Spittle went flying. “It’s thanks to him and my publications, including my articles in Harper’s Weekly , that I enjoy the success I presently have. Which, by the way, brings in a brilliant income.” He flicked the fan hovering near her mouth. “An income that buys all these expensive baubles you enjoy.”
    Leila kept her eyes downcast, her lips compressed behind the fan.
    “Now.” Hank’s voice rose steadily. “Pray tell, what could not wait that you had to interrupt me?”
    Her lip quivered.
    “So what is it, Leila? What do you have to tell me?” He poked her shoulder. “Well? You have my attention, so speak up.”
    She took a step back, desperate to take flight. This day had been a catastrophe, like a herd of horses had slammed into her. I’m a coward . She opened her mouth to tell Hank about her rescuer, but the words clogged her throat. She took a deep breath and gathered her thoughts. In his current mood, her story would only serve to enrage him further. He might have been amused at her accident, but Leila doubted he would find it amusing to know his partner had found her in a state of undress. Hank would call her wanton, and she couldn’t bear him berating her in public again. Her thin veneer of control would never withstand the onslaught. Tales of marital strife would run rampant through the elite patrons of Mountain House.
    “Well?” Hank tapped his foot, the sound assaulting her ears.
    A shiver washed over Leila. Perhaps it would better to wait until a more opportune time. He is certainly more reasonable sober. Hank, however, was rarely sober. She stiffened her spine and smiled sweetly. In their year of marriage, she’d discovered at least one of his soft spots. “I’m sorry, dearest. I didn’t realize I was interrupting something so important. I feel like such a dunce.” Leila caught her bottom lip between her teeth to stop them quivering and took a tentative step closer. She looked up at him through her lashes. “Do you forgive me, Hank?”
    Anger slipped from his face. He reached for her and wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her close. “I know it’s hard for you. Women aren’t well schooled and don’t understand how business is conducted.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead.
    A protest rose to her lips. How dare he throw gender inferiority at me? She knew, though, that any objection at this point would only provoke his anger again. Instead, she lifted her head and met his glazed eyes. Rising to her toes, she touched her lips to his. What happened to us, to the love I had for him, to having babies? Will we ever be a family, have a home? She lingered on their first meeting, when she’d fallen in love with him. I was so young .
    When she was on vacation from the academy boarding school, they met at the Catskill Mountain House. The twinkle in his eyes had initially fascinated her. He was bold, debonair, and quick to smile, while Leila struggled to make conversation. He’d enchanted her with his easy manner and gift of weaving stories.
    She now studied the planes of his handsome face. Although in his mid-twenties, Hank still possessed a youthful quality, despite the ravages of alcohol. His lips smashed down on hers. She closed her eyes and, for the first time, felt nothing but ice in her veins. All she could see was Rork Millburn’s face, the way he’d looked at her, consumed her