Lanterns and Lace Read Online Free PDF

trickled down the side of her face.
    “Are you questioning my parenting abilities?”
    Jenny caught her breath. She’d gone too far. “I said nothing of the sort. From what I’ve seen, you’re a fine father. But think about Rebecca’s future. She needs to learn the proprieties of society. Unless—”
    “Unless what?”
    “Unless you are her true father. Why else would you adopt an illegitimate baby from a woman who made her living in a brothel?”
    Grant leaned forward. “I have no idea who fathered Rebecca. Jessica asked me to raise her as my own, and I gave my word.”
    “When did she make this request?”
    “When she lay dying . . . moments after Rebecca’s birth.”
    Desperation bubbled in Jenny’s throat. “My sister did not have the capacity to make rational decisions. Anyone who saw the senseless things she did would attest to her irresponsibility. Our parents have suffered long enough. She disgraced them with her utter selfishness. They grieve her death. They grieve her mistakes. Let me have Rebecca. I beg of you. They need a glimmer of hope from the daughter they lost.”
    “And it took you more than two years to reach that conclusion?”
    “I’m here now.”
    He shook his head and laughed. “A little late for afterthoughts. Is taking my daughter from those who love her for your parents’ benefit or yours? Because I haven’t heard one word about love for your sister or Rebecca.”
    “I’m basing my claims on reality.”
    “Am I to be enlightened by your argument?”
    She heard the bitterness in every word. He’d been pushed to his limit.
    “I’m sorry for the way I broached this subject,” she said. “I want what’s best for my niece, and I believe that is with her own family. You are right in stating a good bit of time has elapsed. I had to work and save the money to arrange transportation here.” Jenny locked battle with her gaze. He had to see she was right.
    “Posting a missive doesn’t cost a cent. I’d have paid for it. And what about your parents? Were they not able to send a letter, either? I fail to see a display of concern over the welfare of Rebecca. Help me to understand your sudden change of heart for a sister for whom you obviously had little affection.”
    Jenny’s head throbbed. She’d utterly failed in this endeavor. “I can’t speak any more of family matters.”
    “But you have no problem prying into mine.”
    “I believe our conversation is finished, Dr. Andrews.” Jenny stood on wobbly legs. “I will be moving from here within the hour. Please have my bill ready for payment. I do regret that I haven’t been able to communicate what is in my heart. Perhaps we can talk at a later date.”
    “Our conversation is not over.” Grant moved to the door and blocked her exit. His presence loomed over her. She would hear what he had to say, whether she chose to or not.
    “You may do as you wish, but first you will listen to me. How you feel about your sister is certainly your affair, but how you speak of her is another matter. She happens to be my daughter’s mother. Moments ago, you made derogatory remarks about Jessica, and I would appreciate it for my daughter’s sake that such comments never occur again.” He appeared much calmer than she. “While you are in my home or in the presence of my daughter or any of us who love and care for her, you are forbidden to defame Jessica’s memory. She died a good woman, and she believed I would be a suitable father for her child. I accepted the task. I am not a perfect man, but I love my daughter with all my heart. Neither you nor anyone else will ever take her from me. Is that clearly understood?”
    “I’ve upset you, and I apologize—”
    He raised his hand, and the gesture silenced her. “You can examine the adoption papers and do whatever else you feel is necessary. Yet understand this: Rebecca Faith Andrews is my child. She is not the fancy of an impetuous, demanding woman who has no more manners than to