Night Winds Read Online Free PDF Page A

have seen her at the beach in her party dress. Just standing in the surf, as if she wore a bathing costume. Mother and Lydia were right. Inferior stock. Ethan was a fool to get mixed up with her.”
    “On the contrary. It might have been the most honest thing he’s ever done . He may stand to inherit a fortune, but he’s always been a spoiled, selfish man. Ever since the two of you were young, he’s done nothing but try to make himself look good at your expense. I thought you’d washed your hands of Ethan years ago. I was quite surprised when you took up with him agai n ”
    “  I think he’s finally changed. After all, he spoke up for me regarding this latest trouble.”
    Justine shrugged . “From what you’ve told me, that could be so he can give some of those snobs he gads about with the latest details of your disgrace. At any rate, I thought his engagement with a shop girl signaled that there might be hope for him.”
    “She’s not simply counter help, either, Ethan tells me . She fashions jewelry at her father’s shop. He calls her an artist. Attractive, in her own way, but rather bohemian for my taste.”
    “Oh, so she’s the one. I’ve seen some of her work. Lydia’s friend, Virginia, has the loveliest brooch. She wore it to debut.”
    Phillip paused, thinking for a moment of Lydia’s debut last spring . Justine hadn’t gone. Her lame foot prevented her from dancing, and she’d refused to attend, for she scorned pity above all else. Besides, Mother hinted that suitors might pass over Lydia if attention were called to Justine’s “unfortunate affliction.” Whether or not Justine’s foot had anything to do with heredity didn’t matter; the idea that someone might think it did could be just as damaging.
    Although Phillip found it appalling that anyone might consider his beloved sisters defective, he had to concede that it could happen . A man had a responsibility to keep his family strong, even in future generations.
    He completed his examination of his tiny, winged patient and set it gently back into the box . The finch hopped a few steps from his hand. “I don’t see as splinting this wing would do him any good. Let’s see if a little quiet and a warm spot might help.”
    “Here’s the saucer of water you wanted.” Carefully, Justine placed it in the box.
    “Good. At least he seems calm now.” Phillip draped a linen towel over the top.
    “That’s because the bird knows, just the way Miss Rowan did.”
    Phillip felt amusement twitch the corners of his mouth. “The bird knows what?”
    “They both know you’re a healer, or that you’re meant to be.”
    “If either had more than a thimbleful of sense, they’d realize that was just an old dream, one I’ve long since put to bed. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d best get myself in bed as well.”
    “Phillip?”
    “What is it?”
    “I want you to remember . It’s more than just a dream. It’s still a possibility.”
    *
    Phillip undressed for the second time that evening. Who was his younger sister to goad him about old ambitions? Surely, she must know family responsibilities had left him no alternative but to take over the business. Was she not one of those obligations, a young woman who would no doubt remain unmarried, yet whom he felt compelled to support in fitting style?
    And what was all this nonsense about Shae Rowan sensing the healer in him ? Shae recognized him only as a port in the middle of the typhoon that she’d stirred up.
    As he twisted in his sheets, he thought of her again . How off-course, how lost she’d looked this evening, both at the beach and near her front walk, by the demolished birdcage. Red-blonde waves had freed themselves from any semblance of a hairstyle. He remembered how they’d fluttered in the breeze about her arms and shoulders. She had a physical appeal so very different from the women of his and Ethan’s station. Something about her set him to mind of the graceful lines of egrets,