Rebel Temptress (Historical Romance) Read Online Free PDF

little she cares," Darcy said. "Was her help what put Miss Amanda in her grave."
    "Oh, no, Darcy, you must not say such things, and you are wrong. Meagan did care about Aunt Amanda."
    "Well, I knows what I knows. I ain't got to my age without knowing 'bout people's shortcomings, and Miss Meagan has enough for herself and two or three more besides."
    "Oh, Darcy, I feel so alone. My head aches, and I just feel bad all over, but nothing can compare with the pain in my heart."
    Darcy cradled her in her arms, much the same as she had done when Honor was a child. "My poor honey lamb. You ain't alone. You got old Darcy to look after you."
    Honor thought she had cried all her tears out, but she had been mistaken. Fresh tears washed down her face, and Darcy held her until the crying stopped.
    Then she spoke softly: "Honey, Master Jordan is in the parlor, says he ain't leaving till he sees you."
    Honor felt her heart contract. "Jordan is home?"
    "Yes'm he sure is, and he says he ain't about to leave until he talks to you. I tole him that it weren't proper for him to come to your bedroom, so he says he will just stay put till you comes to him. You ain't going, I tole him that, but he just sits there, saying when you is better, he'll be there."
    "I have got to see him, Darcy. Help me get up and dress."
    "Well, I sure ain't. You ain't stepping one foot out of this room."
    "Then you will just have to bring him here to me."
    Darcy rose to her feet. "No lady of quality lets a gentleman into her bedroom. It just ain't done."
    "The only solution then is for me to go to him. Help me, Darcy, please."
    "Well, I guess I will," Darcy said grudgingly. "But you may be contagious. Master Jordan won't be too happy when he come down with the fever."
    "I will sit on the far side of the room from Jordan, Darcy, but I really must see him."
    Darcy helped Honor dress in the black gown she had worn to her aunt's funeral. Honor looked at herself in the mirror. How pathetic she looked. Her hair hung lankly about her shoulders. Her cheeks were paler than ever, and her eyes looked dull. The black dress hung on her; her usually thin frame was even thinner now, due to her illness.
    She hated the thought of Jordan's seeing her looking so wretched, but there was no help for it. He probably would not pay much attention to her appearance anyway.
    Darcy helped her descend the stairs slowly, and they had to stop every so often to allow Honor to rest. At the foot of the stairs, Honor assured Darcy she could go the rest of the way on her own. Darcy, knowing it would do no good to argue, left Honor, mumbling to herself and shaking her head disapprovingly.
    Honor opened the door and held onto it for support. Jordan's back was to her and he had not heard her enter. She studied him for a long moment. He was tall and his shoulders were broad. Blond hair curled around the nape of his neck. Even though his back was to her, she knew there would be sadness and confusion in his gray eyes and a frown on his handsome face. How she loved him and wished she could comfort him.
    "Jordan." She spoke softly.
    He turned quickly to face her. "Oh, little one, what a sad day this is for you." He walked toward her, concern written on his handsome face.
    "Do not come any closer, Jordan. I have the fever and would not want you to contract it."
    He ignored her plea. "Let me hold you, little one, and give you comfort. I am not afraid of a little fever." His arms went around her and he held her tightly. "I am so sorry about your aunt. Why did you not let my mother and father know of her death?"
    Honor closed her eyes. It felt so good to rest her head on Jordan's shoulder and have him hold her. "It happened so quickly, Jordan, and I was too ill to notify anyone. It was fortunate that a circuit rider was in the neighborhood. He spent two days with us, sitting up all night praying for my aunt. Then he conducted the services this morning. He is asleep in one of the upstairs bedrooms now."
    "Poor, little