Sylvie Sommerfield - Noah's Woman Read Online Free PDF

from a well-to-do family, and her parents had sheltered and pampered her until, at seventeen, she met Charles. He had swept her off her feet in a whirlwind romance that was the envy of all Jessica's friends. Of course, he did not have a great deal of money, but both parents and daughter were so charmed that they tended to overlook this.
    She married Charles in one of the largest and most elaborate weddings London had ever seen. Her parents spared no expense, even giving the young couple a honeymoon trip that circled the world.

    When her parents died shortly after the wedding, the wealth they left her bought the elaborate and massive mansion in which she and Charles now lived.
    They had lived together happily for ten years, but then one catastrophe had followed another. She had been involved in several accidents. Once, she admitted, she had almost died from something she had eaten. Then, just a few years before . . . the carriage accident.
    "Charles was so wonderful then," Jessica said in her perpetually gentle voice. "Even when the doctors told him I would never walk again. He has been so kind and so considerate."
    "He must love you very much," Charity had said.
    Jessica was a small woman who looked lost in the huge four-poster bed in which she had spent so many years of her life.
    "I know how difficult it is for him to spend much time with me. Business is so demanding. It was a wonderful idea to bring you here. Charles has grown quite fond of you and has certainly found great pleasure in seeing that you are rewarded for your diligence and care."
    "Beth and I are very grateful."
    Charity had taken to bringing Jessica's tea each afternoon, and after a while, at Jessica's insistence, she had remained to share it and to talk. Jessica had a neverending interest in the world outside her home.
    Charity had also taken to avoiding Charles as much as she could, for as the days went on, she realized he did not miss an opportunity to touch her, or remind her of his generosity.

    Each time they met, Charity could feel her legs tremble, and she did her best to avoid looking directly at him. Each time she became more and more aware that the warmth of his gaze was not that of a man for a servant.
    She could feel his gentle touch on her arm when, on these occasions, he stopped her to speak to her, and it made her flesh quiver. Still, there was nothing she could do, and Beth actually admired their benefactor, which often made Charity feel she was frightened of shadows.
    Now she moved down the hallway, alert for sounds and feeling her nerves stretch. She hated the idea that she was afraid without any reason for being so. But she was afraid.
    She was within a few feet of the back staircase when she heard Charles's door open. She was surprised, for he usually was not home at this time of day.
    "Charity." He spoke her name quietly. Reluctantly she turned to face him, supporting the heavy tray with both hands.
    "Yes, Mr. Brentwood?"
    "My dear girl, how many times have I asked you not to be so formal? You are not exactly a servant. I should prefer for you to call me Charles." He smiled as he approached to stand close to her. Only the tray stood between them.
    "I . . . I don't think it quite proper, sir. I would feel . . . I just don't think I should."
    "You look quite pretty today, Charity. Green is a

    lovely color on you. You like the new dresses I sent you yesterday?"
    "Yes, sir. You've been more than generous. I really have no need for any more clothes."
    "Now," he chuckled, "I've never seen a pretty girl who didn't like pretty clothes. Your friend, Beth, does she enjoy them?"
    "Yes, she does."
    "And . . . she likes it here? She's being treated well?"
    Charity felt, for a minute, that this was a subtle kind of threat. Would he consider sending them back, orthe thought shook hersending Beth back alone?
    "Oh yes, sir. She really does. Cook is very kind, and her room and all the lovely things you've given her are such a