Tarnished Angel Read Online Free PDF Page A

and concern were reflected in these eyes, in direct contrast to the cold contempt in the gaze that hovered in the back of her mind.
        "How are you feeling, Miss Dale? Has your head cleared?"
        Nodding, still unable to speak, Devina assessed the man crouching beside her as he pressed his fingers against her wrist. She was barely aware of her father's low tone as he spoke quickly, efficiently summarizing the events that had led up to their visit. Her gaze remained frozen on the doctor's face as her vision slowly adjusted to the light.
        A flash of embarrassment accompanied realization of her error as Devina studied the young doctor's face more calmly. How could have she have been so mistaken?
        Granted, this man was of the same height and build as the stage robber, but his dark hair was cut fashionably short and gleamed with cleanliness, even in the limited light of the room. He was clean-shaven, allowing an unrestricted view of strong features in a sharply planed face that was compelling rather than handsome. She raised her eyes again to his. Oh, yes, the similarity was there in those dark, expressive eyes, but all threat was gone when the warmth of this man's smile creased their corners, lighting their dark depths.
        Shaking off her lingering distress at the eerily familiar tone of the doctor's voice, Devina was suddenly chagrined. For all her brave display, she had allowed fear to control her, to make her see demons where there were none. Determined not to reveal her foolish mistake, Devina turned toward her father, only to be startled at his pallor as he stood hesitantly at her side.
        "Father, are you all right?"
        Her simple question sent a flush of color to Harvey Dale's stiff face as he directed his response to the young doctor at her side.
        "My daughter asks if I'm well, Charles, when indeed it is she who almost fainted a few moments ago. So I pose the same question to you. She is extremely shaken, as you can well see. I worry for the state of her nerves. Perhaps a tonic to relax her…"
        After regarding Devina intently for long silent minutes, Charles Carter said, "Harvey, you needn't be too anxious about your daughter's temporary upset. Miss Dale appears to be a strong and healthy young woman. As you can see, her color has already returned, and her concern for you indicates that she is once again thinking quite clearly. I suggest you take her home and allow her to rest. I'll give her a powder to use should she be unable to sleep. If she feels it necessary, I can stop by to visit her tomorrow. I think we will be able to get a truer picture of her problem then, if needed there is one."
        "You are certain that she is all right?"
        "Your daughter has undergone a frightening experience, Harvey, but I doubt she'll suffer any lasting effects from it. The best treatment for her right now is rest. I suggest that you have your carriage drawn up in front of my office to save Miss Dale any unnecessary steps. Then a light supper and some sleep. She'll need no further treatment."
        Harvey Dale excused himself and walked quickly out the door. Still silent, Devina returned her gaze to Charles Carter as he pulled a chair to her side, sat down, and smiled into her eyes.
        "I'm very pleased to meet you, Miss Dale."
        An uncharacteristic flush coloring her face, Devina gave a small laugh. She had not expected the smooth charm this frontier doctor exhibited. "I must admit I feel very much at a disadvantage, Dr. Carter. I am not accustomed to fainting at the sight of a strange man."
        "This business on the stage, would you care to tell me more about it?"
        "Truly, I would rather not." Agitation stirring anew at the simple mention of the incident, Devina shook her head. "I was personally threatened, held captive with a gun at my ribs. I'm afraid I was more upset by the incident than I realized."
        A strange flicker in the