The Abolitionist’s Secret Read Online Free PDF Page A

to do was to scoop Heather into his lap and lavish kisses on her beautiful, full lips. Her impassioned question about setting all the slaves free reminded him of her sister, whom he had met the year before. In Heather’s case, her calm and quiet exterior hid a deep quest for life and for righting the wrongs of the world. And he also knew for a certainty, that he needed to be a part of her life and to share in her passion.
    Unless he had totally lost his ability to read women in the past four years, He had seen a spark of interest in Heather’s eyes in the parlor too. But he could not be sure of any of his feelings until he actually touched her on the dance floor, and compared her to Jasmine, and to every other lady he might dance with at the ball.
    He rolled over in bed trying to still his rapidly beating heart. Yes, the ball would be an adventure for him, as well as for the two Fitzpatrick daughters. He couldn’t wait.

Chapter 7
    David watched, along with many other hopeful men, as one young lady after another was introduced into society, and glided down the long marble staircase on the arm of her father or brother. There must have been a dozen or so women, but he searched for only one. Finally, the Fitzpatrick twins stood at the top of the stairs. They were introduced separately, first Jasmine, who took her bow, and then Heather. The twins were stunning, in matching white dresses, adorned with crystal beads and a layer of luminous cloth over a cage crinoline, which made the skirt of the dress stand away from the body. Diamonds sparkled in their dark hair and around their necks, embellishing the modestly low neckline of the dress. David thought they looked like fairy princesses.
    Heather completed her deep curtsy and the twins joined hands, looking out over the crowd below. David watched as Heather scanned the upturned faces. When her eyes landed on him, he smiled, and watched her lovely brown eyes widen with interest. At least he hoped that’s what it was.
    Two men took their place on either side of the twins. One was their father, George Fitzpatrick, whom he had met last fall. The other man was a stranger to David, but the resemblance to George allowed him to make the assumption that he was a Fitzpatrick as well, perhaps George’s son. They descended the stairs, and the two young ladies were quickly swallowed up in the throng of eligible men, each eager to claim a spot on their dance cards for the evening.
    Although David knew he already had his allotted two spots on the cards for each of the twins, he was eager to dance with Heather, so he pushed his way forward through the crowd, following the brilliance of their dresses. The music was about to begin as he finally reached the twins who were sandwiched between George and Charlotte Fitzpatrick. David acknowledged both parents before he took Heather’s hand in his. She jumped at his touch.
    “I believe I have the first dance,” he stated calmly, although he was not feeling placid.
    “Umm, yes, Lieutenant, that’s correct.” Heather looked at her mother. At her nod, she took a deep breath and permitted David to lead her onto the floor of the ballroom.
    David’s mind went blank as he touched Heather’s waist. He had to focus hard to remember the steps of the dance, and to lead her through it with him. For several minutes, they danced in silence. David hoped the dance would last forever. First, because he had yet to speak to her, and second, because he did not want another man touching her. Determined to make an impression, he smiled down at her.
    “You seemed very well versed on the plight of the slave in America the other day. Perhaps we can meet on the balcony after a few more dances and discuss the matter in greater detail?”
    David watched Heather’s face as she returned his gaze, chewing her bottom lip. That lush, full lip that David had been longing to taste for two days. She cleared her throat and replied, “I think slavery is a subject on which we