Wild Hearts Read Online Free PDF Page A

the two players and their inability to see what was obvious to everyone else.
    She finished the scene and closed the book.
    â€œThe library has two copies of this play to lend,” she said with a smile. “Perhaps some of you would like to find out what happens for yourself?”
    There was a round of applause, then those attending rose. The librarian mentioned something about ice cream available next door in the mercantile.
    Zeke lingered until nearly everyone had left, then joined Alethea. She saw him approach and smiled—a warm, welcoming smile he felt in his gut. It made him want to pull her close and kiss her. Even more, it made him want to continue the conversation she’d provoked with her reading.
    He shook off the latter idea and moved next to her.
    â€œI’m surprised at your selection,” he said by way of greeting. “No King Lear? ”
    â€œI seek to entertain and inspire,” she told him. “Better done with a comedy. People are intrigued by the possibilities books offer. They try one, then another.”
    â€œYour goal to trap them into a life of reading?”
    â€œI don’t see it as anything but a great pleasure.” She looked up at him, her green eyes bright with amusement. “And how do you know about Shakespeare, or reading in Greek? Was the curriculum of this school more adventurous when you were young? Am I failing my students by teaching in English?”
    â€œI have always enjoyed books,” he admitted. “All books. When I was younger, I had plenty of time to read.” He motioned to the books on the shelves. “These are old friends.”
    â€œYou’ve read them all?”
    â€œMore than once. Some of the historical volumes were long and boring, but I persevered.”
    â€œImpressive.”
    He offered his arm. “I know.”
    She laughed and allowed him to lead her out of the library, her small hand tucked in the crook of his elbow. They paused on the sidewalk and glanced toward the crowd waiting for ice cream.
    â€œAre you hungry?” he asked. “Or would you prefer to take a walk?”
    â€œA walk would be nice.”
    They turned away from the mercantile and moved toward the edge of town. The night was clear and calm, the air cool, but without a chill.
    â€œWhat will your next play be?” he asked.
    â€œRomeo and Juliet.”
    â€œA favorite of yours?”
    â€œIt is very popular with the young ladies,” she said, humor brightening her voice. “There is nothing young women enjoy so much as a tragic love story.”
    â€œYou have outgrown such things?”
    â€œI have lived my own personal loss. I don’t need to read about it.”
    Right. The dead husband. He’d forgotten.
    â€œYou still miss him?”
    â€œSometimes,” she admitted. “When I read a new book, I long to discuss it with him. Or when it’s cold and I can’t get warm.” She glanced at him from under her lashes. “There are some practical benefits to the marriage bed.”
    Zeke had never been in love. He’d loved his mother dearly, but that was different. To lose a spouse was something he couldn’t comprehend. Did Alethea’s missing her late husband mean she still loved him?
    â€œMy mother wants me to marry again,” she continued. “Her anxiety to see me with another husband is one of the reasons I wanted to leave Baltimore.”
    â€œYou don’t wish to remarry?”
    â€œI do. I had always thought I would. I long for children, and a husband is required.”
    He smiled at her. “If you could achieve one without the other, would that be better?”
    â€œNo. I think a husband is a good thing. Provided he’s the right type of man.”
    â€œWhat do women want in a man?” he asked.
    â€œDifferent things, I suppose. For myself, I would wish for a man of good character. Someone strong enough to admit his mistakes. A excellent mind,