Free The Abolitionist’s Secret by Becky Lower Page A

Our parents are the best of friends, and Blanche grew up with us, doing all those childhood things side by side. According to Mother, since Jacob died, Blanche has been waiting for me to return home and marry her.”
    Heather’s heart plummeted to her knees. “I’ve heard about how lovely women are in the south. Is Blanche a beautiful southern belle?”
    David smiled as he conjured up Blanche’s face. “She has buck teeth and stringy washed-out hair. I much prefer curly brunettes with straight lovely teeth.” He playfully tugged on one of Heather’s curled tendrils as he leaned in again to capture another kiss.
    Heather pulled away again, even though she would have preferred to stay in his embrace. But more importantly, she needed an answer to the big question that was at the forefront of her mind.
    “So, how will you resolve your conflict on what to do with your life?”
    David took a deep breath. He looked Heather in the eyes and took one of her hands in his. “There is no conflict in terms of my feelings for you. There is only a dilemma in trying to decide which lifestyle to choose once I wed. If I asked for your hand before I left New York, I would be duty-bound to marry you. A southern gentleman never goes back on his word.”
    Heather removed her hand from his slowly, and replied stiffly. “I would never want you to consider me a ‘duty.’ Unless you can commit to me freely, and with love, it would be best if you return to Savannah and marry Miss Beaufort, as was originally intended.” She turned her face away from him.
    David recaptured her hand and placed it on his chest. “I don’t mean to give you the wrong impression. Marrying you would not be a duty, it would be my honor. But if I were to ask your father for your hand, I would then consider myself obliged to fulfill that request. You have already captured my heart, Heather. I can only hope to capture yours before I must leave New York.”
    She glanced up at him in surprise. “It has been yours since the day we met. Surely you know that already.”
    He let out a long breath. “I had hoped you were feeling the same as I was. Then you wouldn’t mind if I approach your father and ask for your hand?”
    Heather shivered in the April sun as she imagined her life with David by her side. “It certainly has been a whirlwind courtship, but I am sure of my feelings. It would make me the happiest woman in New York to marry you. I can’t wait for our life to begin.” This time she was the one who leaned in for a kiss.

Chapter 13
    Heather bounded into Jasmine’s sickroom. It was the logical place for her to be with a big announcement. After all, they had done everything together since the day they were born, and she wanted Jasmine to be the first to hear her news.
    Jasmine was propped up in her bed, with her bound ankle on top of two pillows. She had been looking through the most recent copy of
Godey’s Lady’s Book
for the current colorful fashion trends from Paris. She glanced up when Heather opened the door.
    “Thank goodness, someone has come to relieve my boredom.” Jasmine tossed the book down on the bed counterpane. “I swear,
Godey’s
has nothing exciting to offer in terms of fashion this month. Or maybe I’m just feeling that way since I know I wouldn’t get to wear any of their new gowns, at least not for a while.” She glanced up at Heather. “I saw you leave with Lieutenant Whitman this morning, and I have to say, he looks mighty proprietary with you.”
    “As well he should.” Heather leaped onto the bed, taking care not to jostle Jasmine’s ankle, and grabbed her hands. “He asked me to marry him!”
    Jasmine glared at her sister as she pulled her hands away. “You must be joking! Why, you’ve only known him for a few days. Surely you turned down his impertinent request, which was given in the most poor taste.”
    Heather took a calming breath. “No, he’s going to talk to Papa at the bank right now. I’m absolutely giddy