Free Night Winds by Gwyneth Atlee

to be married in the spring. We’re in love,” Phillip said, thinking all the while of his unanswered letters, his unacknowledged gifts. Did he only hope that she still loved him? Was he just pretending he was certain he loved her?
    “She only agreed to marry you after Ethan Lowell made other plans.”
    “Wherever did you hear such vile gossip? How dare you repeat it in my presence?” Now he knew she was deluded, if she would believe his fiancée felt any affection for his friend. How many times had he and Rachel argued over her refusal to accompany him on the El Dorado or even to a dinner where Ethan was expected? Though she would never explain her reasons, it had long been clear that Rachel despised Ethan.
    Justine reached up for his arm and tried to pull him to the sofa . “Please, Phillip, I think you need to listen.”
    His limbs stiffened at her words . Justine apparently felt there was something to this beyond Lydia’s typical drivel. Though he refused to sit down by his more sensible sister, he managed to resist an impulse to stride out of the room. Despite a fresh breeze, the room was sweltering. Phillip felt sweat trickle down his back.
    Lydia continued, her words scorching and relentless . “There’s more, Phillip. I heard weeks ago that she was still here, but Justine wouldn’t dream of telling you without some proof. Why, she even told me she’d have nits put in my hairbrush if I tried!”
    Phillip managed a wooden nod toward Justine . He could scarcely imagine the theatrics involved in Lydia’s reaction to that threat. He wished Justine could have found a muzzle, too, to prevent Lydia from saying one more word.
    But there was no force that could stop her onslaught now . “Then, finally, this morning I caught he r or them , I should say, walking together on the grounds of the Tisdale House.” Lydia waited like an actress pausing for effect, then found her voice once more. “I thought at first he was a workman, because of the old clothes. Then I realized it was Ethan with her. They were walking close and holding hands. Oh, Phillip, she was preening shamelessly! I was horrified.”
    “Horrified, or thrilled that your spying at last bore fruit ? You know, there’s probably some perfectly innocent explanation. Perhaps Ethan was counseling her about this trouble I’ve been having.” Yes, that must be it. How reasonable that theory sounded.
    “He kissed her . Held her close before they parted.”
    “I refuse to believe it . You’re simply lying to upset me. You’ve always delighted in rumors. For all I know, you’ve made this up to ingratiate yourself with your fickle friends. I won’t have Rachel’s name and mine ruined, Lydia. I won’t stand for these lies.” He felt vaguely like a candle, melting. Despite the heat, a nauseating chill ripped through his center.
    Late afternoon sunlight slanted through a window and glistened off a tear-trail on his sister’s face . “You’re not being fair. I’ve never lied to you,” Lydia insisted. “And I didn’t follow her so I could gossip. I just wanted to protect you. I know you’d rather I turned into Justine. She’s always been your favorite. But I love you, Phillip. I couldn’t bear to imagine Rachel deceiving you. I haven’t told another soul, I swear it. And I won’t, either. Not one other person.”
    “Hasn’t Lydia yet proven her loyalty to you?” Justine asked . “Haven’t we both?”
    It was the only reference Justine had ever made to their staying here to support him, when Mother fled to New Orleans . For Justine the choice had been simple. Society had no power to snub a young woman who deliberately chose isolation. But Lydia had been caught up in a whirlwind of dance and parties and elegant dresses that highlighted her dark beauty. She had agonized, but she had chosen Phillip.
    Now she lifted her head proudly, tears still streaming down her face . And in that moment fear weakened Phillip’s knees. He moved between the