Free The Heavens Shall Fall by Jerri Hines Page B

enter.”
    Susanna found Major Andre was not alone. She wasn ’t surprised to see Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton. The two were often in company together.
    “ Mrs. Millbury, please come in,” Major Andre said. “Our business is complete. The lieutenant was leaving.”
    Susanna acknowledged the formidable man with a pleasant smile despite the fact she had no liking for the officer. His reputation preceded him. It was rumored that he thought himself a ladies’ man.
    Susanna had heard gossip Tarleton , unlike his friend, showed little respect for the American ladies. She had even heard disturbing whispers that he once took the woman whether or not she was willing.
    She took a seat and waited for the two to complete their conversation. Lost in her thoughts, she sat and waited. In spite of her belief coming back into this house would have no effect on her, she found herself overwhelmed with memories…the good as well as the bad.
    Until this moment, she had not realized the extent she missed her carefree, naïve sister. Camilla lived now in England with her English husband and their mother. Camilla had begged Susanna to join her, but Susanna hadn’t the heart to impose. Camilla had her hands full with not only dealing with their mother, but she was also with child.
    C amilla didn’t complain, but Susanna read into the letters that money was scarce. After the financial disaster of their grandfather, it left little for either Camilla, or their mother.
    The loss had not hurt Susanna in the financial sense. Besides the fact Oswyn took care of all her needs, he had received her dowry before the scandal. Susanna sent her mother what Oswyn would allow, but her mother ’s demands had grown along with her resentment against losing all her belongings.
    In their anger against Alexander Clay, the British left little for the family. It was for that reason Major Andre had requested her presence this afternoon.
    That alone was not improper. Requesting she come alone…was.
    “ Mrs. Millbury?”
    Susanna looked up. She had quite lost herself in her thoughts , for she found herself alone with the major. She hadn’t even heard the door open or close, but it was closed and they were alone.
    “ Major Andre, I’m sorry. I must apologize. I hope I didn’t seem rude to Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton.”
    “ It is understandable. Returning to your old home in this manner, it must conjure up memories.”
    Susanna didn ’t respond. Instead, she watched him pour two glasses of wine and walk back across the room. He handed one to her. He didn’t ask permission, but sat next to her.
    She didn ’t flinch, but appraised him coolly. She had always known he was a handsome man, but she had never noticed just how handsome.
    Long , thick lashes framed his mesmerizing eyes. He had a distinguished profile with sharp, defined cheekbones and jaw, a prominent nose and a firmly set mouth. He wore a well-powdered wig. He had taken care with his appearance…as well as she had this day.
    She had chosen a pale blue gown, knowing well it complimented her large cerulean eyes. Her thick blonde hair, she had uplifted it in a way to have small curled tresses fall softly around her face. Moreover, she had deliberately worn a tight -fitting bodice to expose her cleavage to full advantage.
    She recognized his awareness of her efforts. She caught his gaze as it drifted to her breasts. He looked up at her and smiled a mischievous smile. Despite herself, she felt a warm throb pulsating through her.  Oh, heavens, she needed to compose herself! It was only a look!
    She took a sip of the wine, an excellent cabernet. She wondered briefly whether it had been her grandfather’s. She sat the glass down. “You said you wanted to talk about my grandfather’s possessions. You mentioned that General Clinton might help recover some of my family’s possessions.”
    “ I should have rephrased the note. It is done.”
    “ Done? I don’t understand. I thought…”
    “ I will