Free Teton Splendor by Peggy L Henderson Page A

Joseph. “I . . . ah . . . I’ll join you shortly, Daddy. I didn’t know we had company. I’d best go see about getting dressed properly.” She was about to turn when Joseph’s voice stopped her.
    “Don’t change into some fancy duds on my account, Princess. Looks like you’re covered up enough.  I’m used to seeing women wear less in the dead of winter than what you’ve got on right now.” His look was challenging, a twinkle in his eyes. Was he deliberately trying to provoke her, hoping she would retract her decision to go with him?
    Sophia raised her chin. She wasn’t about to cower, and might as well continue with her daring behavior.  “Well in that case, let’s eat. I’m famished.” She stepped further into the room and headed for the table, which was already set for three.
    Joseph grinned, and her heart somersaulted in her chest.
    Her father held a chair for her while she took her seat at the table, glad to take the weight off her weak legs. To her dismay, Joseph chose to sit across from her, putting him directly in her line of vision.
    “Sophia,” her father said slowly after taking his seat. He cleared his throat. Maddie, the kitchen maid, brought fresh coffee for the men, and Sophia’s usual cup of tea.  “Joseph tells me you intend to go with him out west?”
    Sophia glanced at Joseph. She had wanted to break the news to her father slowly, but apparently Joseph had beaten her to it. His brows raised expectantly, as if he was all too eager to hear what she had to say. She tore her eyes away from him and looked at her father.
    “Yes, Daddy. I broke my engagement to Andrew. I overheard him and Mr. Preston talking that the only reason Andrew wants to marry me is so that he could get control of Yancey Enterprises. He obviously didn’t want me because he loved me.” Sophia’s voice trailed off, and she blinked back the stinging sensation in her eyes. She stared into her cup of tea, but not before venturing one final peek at Joseph.
    The muscles along his jaw visibly clenched and unclenched, and the amused grin vanished. His stare turned hard, with a dangerous gleam in his eyes.
    “I’ve questioned some of Lloyd Preston’s business practices in the past, but I never thought he would stoop so low,” her father said, his voice raised in anger. “I’ll be cancelling all of my dealings with him from now on.” He reached a hand out and placed it over Sophia’s, giving hers a light squeeze. “I wanted only the best for you. Andrew seemed like an outstanding choice. I’m so sorry for my lack of judgment.”
    Sophia forced a smile. It took every ounce of self-control she possessed to focus her eyes on her father and not glance in Joseph’s direction.
    “I’m just glad I found out now,” she whispered.
    “But to make such a hasty decision to leave Boston and head out west?” her father continued. “You have no idea what sort of hardships that will bring. You’re not prepared for such a journey.”
    “Daddy,” Sophia replied slowly. “What happened yesterday made me realize that this is something I have to do.  I want to find out where I came from. I believe you’ve kept the truth from me for good reason, and I’ll always consider you to be my father, but I need to know about my real parents.”
    “Well, then.” Her father sat up straighter. “If that’s what you want, I’ll need a few days to get my business dealings in order, and then we can plan for our adventure into the Teton wilderness.” He smiled brightly at her.
    Sophia pulled her hand out from under her father’s, and shook her head.
    “No, Daddy. This is something I need to do on my own.” All her life she’d been under Byron Yancey’s protection. His name and money would not benefit her where Joseph planned to go. And it was time she learned to stand on her own two feet. Joseph had accused her yesterday that she wasn’t strong enough to handle the journey, and for some reason it became vitally important to