Free [Song of Alaska 02] - Morning's Refrain by Tracie Peterson Page A

of Yuri and watched as Dalton moved aside. She tried her best to mask her feelings.
    “I’m Yuri Belikov,” the young man announced. “My mother is your housekeeper.”
    “Phoebe Robbins,” she replied, amazed that no one stood on ceremony in this tiny town. The rules of society were observed but hardly imposed.
    “You do realize that you’re the most beautiful girl in the room,” he said.
    She wasn’t sure what to say. His comment made her feel uncomfortable, but she knew he was only being nice. “Thank you. I’m not at all convinced that it’s true, but you are very generous to say so.” She immediately regretted her words, hoping that he wouldn’t think she was seeking further compliments. Phoebe quickly asked, “Is Belikov a Russian name?”
    He smiled. “It is. My family is originally from Russia. My father and mother came here when they were just married.”
    “Have you ever been to Russia?”
    He shook his head. “It’s often been discussed. My mother would like to go back. Her mother isn’t well, and her sisters want her to come home.”
    “And will you go?”
    A man was approaching them and Phoebe knew she would once again be handed off. Yuri apparently was unwilling to lose her company just yet and whisked her in the opposite direction.
    “I’m sorry about that, but I’ve not had you for more than a few moments. He can wait his turn. Besides, I happen to know he smells like fish and doesn’t dance well at all.”
    Phoebe suppressed a giggle. She had not expected such a comment, and it somehow put her at ease with this friend of Dalton’s.
    She glanced up to find his blue eyes watching her. She smiled. “So I asked if you would go with your family to Russia?”
    He gave her a rather wicked grin. “Not if there’s a reason to stay.”
    Dalton couldn’t help but notice the smug look of satisfaction that Yuri wore. He’d managed to keep Phoebe with him throughout the rest of the waltz and only now had relinquished her to another man.
    “So did you see us dancing?” Yuri asked. “I think we make a great pair, don’t you?”
    A twinge of jealousy sliced through Dalton’s heart, but he ignored it. His sister Evie had just joined them, and he didn’t want her questioning his attitude. Rather than reply to Yuri’s comment, he turned to Evie.
    “You look tired.”
    “I’m exhausted. I can’t believe how many times I’ve danced. I’m more than ready to return home, but I know I’d never get away with it.” She smiled at Yuri. “How are you doing?”
    “I am well. We were just talking about Miss Phoebe Robbins.”
    “She is quite pretty, don’t you think?”
    “I do indeed,” Yuri answered. “I was just telling Dalton that I thought we made a great pair.”
    Dalton couldn’t shake the growing sensation of wanting to hit Yuri in the mouth. Evie glanced at Dalton, but he looked away as if needing to tend to something else. If she saw his expression, she’d know his feelings readily enough, and he didn’t want to have to explain. Besides, how could he explain when he didn’t understand, himself?
    “You still haven’t danced with me, brother of mine.”
    Dalton was surprised by this. “I thought you were exhausted.”
    She took hold of his arm. “Never too tired to dance with my brother.”
    They set out onto the floor and began to join the others. Evie smiled conspiratorially. “You looked like you needed a reason to get away from Yuri.”
    Dalton wasn’t sure what to say on the matter. “Sometimes he talks too much.”
    “He seems interested in Phoebe Robbins.”
    “I suppose so.”
    “Dalton, if you like her, you had best fight for her.”
    He looked at Evie in complete surprise. “What are you talking about?”
    She laughed and motioned to the door. “Come with me.”
    Dalton followed his sister outside, more than a little curious about what she would say. He waited until they’d walked a few steps from the front entry before asking, “Why did you say