Linda Lael Miller Quote

I have a very happy announcement to make, he said, and the blood drained from Emma’s face. Miss Emma Chalmers and I will be married before the summer’s out. Emma sucked in her breath and closed her eyes as a murmur of speculation moved through the crowd. This was followed by a burst of somewhat hesitant applause, and while the women held back, fanning themselves, the men pushed forward to shake Fulton’s hand. Emma felt as though she might throw up. God knew, Fulton was used to getting his own way, no matter what objections might be raised, but this time he’d gone too far. He came to her like a conquering hero and steered her toward the door. Come now, Emma, dear, he said through his teeth, his hand tight on her elbow. It’s time we were alone together. Fury mingled with the bile burning the back of Emma’s throat. You will go back up there, Mr. Whitney, and explain that you were only joking. There will be no wedding! His fingers bit into her flesh, and again she saw that hostile wraith move in the depths of his eyes. I’ve had one humiliation already today, he said, pulling her along like a half-wit who couldn’t be expected to find her own way. And I will not suffer another. Emma