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Chapter 57 Most Unusual Gift
Inside lay an exquisite–looking book, its cover alive with vivid inks and delicate gold leaf Could it be the classics? Or perhaps a survey of distant mountains and rivers?
She eased the pages apart, eager, but her smile froze the instant the illustrations appeared.
The shock hit so hard she snapped the book shut, cheeks blazing scarlet.
“Miss Sadie, what on earth did Lord Zephyr send? You look as if you have seen a ghost. Your cheeks are so red. Did you use too much blush?” Katy asked, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
Stone–faced, Sadie slid the book back into the brocade box and lowered the lid without a word.
It was, of all things, Book of Dalliance, an illustrated book. Zephyr remembered their teasing exchange in the study weeks earlier, where he caught her flipping this very book.
“Lock it in the book cabinet, and under no circumstances let anyone see it,” she whispered.
After securing the key, Katy tilted her head. “By the way, shall we bring out Mr. Madison’s gift from last night and put it to use?”
Sadie fell silent. Madison had woven a seat cushion from strands of hair taken from Daisy and her brothers
—an eerie offering that made her skin crawl. “Burn it quietly, and do not let anyone see,” she said.
Once her hair was pinned and ribbons tied, Sadie walked to Pine Manor to offer morning greetings to Talulla. Agnes was setting out breakfast plates when Sadie arrived. “Perfect timing, my dear. Lord Zephyr has just come as well,” the older woman said.
Zephyr lounged in a carved chair by the window, sipping tea.
He wore deep–red satin on his day off, an emerald clasp at his belt highlighting his broad shoulders and narrow waist.
He stretched out his long legs, projecting the lazy confidence of a man accustomed to having the room revolve around him.
Sadie’s gaze drifted to that belt, and in a traitorous flash, the scandalous illustrations from Book of Dalliance flickered through her mind. Heat rushed back to her cheeks.
On the open page, two lavish illustrations showed lovers entwined in poses that demanded considerable – stamina from the man. Sadie’s mind wandered, picturing Zephyr without his clothes, certain his waist
would outperform any painted hero.
“Sadie.” Talulla emerged from the inner chamber, her voice warm with affection.
Startled, Sadie caught herself and drew a sharp breath, mortified by where her thoughts had strayed.
She hurried over to steady Talulla’s arm. “Grandmother,” she murmured.
Talulla studied her. “Why is your face so red? Have you caught a chill? Spring mornings turn quickly cold. Remember to add layers.”
Sadie’s cheeks burned hotter. She lowered her lashes. “Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. I will take good care of myself.”
Chapter 57 Most Unusual Gift
Talulla accepted a brocade box from Agnes and pressed it into Sadie’s arms. You turned sixteen two days ago and said nothing. This is my belated gift–see whether it pleases you.”
Inside lay a complete set of gold–and–enamel hairpieces, each one gleaming with a brilliance that colitd ransom a kingdom.
Sadie rose to offer thanks, but Talulla pressed her back down. “None of that formality. This morning I heard Zephyr sent something to Goldsheen Manor as well. What was it?”
Zephyr’s tone remained gentle. “An illustration book, Grandmother. Sadie is fond of such things. She tosses and turns at night, longing for them.”
Sadie went still, lost for words. I do
not long for it at all.
Talulla brightened. “Oh? What sort of book could be so captivating? When you have finished, Sadie, bring it so I may see.” Sadie offered only silence. Not a chance.
Zephyr sipped his tea, rolling the name “Sadie” across his tongue as though it did not yet belong there.
He suddenly asked, “Do you have a nickname, Sadie?”
Talulla clicked her tongue. “Those Francis relatives are hopelessly self–serving. They treat her like a scullery maid and never bothered with such niceties. If you wish, Zephyr, choose one for her.”
Zephyr regarded Sadie. She looked like an early–summer apple, pinking but not yet fully red, two blossoms pinned beside her bun.
A silver butterfly shimmered through the strands, yet nothing outshone the quick light in her eyes. Sining dútifully at Talulla’s side, she was the picture of obedience.
Soon, she would belong to the Gates family in every sense.
Fingering the rim of his teacup, Zephyr said, “Autumn soothes, winter delights, and lasting peace endures. We can give her the nickname–Sades.”
Talulla beamed. “Wonderful.” She gazed down at the girl in her arms. “Do you like it?”
He even picked my nickname. Once people learn that, they’ll crow about how close we are. When the day comes and I claim ignorance of his rebellion, who will believe me?
Bracing herself, Sadie offered a sugary smile. “Grandmother, Mike it very much. Thank you, Zephyr, for the name.”
Zephyr added, “I have also begun the paperwork to include you as part of the Gates family.”
Sadie stood speechless, her lips parting yet yielding no sound.
Zephyr really intends to leave me no escape.
Zephyr gave her a pleasant smile. Are you happy, Sadie?”
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