Captive Hearts Read Online Free

children of your own might as well.”
    “I fear I am too set in my ways to consider such a change in circumstances, my dear.”
    “Too selfish” would better describe his reasons for avoiding marriage. He wanted her out of his house so he would not be tainted by what had happened to her mother, as she had been.
    Her gaze moved about the vestibule in restless dread.
    Gleaming marble floors and dark scrolled woodwork adorned the space. The moment was at hand. She would be taking a sacred vow, knowing she would later break it.
    Guilt warred with her need. Fear warred with her determination.
    The doors of the chapel parted and Lord Willingham appeared. Katherine found it difficult to draw a full
    breath as the racing of her heart increased.
    “Everyone is seated and waiting, Lord Leighton.”
    Talbot spoke in a hushed tone. His square-jawed features set in grave lines, softened somewhat as his gaze swung to her.
    Her anxiety rose to a feverish peak. “Is the Capt—is Matthew here?” Her voice came out breathy and weak.
    “Of course. He is waiting for you to join him, Katherine. I will tell them you are ready to begin.” He paused, focusing on her with more attention. “You look beautiful, my dear.”
    A painful knot of emotion constricted her throat. If only her family were still alive, there would be no need for any of this. “Thank you, Lord Willingham.” Hannah drew the lace scarf up to cover Katherine’s hair while Edward straightened the ruffled cuff of his sleeve. He handed his black tricorn to the woman.
    Reluctantly, Katherine accepted her uncle’s arm.
    Hannah held the door open for them to proceed.
    Katherine paused just inside the chapel, halting Edward’s forward momentum. The long aisle of the church stretched before them, an intimidating length. At its end, stood a man and an enrobed minister. Too distant for her to identify his features, Katherine found some recognition in the breadth of his shoulders and his height. The jittery feeling built in the pit of her stomach.
    Edward’s determined grip on her arm propelled her forward as the beginning strains of organ music echoed within the sanctuary. The few guests present turned to watch as they progressed up the aisle.
    Her groom’s rugged features appeared more and more defined as the distance between them lessened.
    Without the heavy beard obscuring the lower half of his face, the angular shape of his jaw and chin appeared strong and masculine. His nose, well shaped and narrow had an arrogant tilt. His mouth, curved in a sardonic smile of greeting, underlined the fullness of his lips and set to light their sensuality. Resentment burnt in his pale blue eyes as they settled first upon Edward, then on her.
    Confronted by his enmity, she grew wary. She had done nothing to anger him. What had Edward done?
    Edward released her then stepped aside and found a
    seat on one of the pews.
    Matthew grasped her arm above the elbow and drew her to his side before the minister.
    “Begin.”
    That one word spoken with such authority gained the minister’s immediate attention, and without delay, he opened the bible he held.
    As the priest began extolling the virtues of marriage, Matthew grasped her left hand. His fingers long, his nails clean and trimmed, his hand had an elegance about it that drew her eye. He appeared so different from the maltreated prisoner with whom she’d bargained, that she found it difficult to reconcile the two images. Her gaze rose once again to study his face. One well-arched black brow rose in mocking inquiry, his gaze bold as it raked downward to settle on her breasts. The look of appraisal in his expression as he raised one dark brow sent such a rush of outrage through her she almost choked.
    He knew! Temper brought heat to her cheeks.
    Someone had told him about what had happened to her mother, and he believed the rumors. She shifted her weight, intent on ending the ceremony. He grasped her arm his grip tight, holding her at his