Captives' Charade Read Online Free Page B

Sarah Catherine Tremont,” Julie continued, seeming not to care that her sister had been fast asleep. “I have so much to tell you. When did you leave? I have been looking for you everywhere!”
    Reluctantly, Sarah slowly propped herself up in bed, knowing that her sister would not go away. When Juliana had something to say, there was no chance it would go unheard. “What-what time is it?” she asked, rubbing her sleep-filled eyes.
    “It’s 2 o’clock and I came to tell you that my party was a marvelous success,” Juliana answered brightly, flinging her pink-clad form unceremoniously on the bed. “I had the most exciting evening of my life and I simply must tell you about it. Why weren’t you there? Are you ill?”
“I-I was tired. Too much champagne, I guess,” Sarah said, yawning.
    “I had too much, too,” Juliana giggled, “but it made me feel wonderful and wicked. Oh you’ll never believe what happened tonight!” she cried, falling back on Sarah’s feet, stretching her petite body languorously.
“Tell me, then,” Sarah said sleepily, “what happened that has you in such a state?”
    Juliana turned toward her, propping her golden head on her hand, a contented smile turning her entire face radiant. “The Yankee, Mr. Chamberlain? He is the most divine man I have ever met. He is so charming; I was completely swept off my feet. He dances like a prince, and Sarah, he is so romantic. Why, poor Jack was beside himself. But I doubt that I could have turned Mr. Chamberlain’s attentions away if I had tried. He is so persistent,” she smiled, then giggled. “But I adore a man who knows how to get what he pursues, don’t you?”
    Sarah’s face had gone completely white. “What is the matter, darling? Is something wrong?” Juliana asked sweetly. “I told you I would be with him – if he were handsome – and oh, he has surpassed my wildest dreams! Sarah, don’t you think he’s magnificent?”
    Sarah forced herself to close her mouth, and blinked her eyes to shake her mind of the dread that was forming there. “I-I suppose he is good looking enough. But what of Jack?” she replied, in a desperate attempt to hold at bay the confirmation of her growing suspicions.
    Juliana raised her head angrily and slammed her open hand on the coverlet. “Oh, will you please let me forget about Jack one moment?” she shouted. “I am sick to death of everyone thinking he is my beau. He is not! And you can be sure I made Mr. Chamberlain aware of that fact,” she huffed, and just as quickly, her face took on its former dreamy look as she sighed, “Stewart. What a marvelously strong name. Stewart Chamberlain. It fits him to a tee, does it not?”
    Sarah felt her skin go hot as her teeth clenched in helpless dismay. Of course Stewart and Juliana would be attracted to each other. Why had she so blithely assumed that hers was the only company he sought under this roof?
    But then, a fit of jealousy took hold. The nerve of him to woo both his host’s daughters in the same evening! He was despicable.
    As delicately as she could, Sarah attempted to stop Juliana’s effusive praise of Mr. Chamberlain’s attributes. She certainly did not want to hear any more about him. “Julie, I am very pleased that you had such a wonderful time, but I feel I must remind you that he is only visiting Father for business reasons. It would appear doubtful that you would ever see him again once he leaves.”
    “Oh pooh, Sarah. The man spends his time traveling all over the world,” Juliana shifted her small body excitedly. “He is free as a bird, and if I want him to stay – which I most certainly do – I am quite sure a way can be found.
    “Do you realize,” she crooned, suddenly changing the subject once again. “Mr. Chamberlain is at this moment in the guest room over our very heads,” she sighed and looked longingly at the elaborately wall-papered ceiling. “Father invited him to stay the week and I have no doubt he will be