Passion's Fury Read Online Free

approval. “Lawdy, you is a lovely thing, Miss April. That green just sets off yo’ hair, and those little gold things on the skirt makes it all look so pretty.”
    “Those are rosettes,” April said quietly, then smiled at her reflection in the mirror. “Thank you, Cora. I don’t want to sound conceited, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt prettier, whether I look that way or not.”
    She had not heard the soft knock on the door. Her father’s voice, filled with pride, startled her. “You aren’t pretty, my darling. You are absolutely magnificent! Never have I seen a more beautiful woman.” He walked over and kissed her cheek lightly.
    “You look magnificent yourself,” she said affectionately as her gaze took in his fawn-colored trousers and brown velvet waistcoat.
    He went on as though she had not spoken, placing his hands on her bare shoulders. His eyes seemed to burn into hers as he murmured, “You look like your dear mother. In the name of God, it’s as though I am seeing Lorena April again after all these years. The eyes, the hair, even the sweet, delicate smile, the touch of your skin…”
    April stepped back, suddenly frightened. She could see the curious glances Cora and Lucy were exchanging. Her father turned suddenly and snapped his fingers at them. “Leave us now.”
    They scurried from the room, and April turned to follow. “I suppose it’s time to make our entrance. I’ll just go and tell Vanessa.”
    “No!” he said sharply. She paused, turning slowly, and saw that his eyes were almost glassy. “I have something for you…something I have waited till this night to present to you. I know your mother would have wanted it this way.”
    She felt a flicker of relief, and she realized that she was constantly afraid he would think she was her mother. But that was silly. She chided herself for thinking such a thing. He was merely a man who had loved his wife deeply. And because she resembled her mother, she triggered memories which made him behave strangely at times.
    He was holding out his hand to her. “This belonged to your mother. I gave it to her on our wedding day. It has been in the family for generations, always being given to the oldest son to present to his bride. Since I have no sons, I want you to have it, April darling, to carry on the tradition of the Jennings family.”
    Curious, she moved closer, then covered her lips with both hands in a gasp of astonishment. He held out a ring—a ring more beautiful than any she had ever seen. There was a large diamond, surrounded by fire-red rubies and glistening green emeralds covering the band. When she could find her voice, she whispered, “I…I’ve never seen anything like it, Poppa.”
    “I don’t suppose you have,” he grinned. “As legend goes, my great-great-grandfather had it made for his bride. The stones are pure, and the ring was fashioned in France by a famous jeweler who designed for the royal family. It’s priceless, of course, but its worth is not only in money.” He paused significantly. “Thepossessor of this ring has undisputed claim to Pinehurst.
    “Of course, it was worn by the mistress of the house,” he went on, “but it was designated that the bestower was the rightful, legal heir. This is my gift to you this day, April. I bestow on you not only this valuable family heirloom but also undisputed title to this plantation.”
    She was speechless. With a trembling hand, she took the ring from him, astonished at its beauty. Then, suddenly, she thrust it toward him and said in a rush, “I can’t take it, Poppa. It isn’t right. You are the owner of Pinehurst. And besides, there is Vanessa to consider.”
    His eyes narrowed. With quick, jerky movements, he grabbed her right hand and twisted the ring into position on her third finger. It fit perfectly. “It’s yours, and there will be no arguing. Of course, I am the owner of Pinehurst as long as I live, but everyone will know now that you are my heir. We