Savage Autumn Read Online Free Page B

rejection and merely shrugged his shoulders. “There is no rush, I have plenty of time. When I decide to take you to bed, you will squeal in delight and beg for more.”
    Joanna couldn’t resist a shudder. “I would kill myself before I would allow you to touch me.”
    His eyes sparked dangerously. “I have taken more from you than I would ever take from anyone else, missy. Just count yourself lucky that I am a tolerant man.”
    She laughed insultingly but did not reply.
    “I would give it all up in a moment, Joanna, if you would have me. You have gotten into my brain, and I can’t seem to do anything without thinking about you. If you would only be nice to me, life would be more pleasant for you and Tag.”
    Joanna looked at him in disgust. “I have no desire to be nice to you. You have stolen everything that belonged to my brother and me. If my father were alive, he would have you jailed.”
    Howard looked at her in speculation. “Well, missy, I think you and I understand each other. I would have gladly given you anything you asked for, but now you will rue the day you tried to defy me.” He removed his watch from his pocket and twirled it around. “If you had said yes, Joanna, Tag would have been allowed to remain here with you, but since you refused, he sails in three days. Barring any unforeseen accident, he should be back home within two years.”
    Joanna felt tears of helplessness well up in her eyes, and she tried to keep him from seeing her weakness. If she was to save Tag, it would have to be tonight, and she had no idea how that could be accomplished.
    “I am very tired. I wish you would leave now.”
    He nodded his head, knowing he had finally humbled the proud Joanna. His eyes gleamed brightly as he crossed the room and left, locking the door after him. He actually felt more satisfaction from piercing the calm that always surrounded her than if she had consented to his proposition.
    Joanna sat down on the bed and buried her face in her hands. It all seemed so hopeless. What could she do? Was she some weak little mouse that she couldn’t outsmart someone with her uncle’s limited intelligence? She would never allow him to win—she would fight to the bitter end. The determined light in her eyes slowly faded. How? What could she do to help Tag while she was locked in her room?
    Suddenly Joanna remembered Franny’s words, and she knew that the housekeeper must have placed something under the lunch tray. She glanced at the door and quickly lifted the tray. She gasped when she recognized her father’s handwriting on the letter that Franny had hidden for her. It was as if he had reached out from his watery grave to bring her courage and comfort, she thought. She quickly broke the seal and began to read.
My dearest Joanna and Tag,
    I was sorely grieved to get your letter and learn about your dear mother’s death. I cannot tell you how sorry I am that I was unable to be with you at such a time. Be brave and try not to grieve.
    Joanna closed her eyes. He had known about her mother’s death before he died, but how?
I blame myself for not being with your mother when she needed me. I know that you will be shocked to hear from me since Richard told me he wrote you of my death.
    Tears of joy washed down Joanna’s cheeks. It had all been some horrible mistake. Her father was alive! Joanna’s hand trembled, and she had a hard time reading since her eyes were swimming with tears.
How you, my dear ones, must have grieved, thinking you had lost both your mother and father. I was on the ship when it went down, but was able to drag myself upon the broken mast and the waves washed me ashore. I have not been well. I suffered a broken back or I would have come to you instead of sending you this letter. I am doing the next best thing, however. I have made arrangements for the two of you to come to me in the spring on the Althea.
    Know in your hearts that I love you and await the time when we can all be together