Wild Hearts Read Online Free Page B

“I thought you and I were friends,” she said, collecting her reticule and books. “I see now I was wrong.”
    Daisy stood and grabbed her arm. “No, Alethea. You’re not wrong. I value our friendship more than any other. At first, none of us thought about the unusual arrangement we have here. Zeke was gone and you were different. For the first time ever, our children became excited about learning. My own son mentioned going to college. Then you started the society and we came together as women. We saw the possibilities. We were inspired by your example. Our lives have changed. We didn’t want to tell you because we didn’t want to lose you.”
    Daisy ducked her head. “I’m so sorry.”
    Alethea didn’t know what to think, what to believe. “Am I to be sacrificed to Mr. Titan?”
    â€œNo,” Daisy said, looking at her. “Never. We want you to stay. That’s why I’m telling you about the deal Zeke made with the men in town.”
    Zeke had made a deal? He wasn’t just trying to seduce her because he wanted to?
    â€œHe has a month to get rid of you. The men feel threatened by the changes you’ve brought. They don’t like wives who challenge them.” Daisy smiled. “We’re going to work together to defeat Zeke and all the men.”
    Last night had been part of a plan that had nothing to do with getting her into his bed, Alethea thought, surprisingly disappointed by the realization. Zeke was simply doing what he had to in order to win a bet. The charm, the enjoyable conversation, had all been a pretense.
    â€œEveryone assumes that once he has his way with you, you’ll be shamed into leaving Titanville,” Daisy continued.
    â€œThat would be true,” Alethea said slowly. “Having been married, I would not be ruined, as those other teachers were. But I would not be able to face anyone. I would lose my authority with the children. I’m sure the men see me as susceptible. A mere woman, intermittently weak of character.”
    â€œWe’ll show them they’re wrong.”
    â€œAgreed,” Alethea said, forcing herself to smile at her friend. “While I appreciate your offer of help, I believe the easiest road to victory will be taken by me alone. I will play along with Mr. Titan’s game. For the next month I will pretend to be on the verge of giving in. But I will not. And when the time is up, we will expose the ploy, thereby defeating the men at their own game.”
    Daisy laughed. “Yes. That’s perfect! If anyone can resist Zeke, it’s you. You’re the strongest person I know.”
    â€œThank you.” Alethea glanced at the clock. “I’d best get to my students.”
    They hugged briefly, then Alethea left. She told herself she should be happy. The plan was sound, her triumph nearly assured. But in truth, this was one time she didn’t want to win. Given the choice, she would have preferred Zeke Titan to be exactly what he had seemed. A charming, intelligent man, if a bit of a rake, who enjoyed her company as much as she enjoyed his.
    Last night, alone in her room, she had allowed herself to imagine the possibilities, as she had not since Wesley had died. Of being in love again.
    It was not to be, she told herself firmly as she walked toward the schoolhouse. In the end, she would have a home of her own. A life of which she could be proud. That would be enough. Somehow, she would make it enough.

Chapter Four
    Zeke walked in through the rear door of the lending library. He meant to see Alethea alone after the reading, but he’d found himself strolling over early, curious about her ability to bring Shakespeare to the small town of Titanville.
    There were thirty or so people sitting on hard wooden chairs, leaning forward and listening intently as Alethea read the lively exchange between Beatrice and Benedick. They laughed appreciatively at the stubbornness of