Camellia by Diane T. Ashley

Camellia hardly saw her for the vision standing directly behind her. He was beautiful. Tall, with shoulders so wide they looked like they would fill a doorway. His face was all angles, from his square chin to his high cheekbones. His dark eyes surveyed the room and zeroed in on one face. Camellia barely had time to register the way his smile was reflected in those delicious eyes before a feminine squeal startled her.
    Jane launched herself toward the stranger and threw herself into his arms. Had she forgotten to tell her best friend about this man she obviously loved? Wistful envy filled Camellia. What a fortunate girl she was to be adored by such a fine specimen of a man. And a soldier at that. He didn’t even need the gray uniform—he would have been equally handsome in civilian attire.
    “Jane!” Mrs. Dabbs’s shocked tones separated the two at the door.
    Jane’s tears were back. They trickled down her face, reddening her eyelids and nose all over again. But the wide smile on her friend’s face told Camellia this time her tears were of the joyful variety.
    The tall man reached into his pocket and produced a handkerchief that he offered to her.
    Jane wiped her face clean and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Dabbs. Please allow me to introduce a very special man.” She sent him an adoring glance and reached for his hand, drawing him farther into the room. “This is my brother, Captain Thaddeus Watkins.”
    Camellia’s heart tripled its speed. Jane’s brother? The man her best friend wanted her to meet? Her whole world turned upside down. Her earlier envy turned into anticipation. He
was
the man of her dreams. Handsome, rich, and a soldier. Captain Thaddeus Watkins was almost too good to be true. She would need to be on her best behavior.
    As Captain Watkins exchanged pleasantries with Mrs. Dabbs, Camellia realized that even his deep voice was perfect. When Jane dragged him across the room to stand in front of her, Camellia wondered if she was going to swoon. If she did, would he be impressed with her delicate femininity or repulsed by her weakness?
    “My sister has written to me of her bosom friend.” His eyes were like a cup of warm cocoa. “I have to admit she didn’t exaggerate your beauty.”
    “I am happy to meet you, Captain. Your sister speaks so highly of you.” Camellia thought she could look into his face for hours on end. For the rest of her life.
    “I didn’t mean to interrupt you ladies—”
    “Don’t give it a thought, Captain.” Mrs. Dabbs beamed at him. “We were about to take our afternoon tea. I hope you’ll join us.”
    Three parallel lines appeared in his noble brow when Jane’s brother frowned. Camellia longed to smooth them away with her fingers.
    “I don’t want to intrude. I wanted to let Jane know that I’ve been stationed at Chalmette. With your permission, I will come back and visit tomorrow.”
    His manners were impeccable, too. Camellia knew as well as she knew her name that she was in love with Thaddeus Watkins. She hoped he didn’t disagree, because she was certain they would one day become husband and wife. From the admiration in his eyes as he gazed at her over the top of his sister’s head, Camellia suspected he wouldn’t put up much resistance.

    “I have butterflies in my stomach.” Camellia put her hand on the waist of her blue-gray walking dress.
    “I’m just glad you want to go with me.” Jane tweaked the flounce on her skirt, part of the gold ensemble that complemented her burnished auburn hair. “I promise we won’t spend the whole evening talking of family members you’ve never heard of.”
    “Don’t worry about that. I will be content to be next to my best friend.”
    They left the room together, descending the staircase with their arms around each other’s waist. Camellia was aware of the picture they presented. Jane was glowing, prettier than Camellia had ever seen her. It was a good thing they were not competing for Thad’s