Destiny's Captive by Beverly Jenkins Page A

never had anything new since Papa died? Mama has been doing the best she can to provide for us and we’ve both worked hard to help her, but for once, I’d like to paint something that I can keep or spend a portion of the day reading instead of trying to come up with yet another way to cheat someone just so we can eat.”
    Pilar let those words sink in.
    â€œAnd as I said the other day, maybe I can find someone who will love me. I know you don’t care about such things, Pilar, but I do.”
    She was right, Pilar didn’t care about love but didn’t begrudge her sister the pursuit of it.
    Doneta said, “I do wish you’d consider staying, too. What would I do without you? Who would I confide in or roll my eyes with?”
    Pilar smiled. “This new husband you’re seeking.”
    â€œHusbands don’t roll their eyes—or at least I don’t think so. The point is. We’ve been breathing for each other since the day I was born. I don’t want a life that doesn’t include you.”
    â€œAre you trying to guilt me into staying, Doneta?”
    â€œNo, Pilar, but I am speaking from my heart.”
    Pilar got out of bed and walked over to her bed and sat on the edge. “Whatever decision I make, I’ll tell you first.”
    They embraced.
    â€œYou promise,” Doneta whispered holding on tightly.
    Her love for her sister and the idea of losing her put tears in her eyes. “Yes, I promise.”
    Pilar and Doneta enjoyed the company of their cousins, in spite of their sour mother. They’d helped Pilar and Doneta learn the layout of the house, talked with them about the joys of living in Florida and did their best to relieve the stings of some their mother’s barbs. They were not as beautiful as their Bandera cousins but both were smart, kind, and had a great sense of humor. On the night of the ball the four young women got dressed together in Mari’s bedroom, which was the size of their house back home. She was three years older than her sister and a year old than Doneta.
    â€œYou both look so lovely,” she said to Pilar and Doneta.
    Anya said, “Mama’s going to have a fit.”
    Mari cracked, “Then she’s going to parade us around like prize heifers hoping someone will make a bid.”
    They all giggled but swallowed their laughter quickly when Simona walked into the room. “Are you ready?”
    Desa walked in behind her and Pilar almost didn’t recognize her, she was so beautiful. Pilar considered Doneta to be the prettiest of the Bandera sisters but even she paled in comparison to their mother in her striking emerald gown. Her hair was up and her face bore just the faintest application of paint. Simona, in a dress far too snug with far too many drapings for her ample figure, couldn’t hold a candle to her sister-in-law.
    Simona looked at her daughters. “You both look gorgeous.”
    And Pilar agreed.
    â€œBut the two of you,” she declared to Pilar and Doneta, “pull up those necklines so you won’t be mistaken for strumpets.”
    â€œExcuse me!” Desa snapped.
    Simona’s lips tightened. “Just remember, Mari and Anya are the ones seeking husbands, not your two.”
    And she swept from the room.
    Anya turned to Pilar and Doneta. “I’m sorry.”
    Pilar patted her arm. “It’s all right.”
    Desa added. “No apologies needed. We all look absolutely beautiful, so let’s go down and see how many men we can bring to their knees.”
    Laughing, they left the room and as they did, Desa said quietly to Pilar and Doneta, “Remember, we are here from Santo Domingo. We’ve no idea who might be in attendance.”
    They nodded.
    Pilar was very uncomfortable in her beautiful new gown because she’d never worn anything with a neckline that bared her throat and shoulders and skimmed the tops of her breasts before. Even though it was