Elizabeth Meyette - [Love's 01] by Love's Destiny Page A

Jonathon read the title aloud, A Summary View of the Rights of British America.
    “It is written by Thomas Jefferson, one of the Burgesses. They have convened in Williamsburg and are chafing at the interference of Parliament,” Randy explained.
    “Again — the interference of Parliament!” Emily burst out. “How can a government interfere with a colony it rules?”
    “Well, the House of Burgesses has completely denied the authority of Parliament over the colonies,” he replied.
    “Denied the authority? Why that is insane!” she cried.
    “Think of it, Em. They have tied our hands in trade, taxed so many commodities, limited our expansion — they will drain us dry and we shall never prosper,” Jonathon said.
    “But we are loyal British subjects …” she sputtered. “Of course we are under the authority of Parliament.”
    Deidre snorted. “You cannot expect a child to understand the politics of the day, Jonathon, darling. I am sure it is quite beyond her.”
    Jonathon dismissed her with a scornful look and turned to Emily. “Em, we are loyal British subjects. No one is denying that, but Parliament is too far removed from our needs. They have suspended the legislature in New York and taken drastic measures in Boston.”
    Emily was disturbed as she listened to their discussion, for they were talking of her beloved England. Jonathon offered her the pamphlet to read, and she accepted it. The restlessness that had crackled in the air in the Raleigh Tavern their first night ashore was present here. And it frightened her.
    • • •
    Conversation turned to more agreeable topics as they ate a light supper of eggs, corn meal, and cider. In a more affable mood, they returned to the veranda to watch the stars appear in the deep velvet night. Crickets chirped their soothing symphony as the evening enveloped the group with a welcome, cool breeze. Their voices fell softly upon the night, and candlelight flickered on their faces.
    Deidre had taken Emily’s place next to Jonathon and locked her arm through his, nuzzling against him so her full bosom pressed against his arm. Emily was reminded of a cat arching its back and rubbing against a table leg. She sat across from them and, looking up, met Jonathon’s eyes. There was warmth there as he smiled at her, and her returning smile showed dimples that enchanted. She lowered her eyes and picked up the strands of conversation.
    Their laughter floated on the gentle night, and their conversation rose and fell in pleasant tones. Deidre and Randy left, and the others prepared to retire. Joanna and David went up first, soon followed by Andrew. Emily felt as if she, too, should leave, but the night was so lovely… and she wanted to stay. In the silence she began to feel uncomfortable and wondered if her decision to stay had been a wise one.
    “There was a small smile playing on your lips as you looked at Deidre. May I be so bold to inquire as to your thoughts, Miss Wentworth?” Jonathon asked.
    Emily looked at him for a moment, and then said boldly, “She reminds me of a cat. A … silky cat.”
    “Would the adjective you were searching for have something to do with her appetite? And I do not refer to food.” He laughed softly.
    Emily was grateful for the blackness of the night, for then he could not see her turn scarlet. She did not answer.
    “I see. Well, you are right; she is like a cat.” He became serious, “And she has particularly sharp claws, Em. Be careful of her.”
    “Is that a warning, Captain?” she asked lightly. “Why ever should I need to be wary of her? What do I have that she could possibly want?”
    It was Jonathon’s turn to be silent.
    They sat watching the stars, pointing out different constellations and listening to the night sounds that surrounded them. It was peaceful as they talked softly. Emily felt a warmth and closeness toward Jonathon that began to wash away the resentment and suspicion that she had harbored more in her head than in her