AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s Glasgow, Cora,” Eden said. “No one ever does anything shocking here. Besides, Mr. Kendrick will certainly look after her.”
“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of,” Donella muttered.
After the door closed, Eden gave her a reassuring smile. “You look perfectly respectable and just as you should. And I love what Cora did with your hair. I have a feeling you’re going to start a new style in boring old Glasgow.”
Cora had pomaded and brushed Donella’s short hair until it gleamed almost red in the candlelight. Then she’d wound a green velvet bandeau around her head, gathering most of the curls up in a fashionable tumble. The problem was it left her neck and shoulders completely exposed, like much of her chest.
“But I feel like there’s really too much . . .”
“Bosom?” Eden finished.
Donella wasn’t exactly well endowed, but the tops of her breasts were swelling above the green fabric. “There seems to be an awful lot on display, if you ask me.”
“Fah. Just look at my gown. I’m all but falling out of it.”
“You’re nursing, so it’s understandable that you’d still be rather . . .”
“Buxomis the term I think you’re searching for,” Eden said cheerfully. “I always was, though. Pregnancy and childbirth have simply made it ridiculous.”
“Not that your husband seems to mind.”
That comment was not at all the sort of thing a nun would ever say. But Eden was so easy to talk to, as was Victoria. Nothing ever seemed to shock them, nor did they judge or criticize her. It was refreshing and altogether wonderful.
“You might not be as amply supplied as I am in the bosom department,” Eden said, “but I assure you that Logan is fully aware of your charms.”
An unpleasant thought rose unbidden in Donella’s head, one she couldn’t seem to repress. “He seems quite aware of Mrs. MacArthur’s charms, as well.”
Eden batted that away with an impatient hand. “You shouldn’t listen to gossip, Donella. It’s almost always wrong.”
“Is it?” She hoped so, but evidence might suggest otherwise.
“Yes, and it certainly is in this case. Logan doesn’t give a hang about that dreadful woman. Please don’t let such nonsense stand in your way.” She paused. “You’ve grown quite fond of him, haven’t you?”
Donella struggled not to fib. “You do remember I’m leaving for Galway at some point. To join another order of nuns?”
“Pet, you are no more joining a convent than I’m joining Astley’s Circus.”
Donella opened her mouth to issue a firm denial. Unfortunately, nothing came out.
Swallowing hard, she tried again. “I’m not?”
“You are definitely not,” Eden said firmly.
She winced. “Well, I . . .”
Eden placed gentle hands on her shoulders. “Dear girl, I know something is troubling you. Something is holding you back from expressing your feelings. Feelings that are telling you that the convent is no longer your path.”
Donella rubbed her forehead. “Drat. I was so hoping I was wrong about that.”
“I’m not sure why. It’s lovely to be in love, and Logan is a splendid fellow, you must admit.”
“He is, but it’s . . . complicated.”
“Can’t you talk to him about it?”
“God, no.” He’d probably storm off and murder half the Murray clan—perhaps after murdering her first.
“Then what about Alec?” Eden asked. “Can you tell him?”
