Seducer
Chapter One
August 1774, Charleston, SC
"You look lovely, Madelaine. Now, you musn't be
nervous. Geoffrey is a fine gentleman."
Madelaine Hartwell looked up at her father, wondering
at his odd comment. His hand shook as he reached
up to knock on the door of the impressive Bay Street
town house. He lowered his hand and sighed heavily. "I
need a moment."
Madelaine stood patiently by his side, having gotten
used to his tremors since his drinking had overtaken
his last bit of control.
She smoothed her palms over her dress and swallowed
hard, his anxiety contagious. "I am a little nervous. After
all, we haven't attended a social event since Mother died."
"I know. I just haven't been myself since my Sarah
passed. I thought I'd fixed that damn wheel. I thought
the carriage was safe...." he trailed off, sniffing gruffly.
"The accident wasn't your fault, Father," Madelaine
said, adjusting her bodice.
It was true he hadn't been the same. Neither of them
had, but it seemed that for Madelaine, the last seven
years had been all about taking care of her crumbling
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