Rebel Bride [antikvár]

CHAPTER 1Garnet Cameron, cantering happily home on an April afternoon in 1857, had no idea that within the hour her life would be unalterably changed. She was aware only of the soft wind in her face, the warm Virginia sun on her back, the exhilaration of riding her favorite horse through the shadowy woods bordering Cameron Hall, the family plantation.Jumping the fence at the edge of the pasture, she galloped under the leafy arch of elms lining the road leading to the stately white-columned mansion. The clatter of hooves on the brick drive startled three peacocks strutting on the lawn and sent them scattering, as a golden flash of Aying mane streaked by them.In front of the portico, Garnet slid from her sidesaddle and tossed the reins to the Negro stableboy who ran out from the shade of the giant lilac bushes where he had been waiting for her return. Gamet gave the chestnut mare an affectionate pat on her arched neck, then, sweeping her long skirt over one arm, ran lightly up the steps and into the house.Just inside the cool vaulted hall, Gamet paused at the sound of voices coming from the parlor. Guiltily, she recalled that her mother was having guests for dinner and had asked her to be home early to help receive them. If