Affairs of the Heart Read online

  “Yes. You must be Kathryn Johnson. I didn’t see a car parked out front, and the door was open. I hope you don’t mind.”

  Stretching her hand outward, Emma smiled and took the older woman’s trembling one in hers.

  “No, not in the least. And, please, call me Kate.” She smiled back, looking Emma over with warmth in her eyes. “Shall we go into the library?” Kate moved aside to slide open a set of pocket doors, allowing Emma to enter the room before her.

  Emma passed Kate into a massive room lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. She felt the urge to run a finger through the gray film that lightly dusted the shelves.

  “What a wonderful place for a Christmas tree and family gatherings,” Emma said. She hoped to spark any conversation that would lead to the history of the house. She had a gut feeling this was the home Aunt Manda wrote about in her journal.

  “Yes, I believe that the Kinsman family did hold their holidays in here for years. With all the children in that brood, this may have been the most reasonable room.”

  Emma’s heart pounded a thousand times before words could form in her brain. After all this time, she had finally found the house. The house that could unlock the door of mystery surrounding her Aunt Manda’s disappearance so many years ago.

  “Kinsman, you say?” Emma asked.

  Kate followed close behind Emma, casting a shadow on the worn carpet. “Yes. Samuel and Josephine Kinsman built this house after his return from the Civil War. It was their wish that future generations would live here and raise their families.”

  Was that a hint of melancholy in her voice? Emma turned just in time to see the touch of a smile leave Kate’s softened face. Does she know something?

  “Did you know the family well, Kate?” Emma stood in front of the hearth of a red brick fireplace. The evidence of objects once set upon the mantel was still faintly there, and the hearth held the ashes from past fires.

  “Romance fills this room, can you feel it? A room full of books, firelight, loves…I must admit, Ms. Sorenson, I was quite surprised by your advertisement.” Kate stood next to Emma, no more relaxed then she seemed to be several moments ago. “Your description of a house to rent was very detailed.”

  “Please, call me Emma.” Circling the room, she absorbed everything she could. Mentally, she painted a picture of every crook and cranny. “Yes, it was. I knew exactly what I was looking for in a home. Thankfully you answered my ad.”

  Emma paused at the window seat, then sat on a cushion that looked as worn as the carpet on the library floor. The grimy bay window around the seat played host to the same pattern of tattered lace curtains hanging in the entryway.

  “As for the Kinsmans, I knew of them. Everyone in town did. The family was well known for their festivities, and all in the neighborhood were always welcome. I don’t recall any stories of a Kinsman turning someone out. That is, not until Royal Kinsman decided to move on and rent out the family homestead,” Kate mentioned.

  “How long has the house stood empty then?” Emma traced the delicate lace threads, hoping they didn’t crumble beneath her touch.

  “Honestly, too long. It’s far too expensive to heat during the winter, and then there’s the rumors.” Kate’s voice held an edge of uncertainty as she made her way out of the room.

  “Rumors? What kinds of rumors?” Emma circled the library for one last look, then joined Kate in the hallway.

  “It’s an old house, Ms. Sorenson…ah, Emma. Rumors always accompany an old home like this.” Kate led Emma through the rest of the main floor. “Stories trumped up by the local kids about ghosts.”

  Emma followed Kate up the staircase to the rooms on the second floor. She looked in every direction, unsure of what it was she was searching for.

  Ghosts?

  Maybe.

  * * * *

  “Children know a ghost when they see one, Emma dear,” a voice whispered in Emma’s ear.

  “Maybe even one or two,” it continued. Shivers soared through Emma. The sensation caused her to rub her arms for warmth.

  Samuel! Stop it or you’ll scare her off, said a scolding female voice that neither Emma nor Kate heard. I didn’t send Manda’s journal to her sister for our health, Samuel.

  “Why don’t you speak your words instead of think them, Josie?” Samuel Kinsman looked on in disbelief, frustrated by his partner’s method of communication.

  Because I don’t want to take the chance of them hearing us. So think to me, Samuel! Josie Kinsman stood on the balcony, bound and determined to make her wishes clear to her husband.

  Isn’t that the idea here, Josie? Didn’t Royal ask us to keep watch over our homestead? Samuel stood defensively in front of Emma and allowed her to pass through him unharmed.

  Yes and no—you know full well that he really wasn’t speaking to us. We never did let him know we were here—or has your memory faded, as well? Josie gently reminded him, then placed her hand lightly on his shoulder.

  Josephine Marie! Just what is that comment supposed to imply?

  Oh, come on, Samuel, ever since we’ve been in this state of spiritualness you haven’t been yourself. Josie lovingly teased him in hopes of getting his attention off their house guests for a moment. She knew that Samuel believed his manly needs had not disappeared through the years, even if he couldn’t follow through. The man carried the lust for life strong. It was one of the things that hadn’t died when his body had given into old age.

  Josie, my love, why don’t we retire to our bedroom and we’ll just see if I have ‘it’ or not, Samuel teased, wrapping his good arm tenderly around Josie’s shoulder.

  Stop, Samuel. We have business to take care of here. As much as I’d enjoy re-experiencing your ways of lovemaking—

  Okay, then let’s get rid of them NOW, Samuel responded with urgency.

  No! I like her, Josie pleaded. She watched as Emma’s eyes admired the interior of the house. Didn’t you notice the way she touched my curtains?

  No, Josie, I didn’t. I have been too busy trying to figure out how to get rid of them, Samuel replied.

  It was with such tenderness, it nearly brought tears to my eyes. Josie looked on as Emma strolled down the hallway, and lightly touched the woodwork along the way. She traced the faded wood left by paintings long ago locked away. It was as if she could see what had hung in the place years ago.

  Josie, you’re a ghost. You’re not supposed to have those ‘earthly’ feelings, he reminded her, then gave Josie’s ear a whisper kiss.

  Not now, Samuel. Hush now, please—they’re just about there, she anxiously pleaded. She followed Emma and Kate, knowing she had delayed Samuel’s actions.

  It had been a long time since they’d allowed someone other than family in the house. Usually by the time prospective guests got to the top of the stairs, they were visibly shaken.

  Not Emma, though.

  Josie was more than pleased with Emma’s reaction to the house and its contents. There appeared a deep appreciation for the Kinsman homestead in her eyes and touch. Josie wanted to see how Emma would act in the next room, their bedroom. Emma’s actions would determine whether she and Samuel had made a mistake about Samanda’s journal.

  “This is the master bedroom, Emma,” Kate said. She escorted her into the spaciously furnished room. “It has remained undisturbed since the death of Samuel and Josephine Kinsman.”

  “Ahhhh” was all that escaped from Emma when her eyes caught sight of the huge four-poster bed. She seemed to stroke the carved bedposts with her eyes. There came a sensual light from her green eyes that reached out, caressing the crevices of the wood; a look equal to that of a lover appreciating the object of her passion before foreplay began.

  Emma walked over to the bed, and softly fingered the yellowed satin drapes that hung gathered at each bedpost from the canopy.

  Her fingertips followed a pleat until they met a dusty, satin comforter.

  Look at how her eyes sparkle, Samuel, Josie pointed out with joy. Watch h
er, Samuel. She’s perfect—so full of passion. Just like Samanda when Henry first brought her home.

  Emma’s hand breezed over the silky material and left a path in the dust that had settled on the bed cover over the years. She sighed deeply. She looked as if her mind’s eye had taken her to another place and time. She appeared to be at peace and relaxed as she sat upon the bed that had once been Josie and Samuel’s.

  Josie sat down next to her as a tear slipped out of the corner of Emma’s eye and a smile played on her rose-colored lips. The earthly desire to place a hand upon Emma’s overwhelmed her.

  Josie, quickly before she feels your presence, Samuel coaxed. He took her by the arm and led her over to the window, away from their marriage bed.

  Emma rose and slowly scanned the rest of the room. It was then that her eyes came to rest upon the portrait hanging above the mantel of the room’s fireplace.

  “Samuel Royal Kinsman,” Kate told Emma with a touch of pride. “He’s Royal’s great-great-grandfather and namesake.”

  Emma looked into the handsome face and blue-gray eyes. Her face became flushed before she shyly looked away for a moment, only to return her gaze upon his face. She became overwhelmed with the warmth the painting had captured. She tilted her head slightly to the side then pulled shoulder-length hair across the back of her neck. Emma’s hand gathered the hair and gently brought it straight down to the side, her gaze never leaving those in the painting.

  Ha, she’s flirting with me! Samuel whispered. You’re not jealous, are you, Josie?

  Of what, Samuel? She’s alive. What sort of a threat could she possibly be to me in her current state? Josie teased. She’s perfect for Royal—just like you are for me.

  “Hello! Kate, are you here?” The voice bellowed through the house.

  “Up here, in the master,” Kate called.

  Royal’s here, Josie, Samuel whispered excitedly. He stopped to allow Royal Kinsman to pass through them in a flurry after having taken the steps two at a time.

  “The door was opened, and I wasn’t sure―” Royal looked questionably at Emma, who was still enthralled by Samuel’s portrait. “Kate, is everything okay?”

  “Yes, yes, of course, Royal. This is Emma Sorenson. She’s here about the house,” Kate answered. “I was just showing her―”

  “Turn around, Emma,” Josie whispered in her ear, lightly touching Emma’s shoulder. “We want you to meet Royal, dear.”

  A smile appeared on Emma’s lips as she turned to meet the great-great-grandson of Samuel Kinsman. A gasp escaped from her throat and her eyelids fluttered briefly before her body began to slump.

  Oh, no, catch her, Samuel! Josie cried, just as Samuel reached out to hold Emma up in an off-balance stance.

  “Royal!” Kate screamed, just before Emma collapsed into Royal’s arms, having passed through Samuel’s unsuccessful grasp.

  Royal scooped her up in his arms, carried her over to the bed, then lightly brushed the hair away from her pale face as the back of her head rested upon a pillow.

  She’ll be fine now, Josie, Samuel said. He reassured Josie as well as himself that everything truly was well and good.

  Yes, Royal’s with her now, Josie murmured in reply. Now, let’s go and try out some of that re-experiencing you were thinking about earlier. Suggestively, she took Samuel’s hand in hers and led him away from their marriage bed.

  * * * *

  She looked like an angel with her hair spread over the dusty satin pillow. A hint of pink colored otherwise creamy-white cheeks, as if she were blushing.

  Royal brushed away the stray strands of hair caught in her lashes. His gaze traveled from the long-lashed eyes, down a delicate nose and onto rose-colored lips. His heart skipped a beat as he watched the quiet motion of her breasts move in unison with her deep breathing.

  “Kate, get something cool to place on her forehead,” Royal all but commanded. “Where did you come from?” he asked Emma in a whisper while Kate was out of the room.

  Who are you? Royal fought back the urge to travel down Emma’s neck with the tips of his fingers, to the round mounds that moved slightly under her blouse. He wanted to touch the lace only just visible through the white material.

  It was more than the lace. It was the woman herself that drew out the desire in him. And all she did was faint into his arms as if she belonged in them.

  “Royal.” Kate’s voice broke in his vision. “This is all I could find. It’s a little worn, but should do.”

  “Thanks, Kate.” He took what had once been part of the parlor curtains from Kate. He placed the cool fabric on Emma’s forehead, after gently wiping off her face. He was careful not to make any sudden moves that may cause further harm.

  “I thought you were out of the country,” Kate remarked. A mixture of concern and surprise sat on the edge of her voice. “What’s been going on? Is everything okay with you?”

  “Tell me what you know about her,” Royal said.

  He sat next to Emma and took in every curve of her figure. An uncontrollable desire ignited in the depths of his being. The more he fought the lust, the hotter the fire became. He wasn’t one to give in to such pleasures. This one would have to run out of heat and the sooner the better.

  “Her name’s Emma Sorenson. I got a call saying there was an advertisement in the paper. Someone was looking for a piece of property to rent. They wanted one dating back to the late 1880s fitting your home’s description,” Kate informed him. “I got in contact with her and we’ve been here in the house for the good part of an hour now.”

  “Why that time period? Why my house, Kate?” Royal glanced from Emma to Kate, his brow moist from not knowing all the answers to so many questions popping up in his head. He had to find out who this woman was and why she was interested in his home, the home bestowed upon him by his parents to bring the next Kinsman generation into the world. Like that was going to ever happen. Never as long as he had some say in his future.

  “I don’t know, Royal.” Kate wrung her hands as she paced back and forth at the foot of the bed. “We hadn’t talked about the ‘whys’ of her hunt. Seeing the house seemed to be her focal point. I got the feeling we never would have made it as far as we did if she wasn’t interested. Or if they didn’t like her.”

  Royal took his eyes off Emma long enough to reach for Kate’s hand in reassurance. “Kate, just calm down. Take a deep breath and go on.”

  Royal kept one eye on Emma and another on Kate. Seeing Kate’s body relax, he returned his full attention to the woman lying on his great-great-grandparents’ bed as if she belonged there as well.

  What was it about her that made him believe she belonged everywhere in this house? It was as if she’d been there before, long before his time.

  “Okay. She didn’t really have much to say as we were going through the house, but I have the feeling she’s found what she’s been looking for.

  “If you could have seen her, Royal, you’d know what I mean. She took in every crevice with love in her eyes, almost as if she was home again. There’s a deep passion in her for the soul of this place.”

  “And what about the soul of the house? Has anything out of the ordinary happened?”

  “Not really. She shivered once on the stairs right after I mentioned something about ghosts. Other than that, there’s been no activity. At least none that I could detect.”

  Royal succumbed to the unmanageable pull of the fireplace and looked up at the painting of Samuel Kinsman. The same eyes met each other and a smile played at the corners of Royal’s mouth. So much alike and yet so different. Royal had his great-great-grandfather’s rugged, handsome looks, but not the happiness Samuel had found, contrary to the legend that went through the pages of the Kinsman family history.

  Royal found himself drawn further into his great-great-grandfather’s hypnotic gaze. You always seem to have that look on your face when our eyes meet. What’s it all about, Samuel? What’s the secret to the happiness you found?

  “It�
��s so difficult looking like you, Samuel,” Royal told the painting. “We’ve gone and scared that young lady into fainting. So what do we do about it anyway?”

  “Royal, must you always talk to that piece of canvas as if it was alive? It’s one of the reasons why you left, remember?” Kate commented. A trembling hand fell upon Royal’s shoulder.

  “It’s always been like looking into a mirror, Kate. Sometimes I feel like I’m talking to myself, yet I know that’s impossible.”

  Royal looked down into the caring eyes of the woman who knew his family almost as well as he did. He knew she understood what he felt every time he stepped foot in “their” room.

  “You of all people should understand. You’ve been here through it all, Kate.

  “It’s like a madness handed down through the years. If not a male likeness to him, then the female likeness to her. Few have been lucky and found that eternal love and happiness with their mate. I remember the stories told in the library. I may have been too young to understand them then, but no longer.”

  Royal knew his eyes were filled with tears and about ready to spill over. He could feel it. The legacy left by his great-great-grandparents had been bestowed upon a chosen few. Uncles, aunts, cousins, and now himself, the last of the Kinsman line.

  “We have Emma to think about right now,” Kate said.

  A slight stirring from the bed brought Royal back to Emma’s side. He gently held her small, delicate hand in his while he sat on the edge of the bed.

  He knew that she would open those thickly lashed eyes and witness the uncontrollable want in the depths of his own. In an attempt to take control of those animal urges, he closed his eyes to refocus on the situation at hand―being in command of himself when she surfaced from the darkness into the light.

  He opened his eyes and her lips parted. The simple, unconscious act sent surges of electric desire through Royal again. The lust this woman stirred in him would become overpowering if he didn’t put a leash on it and soon.

  Royal succumbed to the unmanageable pull of the fireplace and looked up at the painting of Samuel Kinsman. The same eyes met each other and a smile played at the corners of Royal’s mouth. So much alike and yet so different. Royal had his great-great-grandfather’s rugged, handsome looks, but not the happiness Samuel had found, contrary to the legend that went through the pages of the Kinsman family history.