Prides' Promise Author:Mary Lee Settle "A passionate novel of ante-bellum Virginia, and the clash of romantic love, a lust for land and a family obsessed." — "A Crime of Passion. Melinda threw her body against Johnny. He had waited so long. Longing-a long time. That's what it meant. She found his mouth and when she let her head drop to his chest he held her. He stroked her cheek. The ... more »longing faded from his face and left it drained with sorrow. 'Leave me alone to mourn my father.'
'Johnny, it was not my fault.'
He didn't answer for a while, but leaned against the tree, staring across the creek. He pulled her back into his lap and caressed her face, her hair, her hands until they lay peacefully. He let himself touch and hold her. She was quiet as if she were a child he was putting to sleep. Finally he spoke, 'What is a crime Melinda?'
He answered his own question.
'I reckon a crime is when you take what you want when you know somebody else will have to pay. I saw men-arrogant, irresponsible, proud men taking what they wanted instead of earning it. Don't let me hurt you, Melinda.'