A Bright Particular Star by Elizabeth Hanbury Read Free Book Online

stand for it. Olivia and I became allies. She showed me how to exploit their weaknesses, and I encouraged her to stand up to them . They blame my influence for the change in Olivia and it ’s an accusa tion I am pleased to admit to. Olivia deserves a far better life than the one she is currently living, that of a drudge subjected to constant criticism. ”
    Theo, who noted Sophie was now flushed with indignation on her cousin ’s behalf, observed, “S he must have been glad when you went to live at Ludstone . ”
    Sophie agreed. “ It was for her sake I stayed as long as I did. I would have left months ago, but I did not think she was able to cope then with the inevitable consequences of my departure. ”
    “ And now? ”
    “ Olivia has regained so me confidence . She will not relent under their pressure. As soon as is convenient, I intend for her to come to live with me in London. ”
    “ Will her mother permit that? ”
    “S he will do her best to stop it, not least because she will have no one to fetch and carry for her, but Livvy will be of age in October and may do as she pleases. I’ll be established then, and able to support her. She is eager to get away too and we would have left together if it could have been arranged. ” Sophie sighed. “ We decided it was not possible, however, and ag reed my plan was the best solution. Olivia occupies the room next to her mother ’s on account of the robberies — my aunt thinks she is going to be murdered in her bed one day soon — so Olivia ’s absence would have been noted before mine. ”
    Theo raised a quizzical eyebrow. “ Robberies? ”
    Sophie looked at his profile, putting up her hand to shield her eyes from the sun. “ Haven ’t you heard of the Bath Fox? ”
    H e frowned. “ No. Should I have done? ”
    “ Y es indeed ! “ she replied. “T he whole county is gripped by the exploits of the Bath Fox, a notorious thief who has committed several robberies along Bath Road during the past year. According to gossip, the Fox and his gang have held up coaches at gun point and relieved the passengers of their jewellery and coin. He ’s more infamous for his raids on the homes of the Bath wealthy though. He has a penchant for jewels and seems to know exactly where to find th em when he breaks in. Why, he broke into Shaw House last month while Miss T hresher was at a concert and took her diamonds! Robberies have been committed as far afield as Reading and Windsor, and my aunt is convinced it is a matter of time before he sets his sights on her emeralds , hence her insistence on Olivia occupying the room next door. No one knows where he will strike next. ”
    “S tu ff and nonsense! ” declared Theo roundly . “ Never heard of the Bath Fox and even if he exists, I doubt he ’s half as successful or dangerous as gossip suggests. Most o f these rumours are exaggerated with little basis in fact. ”
    “ Normally I would agree with you, ” said Sophie, “ but I know of several people who have had items stolen and there is proof he ’s been growing more daring of late . Miss Thresher ’s footman was shot in the leg, and it ’s only due to good fortune the poor man isn ’t dead. ”
    “ Well, this Bath Fox will encounter mor e than he bargained for if he tries to ambush us. ”
    “ I believe he would, ” said Sophie, eyeing him from under her lashes . A moment late r, she added, “ You know, I have a shocking lack of sensibility. My nerves should be jangling at the possibility of encoun tering him, but I am not concerned, particularly in your company. ”
    His mouth quirked into a grin . “ Your confidence is gratifying, but you are disconcertingly fearless, Miss Devereux . You make my si ster appear demure , something I would not have believed possible! ” He shook his head, adding in an admiring tone, “ After running away from home and dropping into a speed ing curricle, you were ready to travel to London alone on the stage coach. Good grief , I