Don't Bargain with the Devil by Sabrina Jeffries Read Free Book Online Page A

like grandees Lucy had seen in Spain: arrogant, proud, and formidable. “I will carefully weigh your concerns.” He bowed to the ladies. “Now, if you will excuse me, I must return to Rockhurst. You have given me a great deal to think on.”
     
“You have given us a great deal to think on as well,” Mrs. Harris said as she cast him a considering look. “It will help us know how to act.”
     
He nodded with an air of nonchalance that seemed at odds with his purpose. Didn’t he realize he’d just lost the first skirmish? Why wasn’t he more upset?
     
“Miss Seton will show you out.” Mrs. Harris winked at Lucy and added, “I’m sure she can answer any questions you might have. She knows more about the school than anyone.”
     
And Mrs. Harris was clearly counting on Lucy to voice her opinions.
     
Lucy would do so, too…after she made sure that Seńor Montalvo wasn’t going to tell anyone about finding her in the orchard.
     
She didn’t trust him. Something in his manner made her wary, and it wasn’t only his charm and smooth compliments. Some instinct told her that he posed a threat to more than just the school, though she wasn’t sure what or how.
     
But she would find out. She would be calm, rational, and determined. She meant to uncover the nasty details of his plan, no matter what he pulled out of his sleeve.
     
     
     
ďťż
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
     
     
Dear Cousin,
     
We plan to thwart our new neighbor by petitioning the licensing magistrates to refuse him a license. It was Miss Seton’s idea—she has proved quite an asset. She has matured so much. Granted, she is still outspoken, but I do not find that nearly as annoying in a teacher as in a pupil. Teachers should be opinionated. And it will serve her well in navigating society’s treacherous waters.
     
Your harried relation,
     
Charlotte
     
     
M iss Seton? Diego stood frozen, trying to gather his wits. He could not have heard correctly. Seńorita Schoolteacher was his quarry? Could he possibly be so fortunate?
     
When she hurried to the door, he struggled to mask his surprise as he followed her. But once they left the parlor, he could no longer restrain his need for information. “Your name is Seton?”
     
She nodded.
     
“Spelled S-e-t-o-n?” He had to be sure. The next soldier on their list was a Colonel Seton.
     
“Yes, that’s how I spell it.” She narrowed her eyes. “Why? Do you know the name?”
     
“No,” he said hastily. Watch what you say, man. You must not give anything away until you are absolutely certain of the facts. Too much is at stake. “After you were so stingy with it two days ago, I merely want to be sure I have it right.”
     
As expected, that reference distracted her sufficiently. She slowed her steps and looked as if she meant to say something, but before she could, a young girl cleared the top of the stairs and stopped in front of them.
     
Miss Seton broke into a smile of genuine pleasure. “Why, Tessa, aren’t you looking all grown-up these days?” she said, and opened her arms.
     
“Lucy!” The girl rushed into her embrace. “My aunt said you were here!”
     
He stood back watching, his mind awhirl. Lucy. Her Christian name. That was short for Lucinda, wasn’t it? Lucinda Seton was the colonel’s daughter, according to their sources in Edinburgh.
     
Lucinda also just happened to be the name of Dońa Catalina’s daughter. That had been one reason they had placed her so high on the list—on the chance that the nurse had not changed her name after stealing her.
     
So Seńorita Schoolteacher was their quarry, and he had stumbled upon her almost immediately.
     
Take care, he cautioned himself. Remember what the marqués said. This is a delicate situation.
     
Even if she was the Lucinda Seton they sought, it merely meant she was next on their list. He must be sure of the facts before he revealed his purpose.
     
Besides, Lucy might be short for Lucia or Lucretia. He did not know enough about