Secret Heiress by Anne Herries Read Free Book Online Page A

miss you,’ the earl said and sighed heavily. ‘Having you here has been a comfort to me, Daniel.’
    â€˜I shall be sorry to leave you,’ Daniel replied. ‘However, there is estate business that takes me home.’
    He also had the business of an agent to employ, and had arranged to meet the man in Norwich. He had decided to take up his uncle’s cause to find out the truthabout Marcus’s death, and so had decided to stay with the earl whilst he put things in motion. It had taken a few days for the exchange of letters, because the man he had chosen was a Bow Street Runner and well recommended. Daniel knew that if his chosen investigator got a scent of something he would go for it like a terrier after a rat and he was eager for the man to begin his work.
    After leaving his uncle, Daniel rode through the village. He saw the young woman who had been in his thoughts too often of late. She was standing outside the haberdashers, looking into the window, and an older woman was with her. They seemed to be intent on looking at some materials on display.
    Daniel tipped his hat to her and slowed his horse to a standstill.
    â€˜Good morning, Miss Bancroft. How are you?’
    â€˜I am well, sir,’ she said. ‘I have had good news—I have been offered employment with a lady.’
    â€˜Most generous terms they are, too,’ her companion said. ‘I wouldn’t part with my Eliza for the world, but she may get the chance to mix with quality, and that must be good for her.’
    â€˜Good day to you both,’ Daniel said. ‘I must get on, for I have an appointment.’
    He rode on by, conscious of the fact that something tugged at him and made him want to turn his head. Yet he conquered the need. He admired the young lady but at the moment he had more weighty matters on his mind than dalliance.
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    â€˜Are you sure you have all you need? Enough money to come back if the carriage isn’t there to meet you?’ Betty asked, looking at Eliza anxiously. ‘I’ve packed you some food for the journey, love.’
    â€˜Thank you. I have all I need,’ Eliza said and hugged her again. She felt very emotional now the time to part had arrived, and her throat was tight. ‘You will answer my letters?’
    â€˜You know I can’t write much,’ Betty replied. ‘My Ted will read yours to me and he’ll write what I want to say—but you are to write as soon as you get there and let us know you are safe and happy. If there is anything you need…anything you don’t like…you are to come back to us on the next mail coach. You have a home with us for as long as you like.’
    â€˜Thank you, my dearest friend,’ Eliza said, tears springing to her eyes. She held them back because if she cried Betty would, too. ‘I have been so blessed in my friends. I shall write to you as soon as I can, but I am sure I shall do perfectly well. Lady Sarah sent me a guinea by special post for the journey after she got my letter. Was that not kind of her?’
    â€˜I’m glad we made you that new travelling gown and pelisse,’ Betty said. ‘You look a proper young lady and that is only right for you will be mixing in company, I dare say.’
    â€˜I think we may live very quietly. Lady Sarah said that she is a widow and her health is sometimes poor. I do not expect to go anywhere much, except perhaps to the Pump Room.’
    â€˜The waters are supposed to be good for anyone sickly,’ Betty said. ‘Well, always remember you can come home if you’re unhappy, my love.’
    â€˜Yes, I shall. I had better go, Betty. Ted is ready with the dogcart. I must not keep him waiting; I think he has business in Norwich.’
    â€˜Off you go then, Eliza. Have a good time and be as happy as you can.’
    Eliza went out to where her friend’s husband sat patiently waiting for them to say their goodbyes. The young groom