The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress by Victoria Alexander Read Free Book Online

that, you know.”
    â€œAnd you were not in love with him?”
    â€œOh, I love Jackson and I always will. But more in the manner of a friend or a brother, and not at all in the way I think one should love the man one intends to spend the rest of one’s life with.” She paused. “It took me a long time to realize that, far longer than it should have, really. I suppose I always suspected it somewhere in the back of my mind, or perhaps my heart. Probably why I never insisted on an official engagement. But I have always been a dutiful daughter and, as I said, I have always done exactly what was expected of me. Marrying Jackson was what was expected. I consider myself quite lucky that fate took a hand and pointed us both in entirely different directions.” She thought for a moment. “Jackson is the only man who has ever kissed me, and it was always very nice, but it should be more than merely nice, don’t you agree?”
    â€œI would think so.”
    â€œI truly believe when the right man kisses me I shall know he is the right man. Or at least I hope I will know.”
    â€œOne can’t always count on that.” Clara chose her words with care. “I was once engaged to a man I believed was the right man, but he turned out to be a disreputable scoundrel and I was well rid of him.”
    â€œHow dreadful.” Lucy studied the other woman curiously. She had never known anyone who had been engaged to a scoundrel before. Her life had certainly been sheltered up to now. “Did he break your heart? Were you in love with him?”
    â€œI fancied I was,” Clara said slowly. “But when I discovered his true nature, I was more angry than hurt.” She smiled in a rueful manner. “So no, he did not break my heart. But he did make it far wiser.”
    â€œI’m glad for you then. I’m afraid Jackson’s heart is a bit cracked at the moment, but as I said, I am certain it will turn out happily in the end. Still, it might take some time.” Lucy sighed. “The lady in question is an independent woman and Jackson can be extremely stubborn. I quite admire that. Oh, not being stubborn, but a woman being independent. You appear to me to be an independent woman, Clara. Are you?”
    Clara bit back a smile. “I’m not entirely sure what you mean by an independent woman, and I haven’t a clue why you think I am.”
    â€œWell, for one thing, your bearing is extremely confident and not the least bit subservient. And from your manner it’s obvious you are intelligent and educated. Your clothing is of good quality and not at all worn. It strikes me that you might not particularly need this position.” At once the answer hit her and she gasped. “Good Lord, unless you have recently fallen upon hard times? Oh dear, I should have suspected as much. I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have—”
    Clara laughed. “No, I have not fallen upon hard times. And admittedly, I do not actually need this position. My finances are really quite sound. But there are few positions available for women that do not involve the care of children or the teaching of them, which I do not find at all appealing. I thought it might be rather interesting to be the companion of a young American. I am twenty-nine years of age and the possibility of marriage grows slimmer every day. I’d much prefer to be doing something with my life rather than sitting around waiting for some gentleman to decide to make me his wife. That does not suit me at all.”
    â€œSee?” Lucy beamed. “I knew you were an independent woman.”
    â€œI have never really considered myself in that manner but I suppose I am, at that.”
    â€œOh, we shall get along famously, Clara. I am so delighted that you are here. You can’t imagine the type of companion I expected Jackson would find for me.” She shuddered at the very thought.
    â€œA watchdog you could