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

discharge the moment Mr. Channing was safely out of the country,” Clara said wryly.
    â€œExactly.” Lucy grinned. “I’m so glad you understand. I have no intentions of allowing anyone to tell me what I may or may not do. Not anymore,” she said firmly. “I am an adult, Clara, even if no one has realized that. I have my own resources, my own ambitions as it were, and I am much more intelligent than people, even my family, assume as well, but then no one suspects pert may well hide a fairly clever mind.”
    â€œI suppose not.”
    â€œBelieve me, no one expects blond curls and a cheery disposition to conceal anything other than fluff and nonsense and frivolity. Which has actually served me well in the past. Now, however, I am at a crossroads in my life and I find it all quite exciting. Even the fact that I don’t entirely know what will happen next is exhilarating, although I do have something of a plan. But we will get to that later.” Lucy cast the other woman her brightest smile. “I should apologize. I have gone on and on and scarcely given you a moment to get a word in. Surely you have some questions for me. About the position or, well, something?”
    â€œWell . . .” Clara thought for a moment. “I was told the position was not permanent, no more than a few months at the most. Is that because you plan to return to your own country?”
    â€œI don’t plan on it, but I’m afraid that’s what’s going to happen. At some point my family will realize I am here alone and someone will be sent to drag me home. I have no idea how much time I have, but I should have at least six or eight weeks and hopefully longer.” She drew her brows together. “I’m not sure what will happen then. I’ve never defied my family’s wishes before and I’m not certain I have the courage to do so now. I suppose it all depends on what happens between now and then.”
    â€œYou are at a crossroads, after all.”
    â€œI am indeed. Now I can get on with it. I’ve agreed to all of Jackson’s terms in exchange for his not contacting my family.” She ticked the points off on her finger. “I have engaged a companion. I promised to limit my activities to England. And I agreed to call on his cousin regularly.”
    Clara’s brow rose. “A watchdog?”
    â€œNot according to everything I’ve heard.” Lucy snorted back a laugh. “In fact, I’m looking forward to knowing her better. I think she, of anyone in Jackson’s family, might actually understand.”
    Clara nodded. “Your desire for independence.”
    â€œYes, that and”—Lucy paused—“other things.”
    â€œWhich does bring me to my next question. You said a watchdog would not suit your purposes at all. That, coupled with your question about my view of adventures and your saying you had a plan of sorts and you can now get on with it . . .” Clara’s eyes narrowed. “What are you up to, Miss Merryweather?”
    â€œLucy,” she said firmly.
    â€œVery well then, Lucy.” Clara paused. “Trust, you know, has to go both ways.”
    â€œWithout a doubt,” Lucy said staunchly. “I shall carry your secrets to the grave.”
    â€œAnd I have given you my word that I will keep yours. If we are indeed going to trust one another, then perhaps you should tell me exactly what you are planning.”
    Lucy hadn’t intended to tell her new companion her plans. Of course, she had intended to get rid of her at the first opportunity. But she hadn’t expected Clara. And certainly hadn’t expected to like her. Possibly she sensed a kindred spirit in the older woman, of independence perhaps, although it was more probable that Lucy had taken an immediate liking to Clara because she was so clearly not the kind of companion Jackson had had in mind.
    Why not tell her? If she had misjudged