The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis Read Free Book Online

stage. But the notion that an identical copy of you lives mere blocks away has me stymied.”
    Miss Dunn stopped fiddling with her change purse and met his eye. “Why is that, Mr. Cooper?”
    â€œBecause you’re the prettiest woman to ever walk into my store.”
    For several moments she didn’t speak. Then she burst out laughing. “I shall accept that as high compliment, even though not one soul has entered your shop since I arrived. Which reminds me, I should leave and finish my explorations of your lovely town before my sister alerts the authorities. She must be worried that I’m either lost or have fallen in with a bad lot.” Miss Dunn headed for the door with a sprightly step.
    â€œWait. When can I see you again?”
    She turned around. “Would tomorrow be soon enough? I could bring a hamper around noon if you’re willing to share lunch this time. After all, what’s fair is fair.”
    â€œLittle in life would please me more. But as I have no employees, I have no one to watch the store if we go off on a picnic.”
    She lifted an eyebrow. “Is this counter spoken for tomorrow afternoon, or perhaps your front stoop if it’s sunny and mild?”
    â€œNo one has reserved them thus far.” He felt a frisson of excitement begin to build inside him.
    â€œThen it is settled. Good day, Mr. Cooper.”
    A good day to you, Miss Dunn. Nate didn’t voice his words because the enchanting woman was already quickly walking up the street. But as he watched her he felt a whisper of unease. He was so out of his league. Amanda Dunn may as well be the Queen of England herself.

Three

    A manda didn’t slow her pace until she came to the two-block hike up the hill to her sister’s house. After the long period of inactivity on the ship during her crossing, she was breathless by the time she climbed the steps to the lower verandah, where her sister was waiting for her.
    â€œThere you are, naughty girl. I was about to send the carriage in search of you.” Abigail shook her finger in a brilliant imitation of their mother.
    â€œForgive me for worrying you, Abby. I was so fascinated with your city that I lost track of the hour. I browsed shop after shop, admiring everything I saw.”
    â€œIn that case you are forgiven. We hope you’ll enjoy Wilmington enough to remain. Shall we have tea?” Abigail settled on a chaise in the cool shadows and rang a small silver bell. A tea service materialized almost immediately.
    â€œBut Papa is depending on me to return to England with signed contracts—”
    â€œPooh. That’s what the postal service is for, or you could hire a ship’s courier to transport papers home.” Abigail poured a cup of black tea and then handed it to her sister.
    Amanda decided not to send Josie for a pitcher of cream, although her maid hovered behind her chair. “I may be here longer than I originally supposed. Mr. Henthorne said he must seek permission from Mr. Davis to conduct business with Dunn Mills.”
    Abby sipped her tea. “He is President Davis, not mister, and these things take time. Jackson said that you comported yourself admirably during the meeting. He expected you to stammer and stutter, if not faint dead away, but you acted like a true woman of industry.” She giggled as though the idea amused her.
    â€œThat was my intention.” Amanda peered through the filmy curtains into the house. “Did you say that Jackson was home?”
    â€œYes, but then he left for his men’s club. He often takes business appointments there, but I believe imbibing alcohol and smoking cigars goes on more than anything else. I heard they also play cards for money late at night. What would our Episcopal priest say about that?” Abby dropped her voice in case the preacher lurked in the shrubbery. “At least Jackson doesn’t go out often at night.”
    â€œDo you suppose he would