The spinster and the wastrel by Louise Bergin Read Free Book Online Page B

give them ideas above their station," he fired back. He jumped to his feet and glared down at her. "The same way women get nonsensical notions when they are placed in charge of money."
    She stood also, meeting his gaze directly at eye level. "I can handle a household, and I can certainly handle the money to run a school. You can watch me do it."
    "You intend to spend the whole fortune on this school? It's outrageous! Will you be feeding them a roast at every meal?"
    She felt herself flush at his disparagement. "I know how to make a farthing do the work of a penny. You need not fear that the school will not be run in a thrifty manner."
    He scowled at her a moment longer, but her eyes did not waver. His glance fell away as he mastered his temper.
    "Forgive me," he said. "You are obviously a woman quite capable of managing her own affairs. After all, my uncle dealt with you many times and was familiar with your tenacious tendencies. Perhaps it was to keep his afterlife quiet that he left you the money."
    The attempt at humor was forced, but Annette recognized it as an effort to reestablish polite footings, and she smiled. "Perhaps I did badger him more than he liked."
    "Does anyone like to be badgered?" he asked. Amusement lurked in his eyes, inviting her response.
    "No, I think not. Even I do not care for it."
    They gazed at each other with rueful acknowledgment of the truth. Annette was determined not to be too quick to judge Sir Gerard this time. Naturally he would be upset at

    losing the fortune he expected, but his anger had flared only briefly before his good humor reasserted itself.
    Attempting to maintain their cordiality, she said, "I will use the money wisely. The school will not be wasteful, and the results will please you."
    He ran a hand through his hair, but its disarrangement still looked fashionable. "You asked me to be a trustee, did you not?"
    Alarm cautioned her. Had she mistaken his amicable air for further trouble? "Yes. Mr. Keller explained it would be customary to have a board overseeing the school. He suggested yourself and the Reverend Brown as members. He has already agreed to be one."
    "I will take you up on your offer," he told her. "As a trustee, I can verify that you are doing as you promised with your school."
    "I keep my word." Annette tugged at her gloves. "Now that my purpose here is finished, I must be going. Thank you for the tea and for agreeing to be one of my trustees."
    "I intend to be a very watchful one," he assured her. "But I believe that if anyone can teach those brats, it will be you."
    Once again, she exchanged smiles with him. Although she had dreaded this meeting with him, Sir Gerard was much easier to deal with than his uncle. His manner was more pleasant, and when necessary, he possessed the grace to admit he was wrong. She thought she would not fear any future encounters with the baronet quite so much. They might even be pleasant.
    For the first time, she looked out the drawing room window. The outside had darkened and lazy snowflakes drifted down. Either she had stayed longer than intended, or that storm cloud had arrived faster than expected. Her

    walk home would certainly be wet and cold. It might even be dangerous. Annette bit her lip. The wisest course would be to ask for a carnage to take her. After all her proclamations about being capable enough to handle the fortune, the prospect galled her. Still, she would speak as she must.
    "1 find 1 must request another favor, sir.'* she said "May 1 borrow a carnage to return me home 0 '
    A frown furrowed Sir Gerard's brow. '"You did not walk here, did you°" he demanded.
    1 did. It is the wa> 1 am used to traveling." she explained. Some of her habits would have to change.
    "You can now afford to keep a coach and horses reminded her.
    "Yes. sir" She agreed and felt laughter beginn. dance within her. "1 will tend to that direct] \ am home "
    "1 will order my carnage out to tai ad.
    "Thank you." Her grateful demureness did not fool