To Catch a Rake by Sally Orr Read Free Book Online Page A

father approached her from the direction of the library, his frail arm held up, pointing a finger.
    Her father’s once fine slim figure had stooped soon after the death of his wife. Now within the last year, his mind had aged to the point where it retreated into a realm his children could no longer recognize or comprehend. He rested his bony hand on Meta’s shoulder. “Are you my wife?”
    “No, Father.” She took his cool palm and held it. “I’m Meta, your eldest.”
    Short silver wisps of once dark whiskers framed his smile. “Meta, you really must take care of our home. The ceiling is making noises, very odd noises. Something must be done.”
    Since she had never heard these noises, she attributed his concerns to a mind muddled by age. Nevertheless, she assured him that their butler would investigate the situation. “Thank you, dearest. I’ll have Sampson take care of the matter. He’ll likely send a boy up to the roof.” She kissed his cheek. “I’m busy this afternoon helping Lily, so I am afraid I cannot read Scott to you, but I’ll send Susanna up with your tea. Afterwards, she can start reading The Talisman where I left off. Remember? On a whim, the Queen stole Edith’s ring right off her finger.” She lowered her voice and spoke in a conspiratorial tone. “I bet trouble is ahead.”
    A twinkle danced in his eyes. “Oh, there will be mayhem. You may take my word for it.”
    “I agree. The world succumbs to mayhem in all novels, and that is why we enjoy them so.” She followed him upstairs to his room, then once he was settled, she knocked on the door to Lily’s room.
    “I know it’s you, Meta. But you cannot help me in this situation. I don’t need your assistance.”
    Meta entered her sister’s room and found her sitting in front of her vanity, reading Mr. Drexel’s brief note. “Are you fretting that the letter will fail and James will not change his mind and resume his addresses?” She sat in the window seat and attempted to read Lily’s expression, but her sister must have realized her intent and turned her head to hide her face. Meta waited, unsure if Lily needed the time to formulate her words.
    Minutes later, Lily finally faced her, her eyes red and swollen with tears. “Please, Meta, let’s forget this whole incident. I’ll put Mr. Drexel’s letter in my drawer with my other personal correspondence and that will be an end to it.”
    “I don’t understand. You cannot hide your true feelings from me. I know in my heart you love James. You always have, for years and years. Why do you not want to send this note immediately? It should clear up something that was nothing more than a little misunderstanding.” Meta knew Lily and James belonged together. They seemed happiest in each other’s company and even on occasion they finished each other’s sentences—a perfect match.
    A tear finally fell, and Lily brushed it away. “That is my point. The note is useless, a false exercise. I mean, if James truly loved me, he should have known in his heart that it was not my name in that field guide.”
    Meta silently agreed, then leaned over to hug her sister around the shoulders. “Please, let’s pay a brief call on James to show him the note. What harm could there be in that?”
    “You were not present, Meta, when he called off. You didn’t see his…face. He couldn’t even look me in the eye. There will be no reconciliation; you must take my word for it.” She arranged her woolen, straw-colored shawl even tighter around her shoulders.
    “I know you have been hurt—”
    “Hurt!” Her eyes dried, and she jumped slightly in her seat. “Hurt is not the right word. Betrayed is more like it. I was eighteen when the guide was published. Eighteen! Oh the insult.”
    “If we just speak—”
    “I have nothing to say to him. It seems to me he has something he wishes to say to me .” Lily straightened in her chair. “I feel truly jilted and fear society will hear of it. Everyone