The Secrets of a Proper Lady by Victoria Alexander

Author:Victoria Alexander [Alexander, Victoria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

He nodded.

"I don't know." She thought for a moment. "I would continue my travels — "

"Which, even if we were to give up all hope of marriage and use the funds of your dowry, is still an expense I will not be able to afford indefinitely."

"I would continue my writing-"

"Which might, one day, allow you to eek out a meager living. Writers do not make a great deal of money, my dear."

"Pity." She shook her head. "I suppose I could become a governess — "

Father bit back a grin. "Yes, I've seen how well you get along with your sister's children."

"There must be something wrong with me. Father." Cordelia pulled her brows together. "While I do want children of my own, I don't seem to like theirs all that much."

He laughed. "I suspect you will like yours when the time comes."

"So I wou Id not suit as a governess." She thought for a moment. "I could become a companion like Sarah."

"Not like Sarah," Father said firmly. "Let us be honest, Cordelia. Sarah has the position of companion only to salvage her own pride. I admire the girl for not wanting to be fully dependent on us and I admit it is cheaper to pay her a salary than it is to underwrite her expenses as I do yours, but as companions go, I do not think she is as effective as someone you did not

have entirely under your thumb."

Heat washed up Cordelia's face. "Father!"

He narrowed his eyes. "You disagree."

She huffed. "Not entirely. It just sounds so calculating."

"We wouldn't want that." He chuckled. "I daresay Sarah won't be your companion for much longer at any rate."

Cordelia stared. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing of significance." Father waved off her comment. "Just an odd thought really. How goes your correspondence with Mr. Sinclair? Have you come to know him at all?"

Only that he is most annoying. Cordelia shrugged. "One can be so many things on paper. Father. I fear it's not at all fair to judge him by his letters." She drew a deep breath. "It's probably time I met him in person."

"Excellent." Surprise sounded in Father's voice. "When the rest of the family returns from Brighton, we shall have..." His brow furrowed, "A dinner perhaps. With his family and ours. Yes, your mother will like that. I suspect it would be better for you and Mr. Sinclair to meet in an atmosphere of cordiality rather than something more serious."

She forced a smile. "That sounds lovely, Father."

His gaze searched hers. "I am sorry that it has come to this, Cordelia. But I believe it's the best course for all concerned."

She picked absently at the arm of the chair. "Yes, well, I suppose that's part and parcel of being an adult, isn't it?"

"What?"

"Why, doing what's best." She met her Father's gaze and raised her chin. "Whether one wants to or not."

"I don't know what to do, Warren." Daniel paced the width of the office.

"That's not exactly accurate," Warren said mildly.

Daniel stopped and stared at his friend.

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