A New York Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page B

we are twenty years later, her looks maynot be as attractive, nor her health as good,” she pointed out.
    His face tightened. He looked bleak and even a little frightened.
    “Of course. You are quite right. We need to find her, then deal with her in whatever way seems best. I need you to help me, Miss Pitt. You seem to have just the right combination of common sense and imagination, which, coupled with my reputation and my knowledge of New York, should be sufficient.”
    She nodded. “I will do all that I can. Where shall we start?” New York was a teeming city full of all manner of people; this she knew after barely a week. Maria Cardew could be anywhere, and none of the Albrights had seen her for nearly two decades. She could have changed entirely since then.
    “What would your father do?” Harley asked with perfect seriousness.
    Pitt would have sent one of his men on the job, but she did not say that. It was certainly not the answer Harley Albright was looking for. She thought hard while the minutes ticked away, and he waited, watching her intently.
    She must concentrate her mind, think logically. Most important of all, she must rescue Phinnie from a ruinous embarrassment. Her future life in New York, and with Brent, would depend upon Maria’s not turning up and spoiling it all. Society here would be just like society in London: It would never forget a tragedy, still less a scandal.
    Also, in a way, she was representing the intelligence and the standing of her own family.
    “She will have found accommodation somewhere,” she began thoughtfully. “Either she is staying with a friend, or she has a house or a room. She will be aware that she is not welcome at the Albright home—she will know where it is, but stay out of sight.”
    Harley nodded but did not interrupt.
    “Before we begin to look for her, it would be good to make note of all we know about her. We will have to ask questions of people. The more precise they are, the less time we will waste.”
    He frowned. “She could be anywhere.” His voice held a note of defeat.
    “No,” she answered, far more firmly than she felt. “There are many areas she will not be, and even among those where she might be, some will be more likely thanothers. In London I could tell you, but here you will have to think of it.”
    “What do you mean?” he asked.
    “She will need to feel safe.” Jemima had tested her ideas in her mind, and hoped she was as reasonable as she sounded. “If there is an area she stayed in before, she might choose it. We all prefer the known to the unknown. It is both easier and pleasanter. Also, she must be able to afford it. Do you know her circumstances? How does she support herself?” The moment the words were out of her mouth she regretted them. The answer was one she could guess, and preferred not to know. But, perhaps in her fifties, Maria had changed her ways. She might well be obliged to.
    Harley pursed his lips in an expression of distaste. “She was always good at living off men, one way or another.” His voice lifted. “But I see the point of your questions. That does narrow it down considerably. I shall think of them and give you answers. Is there anything else?”
    “Yes. What does she look like? Some things don’t change much. How tall is she? She may be gray-haired now, but eyes and skin tone do not change so much. What about her voice, her mannerisms? Where mightshe eat? Is there something she likes that would take her to a particular place?”
    “Likes? To eat?” He looked uncertain.
    “Yes. When you are far from home, in trouble of any kind, it is natural to turn to something familiar and pleasant. Chocolates? A special kind of tea? A place where you can be alone? A view that has meaning? A particular park to walk in, pictures in a museum, anything?”
    He began to smile. “Yes, I see what you mean. You are a credit to your father, Miss Pitt. Would you like another cup of coffee, or shall we return home and begin