Temporary Mistress Read Online Free PDF

for my grandfather's funeral," she explained. "I don't know how I could have forgotten last night!"
    "It's completely understandable with your life in jeopardy. Surely you're not thinking of attending his funeral?" Mrs. Crocker quickly interjected. "You'd be whisked away and married off, with certainty."
    "I know." Isabella's nervousness was apparent. "But I must see that the arrangements are
en train
. Or at least contact Mr. Lampert so he can handle things in my stead. Although," she said in a near whisper, "how can I not be there to put my grandfather to rest?"
    "Once the danger is past, you can pay your respects. If anyone would allow you that latitude, I'm sure your grandfather would. Let me send a servant to Mr. Lampert with a note from you."
    "Anonymously," Isabella's said, her trepidation plain.
    "Of course."
    "I'm sorry." She looked embarrassed. "How rude of me after all you've done."
    "No need to apologize, my dear. I well understand society's strictures. Mr. Lampert will be contacted with the utmost discretion. Now, write your instructions to him while I see that some breakfast is brought up for you. Or, if you wish, you're more than welcome to join Bathurst and me."
    Isabella colored. "I couldn't."
    "Then one of the maids will bring your breakfast to you here," Molly affably replied. "And whenever your letter is ready, I'll see that it's sent. With luck," she cordially added, "you'll be delivered from your relatives' malice in short order."
    "I pray you're right, Mrs. Crocker." Heartfelt emotion accompanied the simple phrase.
     
    "Where did she come from?" Dermott's query greeted Molly's return.
    "I'm not sure. Pursued and terrified, she stumbled on us by accident last night. Apparently, she was being forced into a repugnant marriage." Molly took her seat at the table.
    "That takes a certain boldness. To run into the night."
    "Or rank terror. She's quite without connections, and those she has are after her fortune." Molly poured herself a fresh cup of tea.
    "A fortune and no partisans? She might as well put a target on her back."
    "So she quickly came to understand last night. Her grandfather wasn't an hour dead when they hurried her before a minister."
    "Ah, the lure of easy money."
    "You're one of few who can so casually disallow the phenomenon."
    "I paid for my fortune with my blood, Molly. There's nothing casual about my wealth."
    "Or mine."
    He dipped his head in acknowledgment. "We've both overcome obstacles, have we not?" His eyes went blank for a moment, and he reached for the porter he was drinking with his breakfast.
    "We can't change our fathers' inhumanity or the buffeting of fate."
    "Only try to forget it," he murmured, a harsh bitterness in his tone. Lifting the mug to his mouth, he drained it, set it down on the table, and smiling at Molly with a practiced nonchalance, said, "Surely we have better things to discuss on a bright sunny morning like this, with the smell of spring in the air."
    "I believe we were talking of my newest houseguest."
    "Much better. She's very delicious."
    "Yes, is she not." Molly picked up a strawberry tart.
    "And?" One dark brow rose in query.
    "Her status is still in question."
    "That sounds interesting. Might she be available?"
    "She might."
    "You're being very coy, Molly. Unlike you."
    "While your habitual urges haven't deserted you."
    "Let's hope they haven't. I'm only twenty-nine. Now, tell me the percentages on 'might.' "
    Molly explained the possible bargain made the previous night between herself and Isabella while she nibbled on the pastry. "Do you know of the Leslies—either her grandfather or the relatives who intend her harm?" she asked. "The name means nothing to me."
    Dermott shook his head. "They don't run in my circles, but then," he noted with a grin, "my friends are decidedly scandalous. Not an arriviste banker in the lot."
    Only the Prince of Wales and his set, Molly silently noted. Dermott moved in the highest society. "Regardless Isabella's background,