The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress Read Online Free PDF Page A

skewing of facts and events. Something so scandalous and so . . . so liberal . It’s appalling and not worth the paper it’s written on.”
    â€œI don’t think it’s any worse than any other paper, Father,” Spencer said.
    â€œThe Cadwallenders are an honorable family and I do not understand how they can publish this sort of rubbish.”
    â€œAdmittedly there is a great deal of emphasis on scandal and gossip and sensationalism, but unfortunately, Father”—Thad shrugged—“that is what sells papers. It’s what people want to read.”
    â€œIt’s not what I want to read,” Father said firmly. “It’s not what respectable members of society want to read.”
    â€œThen perhaps you would do well not to read it again,” Cam said in as calm a manner as he could muster.
    â€œCam’s work is very good, Father.” Thad offered Cam a smile of support. “He is an excellent writer.”
    â€œI know that,” Father snapped. “But he should put that talent to a better use.”
    â€œWhat would that be, Father?” Cam’s voice hardened. “Should I occupy myself with the family’s business interests alongside Simon and Thad and write reports on investment strategies and import regulations? Should I work with Spencer and write about the newest agricultural methods for increasing profitability of the estates?”
    â€œDon’t be absurd.” Father scoffed. “You know as well as I you aren’t suited for any of that. You could write books. That’s respectable enough.”
    Cam’s jaw tightened. “One doesn’t just sit down and write a book. It’s not that easy.”
    â€œBalderdash.” Father waved off the comment. “Your grandmother did it.”
    â€œThank you, dear,” the dowager said in a wry tone.
    â€œI don’t have anything to write about.” Cam drew a deep calming breath. “I have led a life of privilege and wealth. I have been well educated and have been fortunate enough to have had the means to travel. All in the comfort we are accustomed to. I think one should know the world in its fullness, the good and the bad, before one attempts to create worlds of one’s own. But I know nothing of the real world and the real people in it. I know nothing of life.”
    â€œI thought we were real people,” Grace murmured.
    â€œStuff and nonsense.” Father huffed. “Your grandmother knew nothing of life and yet she—”
    â€œ She ,” Grandmother said sternly, “had a mother who died when she was quite young and a father who gambled and drank away the family fortune and honor. A father prepared to sell his daughters to the highest bidders to finance his vices. She and her orphaned sisters lived in a country house that was barely held together by little more than prayer and hope. She knows what it’s like to have little to eat, no dowry, no prospects for improvement, and no future. I should think that would give me some sense of life beyond the privileged world we now inhabit.”
    â€œMy apologies, Mother.” Father grimaced. “I had forgotten about all that.”
    Cam stared in surprise. This was a story he had never heard before, and judging from the looks on the faces of his siblings, neither had they.
    â€œIt’s best forgotten, really.” Grandmother shrugged. “It was a very long time ago and most of my life has been quite lovely. But those early days taught me a great deal about life I never would have known otherwise.” She turned toward Cam. “Every experience, every new person you meet, every new situation you observe is all fuel, Cameron. Muses are notoriously hungry, but if you feed them they will shower you with inspiration.”
    â€œThank you, Grandmother.”
    Father stared for a moment. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Why, I wrote as a young