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

as to your plans in the beginning, we could have avoided all this unpleasantness.”
    Cam shifted uneasily in his chair. “Possibly.”
    “I am still not happy with your position with the Messenger . If it were the Times perhaps but . . .” Father considered him for a long moment. “I shall make you a bargain, Cameron.” Father leaned toward him. “You want to write books, then write me a book. A book that proves to me this is indeed your future and not another lark you have embarked upon. I have been impressed with your writing thus far, but a brief article where the facts are laid out before you is a far cry from a work of fiction. Prove to me this is your passion. I shall give you, what?” He glanced at his mother. “A month?”
    “At least two I would think.” Grandmother cast Cam an apologetic glance. “It doesn’t have to be long, you know.”
    “And if I can’t?” Cam asked.
    “If you can’t, you resign your position at the Messenger .” Father’s smile was decidedly smug.
    “I see.” Cam thought for a moment. He had not yet tried to write a book. In truth, the very thought was daunting. Still, there was no reason why he couldn’t. And if he didn’t believe in himself, how could he expect anyone else, especially his father, to? “And when I do?”
    Father grinned. “ If you do, I shall not say another disparaging word about the Messenger , nor shall I insist you resign. Indeed, I shall willingly support your efforts in whatever way you wish.”
    “Nor shall you throw this in his face should the rest of the world discover Cameron Fairchild is really Cameron Effington, son of the Duke of Roxborough,” Mother added. “Should his work—how did you put it? ah yes—cast this family in the poorest of lights, bringing embarrassment and humiliation down upon us all.”
    Father hesitated, then sighed. “I will agree to that.”
    “Very well then, Father.” Cam adopted his most confident tone. “You have yourself a wager.”
    “Oh, I’m willing to wager on that myself.” Simon grinned.
    “Simon Effington, you will not wager against your brother.” Mother huffed.
    “I would never do that, Mother. Besides, I think he’ll pull it off.” Simon chuckled. “But I am willing to bet Father can’t keep up his end of the bargain.”
    “Really?” Father’s brow rose. “And you are willing to put up your own money to back that up?”
    “I’d be willing to wager, oh, ten pounds on it.” A wicked gleam shone in Simon’s eyes.
    “As am I,” Thad added.
    “I’m in.” Spencer nodded.
    “What about you, Grace?” Father glanced at his daughter. “Are you too so lacking in faith as to your father’s ability to abide by his word?”
    “Oh, Father, I would never say such a thing.” Grace scoffed, then grinned. “But it does seem too good an opportunity to pass up.”
    Grandmother nodded. “My thoughts exactly.”
    “You too, Mother?”
    Grandmother shrugged.
    “What about you, Fiona?” The duke looked at his wife. “Are you going to join the rest of my traitorous family?”
    “Of course not, dear. I said I would not take sides. Besides”—Mother smiled—“I am already planning to do something completely frivolous with the money you shall collect from our children.”
    “Thank you.” Father shook his head in a resigned manner. “It’s so gratifying to know I have the confidence of my family.”
    Cam glanced around the table and smiled. “That it is, Father, that it is.”
    It was indeed good to know his family had faith in him even if their confidence might exceed his own.
    Because, while any number of ideas were constantly simmering in his head, at the moment, he had absolutely no idea what he would write about.

Chapter Two
    “I am curious, Miss West.” Lucy sipped her tea and studied her new companion over the rim of her cup. The woman was no more than a few years older than Lucy herself. It was a delightful relief. “Where do you stand on the subject of