The Fugitive Heiress Read Online Free PDF

little conduct, or Catheryn will think you raised in a cow byre. I declare you put me to the blush.”
    Recognizing a light of battle in the red-rimmed eyes, Catheryn attempted diversionary tactics. “Dear ma’am, pray do not scold her. She is quite right to question my presence. It must seem that I have thrust myself upon you all and that it is I, rather than she, who is sadly wanting in conduct. Why, you know yourself that Lord Dambroke was displeased with me,” she added sweetly.
    The countess stiffened beside her, but the calculated speech had had the desired effect. Lady Tiffany visibly abandoned her supercilious attitude. As Catheryn had hoped, where his lordship condemned, she would empathize. “Was my brother angry with you for coming to us, Miss Westering? Whyever for?” The countess relaxed and moved to refill her own teacup, while Catheryn summoned a rueful smile.
    “I’m afraid he was shocked by the fact that I have run away,” she said. “He simply could not understand my feelings.”
    The countess turned in astonishment, unable to let such a statement pass. “Really, my dear, you exaggerate!”
    But before she could continue, her daughter interrupted. “Oh, Mama! Must you always defend him? He is positively Gothic. You know he is. I can just imagine the sort of Turkish treatment he accorded poor Miss Westering. You are not shocked by her conduct or you’d not have presented her to me. And if you are not, then why should he be? It is outside of enough!”
    “Tiffany dear, to speak of your brother in such a way is not seemly.”
    “Piffle!” replied her undutiful daughter. “Why, I can see just how it was. Heaven knows I’ve my own experience of his distempered freaks and that, let me tell you, puts me in great sympathy with Miss Westering. I wonder she does not fall into strong hysterics just thinking of the interview she must have had with him.”
    Judging by Lady Dambroke’s rigid countenance that it was time to turn the conversation into more acceptable channels, Catheryn spoke up hastily. “Yes, but I promise I shall do no such thing, my lady, for your mother kindly came to my rescue and invited me to stay with her whilst his lordship looks into some trifling matters for me. She has also promised to help me make all right and tight with my aunt and uncle, which is no easy task, believe me.”
    “That’s kind of Mama, I’m sure,” Tiffany said, “but who are you, Miss Westering? Are you truly related to us?”
    So Catheryn explained the relationship and then, not wanting to go into all the details again just then, turned the conversation to Lady Dambroke’s promise to sponsor her, adding that she was very grateful.
    “There’s no need to thank me, child,” said the countess. “It is the only sensible course, so that you may accompany us to the balls and parties we are forever attending. I daresay,” she added in an aside to her daughter, “that with a little effort I may even procure vouchers to Almack’s for her. Emily Cowper will oblige me, I think.”
    “Splendid,” Tiffany approved. “And she must be included in our own ball, of course. That is, if Dambroke doesn’t disapprove of her staying with us until then.”
    “Leave Dambroke to me,” advised the little countess with airy unconcern. “Now, Tiffany shall take you upstairs, Catheryn, and I shall send Fowler, my dresser, to you half an hour before dinner to help you make ready. Mind you do not chatter long, Tiffany,” she went on, “for Catheryn was up before the birds and will want to rest before dinner. You should do so, too, my love,” she added kindly. “Your eyes are quite red, you know, from weeping. Not at all attractive.” She followed them to the door. “Please do not neglect that letter to your aunt, Catheryn. You will find materials with the standish in your room. Dambroke will be sure to ask if you have obeyed his instructions and will not be pleased, I’m afraid, if you have not.”
    “I’ll do