The Gilded Curse: Will the young heiress be the next victim of her family's curse? Read Online Free PDF

and carrying a feather duster, she appeared to have come from the end of the hall where a door led outside, probably to the servants’ stairs.
    As they exchanged glances, Lexie offered a smile. The woman nodded but didn’t return the smile. In fact, she averted her eyes. Perhaps she had been the maid in Lexie’s room. Lexie decided to ask her, but as she took a step in that direction, another guest room opened beside the maid, and the voice of Mrs. Appleton rang out.
    “Oh, there you are! I wondered when you’d come. My room needs some attention.”
    Lexie whirled back around and headed down the stairs, hoping to once again escape the annoying Mrs. Appleton. She rushed outside to find Russell standing on the veranda engaged in an animated conversation with another man, a distinguished-looking gentleman dressed in a white V-neck tennis sweater and white slacks. As sheapproached, the men turned to face her and halted their conversation.
    Russell held out his hand to her and beckoned.
    “Alexandra Smithfield, this is Bernon Prentice, our club president.”
    Mr. Prentice offered a broad grin and extended his hand. “Miss Smithfield, how nice to see you. I remember your parents.”
    Lexie shook his hand, noting his lean form and tanned skin—in good shape despite his age. She pegged him to be in his fifties.
    “Please call me Lexie. I remember watching you play tennis when I was a little girl.”
    “That right? Your mother played, too, didn’t she? Do you?”
    “I do. I played at Vassar.”
    “Then perhaps you’d join me for a game sometime?”
    Lexie’s stomach wrenched. She would love to play with this man, former captain of the Davis Cup team. Who would turn down such an invitation? She smiled and mustered the courage.
    “I’d love to. However, I don’t know that I’ll have a chance to play.”
    “No time for tennis?” Mr. Prentice cocked his head. “Of course, we have many other activities to choose from, but perhaps you could squeeze a game in.” He gave her a wink.
    “Lexie’s here to check on Destiny Cottage.” Russell offered to help her with an explanation. “She plans to put it up for sale.”
    Mr. Prentice rubbed his chin while his smile changed into a frown. “I see. Have you seen the place yet?”
    “Not yet.”
    “We’re going there now.” Russell moved to Lexie’s side, an action which felt possessive. Or protective.
    “Yes, well, I’m sorry to say the old place isn’t what it used to be. Like several cottages on the island, it’s showing its years of neglect.”
    “I expect to make some repairs before I put it on the market.”
    “Well, that’s good. Fine, then. We’ll be seeing you later. Very nice to meet you, and that invitation to play is still open if you change your mind!”
    Mr. Prentice gave a nod to the two of them, then raced down the steps and strode toward the tennis courts.
    Russell took her arm and led her down the steps. “My car is right over here.” He nodded to his right.
    Lexie stopped and pulled back. “Russell, do you mind if we walk? It’s a lovely day, and I’d welcome the exercise.”
    “Sure, if that’s what you’d rather do, we can walk. I guess I’m used toguests who prefer to be driven around.”
    “Russell, please stop treating me like a guest. For crying out loud, we played together!”
    Russell laughed his easygoing laugh. “All right, I’ll try. But it’s my job to look after our guests, and it’s been a long time since we played together.” He cocked his head at her. “Hard to believe you’re that same little tomboy who tagged along after us.”
    Lexie’s face warmed. “Well, I am, and I won’t have you fussing over me like some old lady.”
    Russell shook his head. “Never one to embrace frivolity, were you? No matter how hard your mother and grandmother tried to dress you up in girly clothes, you ended up getting them torn or soiled.”
    “They just weren’t practical for tree-climbing, that’s all.”
    “Ha! I