The Hidden Heiress Read Online Free PDF

laughed at the idea that she could escape him, that she would ever be safe again.
    Marshall had been in the dream too, trying to fend off her unknown enemy. Was that why she had felt so drawn to him? Did his masculine aura make her long for a hero . . . a protector?
    Isabel took another deep breath. The dream had felt so real.
    But it was no wonder. Even though she knew what she'd had was only a dream, it was too close to reality for comfort. Someone actually wanted to see her dead.
    If only she could set some sort of a trap.
    Unfortunately, a trap was only as good as its lure and she was the only compelling bait. Avoiding such a dangerous confrontation was the very reason she was in hiding. Even if it wasn't the only reason.
    It was difficult to think of herself as a sitting duck, waiting until her assailant finally found her. First he'd shot her from afar. Then he'd invaded her house to poison her drink. Next time, he'd wrap his disgusting arms around her neck and . . .
    Isabel shuddered and then leaned over to light the tattered wick of a tallow candle on the bedside table. The pool of light, albeit small, gave her comfort. She wished it were safe to keep it burning while she slept, but its pungent scent also reminded her that she was a servant in that household, no matter how gallant and gentlemanly the other occupants. As the governess, she wasn't entitled to Marshall Templeton any more than she was to getting a good wax candle for her bedroom.
    Her fantasies of him as her hero were foolish dreams.
     

    * * *
     
    Isabel hurried through the first door she saw, making sure Marshall hadn't spotted her. He'd been at least four doors down on Regent Street, alighting from a hansom cab and looking in the entirely opposite direction. He couldn't have seen her.
    Isabel took a deep breath and noticed her surroundings.
    She'd run into a fashionable mithe. Various stylish hats lined the walls, from the typical beaver with chiffon veil to all types of bonnets.
    Though she wouldn't be able to buy anything under her current circumstances, there was no harm in just browsing.
    A woman approached her. "Welcome, Madam. I'm Mrs. Wentley. Do you require any assistance?"
    "No, I'm just looking around. Thank you." She looked away to admire the selection of ladies hats, smiling at the latest outrageous styles.
    "Are you sure?" she asked again a moment later.
    "Yes. Thank you," Isabel replied and turned back to an ostrich feather concoction that had caught her eye. She then frowned, her face hidden from view. God save her from overzealous saleswomen.
    Isabel picked up a hat with a delicate tulle veil and elaborate floral arrangement on the crown. She turned it around and eyed it, then replaced it on the stand. She was about to pick up another one when she sensed a presence behind her.
    When she turned, Mrs. Wentley was watching her. "Are you in town for the season?"
    Isabel almost said yes before catching herself. "No, I just started a new post."
    "Oh. A post," she replied, her lips pursed as though she'd just tasted something bad.
    "Yes, a governess."
    The woman frowned. "I'll leave you to look."
    Isabel grinded her teeth on all the things she wanted to say. She moved to the next hat stand, to the hat that had caught her eye from the moment she'd entered the store. She'd saved the best for last. Why worry about an irritating clerk when perfection in millinery stared her in the face?
    She unpinned her hat, placed it on a nearby table and reached for the charming cavalier hat, complete with an oversized green plume. The bright green would contrast nicely with her black hair.
    Mrs. Wentley came by again, just as Isabel lifted the hat off the stand. "You realize that particular hat is quite pricey, miss?"
    "Yes, I do realize that."
    The woman first adjusted her hair, then brushed down the spotless front of her skirt. "We don't normally allow them to be tried on, you see."
    Isabel laughed nervously. "Of course, you must! How else would you sell