The Scandalous Life of a True Lady Read Online Free PDF Page A

never be invited otherwise, a visit to the countryside, perhaps an opportunity to ride again.”
    “Let us begin afresh. Tell me of your family.”
    “Why? I swear no one is going to challenge you over my honor.”
    He chuckled. “Tell me, in truth. More depends on your answer than I can tell you now. And I’ll have investigators checking, before I trust you with explanations.”
    Simone decided the old man was more than eccentric; he was touched in the head. She had no idea why else he would be so obsessed with the truth about a stranger if he were not senile. Heavens, he was hiring a ladybird for a week, not a lawyer! He was waiting, though, staring, she thought, through his green-tinted spectacles. So she repeated her background, this time not leaving out the Gypsy and French heritage that made her mother unwelcome in England. “At first my mother pretended to read fortunes to add to what my father earned as a Latin tutor. They were never well to pass, nor well accepted among the local society, but they were happy together, and our house was full of love.”
    “Could she? Tell fortunes, that is?”
    Now Simone was positive he had bats in his belfry, or in his wig. She did not reply to that bit of nonsense but went on to tell what she knew of the unknown Ryland relations, and about her unfortunate employment history.
    He listened carefully, making no judgments, other than to ask the name of the baron who now wore the mark of her fireplace poker.
    “He will not give me references, you know. Not for any kind of employment.”
    “He will not assault another young woman in his employ,” was all the major said, sending a shiver down Simone’s spine. Then he sipped at his wine, thinking.
    “I have connections,” he finally said, when Simone feared he’d fallen asleep. “I can find you another position, an honest one. And lend you the funds for your brother until he can earn his own way to repay me.”
    “But you do not know me. There is no reason for you to put yourself to that effort.” An effort, she did not say, that no one, not even her father’s relations in distant Cumberland, saw fit to make.
    “As I said, people helped me, people who did not have to. I was not born to a life of advantage, but was given far more than I had any right to expect.”
    “Your parents were poorer than mine, less accepted?”
    “They were not married.”
    “Oh.” Simone knew most illegitimate children were raised as outcasts, if not abandoned. They were often ostracized worse than those with Gypsy blood. “I am sorry.”
    “Do not be. I was taken in by a wonderful family, the Harrisons, and made to feel like their own son. My true father smoothed my path with education and introductions, although his kindness cost him the trust of his own family. I have tried to show that same kindness to others, to live as the gentleman he is, in tribute to him. Leading a woman into the life of a demi-rep does not suit my notions of honor.”
    He might be crazy, Simone decided, but Major Harrison, Harry, was a dear. No wonder the girls at Mrs. Burton’s establishment all liked him. “I thank you for the caring, but I have made my own decisions. Working as a governess or companion will never give me a home of my own or any kind of future except a pension when I am retired, with luck. And you cannot guarantee my safety from employers like the baron.”
    “No, but this life is not without perils of its own. Would you still be willing to attend the house party as my companion if there was danger involved?”
    She edged further back in her seat. The sweet old man might be more deranged than she thought. “Danger to me?”
    His bushy brows drew together. “I do not believe so, but that is possible. I would do all in my power to ensure your safety.”
    What would he do, hit an attacker with his cane? The whole idea was absurd. “What danger could there be at a polite house party?”
    “As I said, explanations must wait, but there is more