Read Online The Elusive Heiress by Gail Mallin - Free Book Online

rounded Alicia’s eyes. ‘I remember your Mama telling me how disappointed you were when you could not take me up on my previous offer to give you a season.’
    Kate shifted a little in her seat, trying to think of some good reason for Kitty to have changed her mind.
    ‘I was younger then, ma’am, and more inclined to frivolity,’ she began, but Alicia swiftly interrupted her.
    ‘Lud, child, you are only one and twenty now! Hardly a greybeard or don’t you like parties and dancing, eh?’
    Kate did.
    ‘There! I knew it!’ Triumph coloured her hostess’s pronouncement. ‘Your face betrays you, my love! You would enjoy cutting a dash.’
    Kate nodded reluctantly, suppressing her irritation at her own lack of self-control.
    ‘You have too lively a manner to fool me into thinking you a quiet mouse, my dear.’
    Abandoning that tactic, Kate tried another.
    ‘My purpose in coming here was to secure my legacy, ma’am, nothing more. I know it would cost a great deal to launch me into society and I could not impose on you by putting you to such expense.’
    ‘But I should enjoy sponsoring you!’
    ‘I cannot allow you to do so.’ Kate smiled to take the sting out of her words, but her tone was firm.
    Alicia played with the little pencil attached by a gold cord to her tablets. ‘You will be in possession of your own fortune soon,’ she murmured. ‘I’m sure a bank loan or some such could be arranged to tide you over.’
    Kate shuddered.
    ‘Surely your mama wouldn’t begrudge you spending a little money on enjoying yourself?’
    Kate refuted this objection. ‘Mama would not, but the very notion of debt is abhorrent to me , ma’am. I will not spend a shilling which isn’t my own,’ she announced, conveniently ignoring the fact that she had hoped to persuade Lord Redesmere into advancing some money.
    He, damn him, hadn’t been open to persuasion!
    ‘Your prudence in waiting until your legacy is handed over is admirable, my dear.’ Alicia’s tone was politely doubtful.
    It was obvious to Kate that her companion did not hold the same views on finance, but it was unlikely Alicia had ever been physically threatened by duns. If she had, she would be wary of incurring debts she could not repay!
    ‘All the same, it seems a pity to waste this opportunity and there is another solution if you will agree to it.’ Alicia leant forward eagerly. ‘My husband left me very handsomely provided for and I can easily afford to act as your banker myself until this silly delay is cleared up.’
    ‘But, ma’am—’
    ‘I don’t want to press you, but pray consider, my love! You lost most of your wardrobe fleeing Ireland. Surely you wish to replace your gowns?’ Alicia’s tone was gently persuasive. ‘Please, Kitty. Let me loan you some money if you won’t accept it as a gift.’
    ‘I know you mean well, ma’am.’ Kate bit her lip, wondering how to reject the offer without hurting the older woman’s feelings. ‘However, I did manage to bring one valise away with me from Uncle Gerald’s and as for the rest, I have guineas enough for my needs if I’m careful.’
    ‘You are much too young and pretty to have to worry about economising!’
    ‘I shan’t go into a decline for the lack of a few new dresses.’ Kate essayed a cheerful shrug.
    Alicia sighed. ‘You mustn’t think I am offering my help merely for your benefit, Kitty my dear. If you were to sit at home all day, I would feel obliged to stay at home too!’
    In other circumstances Kate would have been amused by this artless confession, but there was genuine distress in Alicia’s hazel eyes.
    ‘I do so want you to enjoy this visit, Kitty. I should feel I was failing in my duty to you and letting your mama down if I didn’t provide you with proper entertainment.’
    Her heart sinking, Kate knew she was beaten. She could think of no convincing reason to refuse Alicia’s help and without a good excuse it was ungracious to go on protesting.
    ‘I should not