Read Online Words Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart - Free Book Online Page B

most of the editors she knew were her father’s age or older.
    Acutely conscious of the scrutiny of those around them, Adriane laughed lightly before she said, “You’re staring again. I’m still not sure there’s no smudge on my face. It wouldn’t be the first time, I regret to say.”
    “Nor the first time some man stared at you because you’re beautiful.”
    “Not usually so boldly,” Adriane said.
    “I must apologize, Miss Darcy. I admit I’m often too bold for proper manners, but I find it can be an advantage in the newspaper profession, don’t you agree?”
    “I’m sure my father would.” Adriane kept her voice light. “I am more of the opinion that boldness is important in any profession a gentleman might choose.”
    “And how about for the ladies?”
    “I rather fear that boldness for the ladies is limited to a daring neckline or a hint of paint on one’s cheeks.” Adriane carefully lowered her eyes and pretended a blush. She knew she should hate this man. Loyalty to her father demanded that much. But everything about him intrigued her. Surely she could hate him more effectively once she knew him better, and as Mrs. Wigginham said, they could hardly duel in her parlor.
    “In the North, a few of the ladies are becoming much bolder than that. A few are even speaking out for women’s rights.” His voice seemed to be trying to challenge her.
    “Yes, I’ve seen the articles in the papers. We rarely reprint them because Father is of the opinion that our city is not yet ready for such radical thinking.”
    “And what is your opinion, Miss Darcy?” He sounded sincerely interested.
    She searched for a safe answer, one that would be honest yet not shock anyone who might be eavesdropping on their conversation. It would not be a good day to start a controversy in regard to the rights of women. Today it seemed the only right she had was the right to be glad a socially proper young man desired to marry her.
    She quickly scooted her thoughts away from Stan and smiled at Blake as if they were discussing nothing more important than which spring flower should be her favorite. “I believe a young woman should have the same opportunity to be educated as a young man.”
    He peered down at her as though her answer surprised him. “Correct me if I am wrong, but aren’t there a dozen young ladies’ academies in this city alone?”
    “So there are. As a matter of fact, I attended one once for several months. Most of them are very good at teaching a young lady to be charming.”
    “A most necessary skill,” Blake said.
    She knew he was baiting her, but she played along anyway. He would not get the better of her with words. “Without a doubt, sir. Perhaps even essential to a woman in these days.”
    “And if you were, God forbid, not of the fairer sex, but one of the gentlemen with a choice of professions, which profession would you choose? To edit a paper as your father does?”
    “That might be an interesting possibility, but I do believe, since we are merely dreaming, that first I’ll spend a few years as a riverboat captain. Perhaps I could make a record-breaking run to New Orleans.”
    He laughed. “I’m afraid, my dear Miss Darcy, that not all riverboat captains are gentlemen.”
    She smiled slightly and looked straight into his dark blue eyes. “Neither are all editors.”
    The laughter was suddenly gone, but in its place was a considering look as Adriane knew he was seeing beyond her pretty face now. It was not a bad look, and she didn’t shy away from it but met it fully in spite of the fact she still feared he might recognize her as the Irish boy he’d grabbed that morning. It was a look she’d never seen in Stan’s eyes or one she was ever likely to see. Again the panic reared inside her, and she looked away from Blake Garrett for fear his quick eyes would catch some glimpse of her worry.
    “Your father has taught you well, Miss Darcy,” Blake said at last.
    “Not all would agree with