Free The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress by Victoria Alexander

Cam’s gaze directly. “Don’t even pretend that it’s real. And use this American for your inspiration.”
    â€œMy muse,” Cam murmured. It was a good idea. He simply needed to convince Mr. Cadwallender of the merits of Cam’s writing fiction. It would not be the first time he’d attempted to do so, but the publisher already employed several accomplished writers of fiction. “It might work.”
    â€œMight?” Phineas snorted. “It’s brilliant and you bloody well know it.” He grinned. “You may thank me later.”
    â€œIndeed I will. So . . .” Cam said slowly, “the only thing I need now is the name of this daring heiress.”
    Phineas laughed. “I can’t tell you that.”
    â€œOf course you can. She’s not your client.”
    â€œNo, she’s not. Still, it seems to me I’ve done enough. You should make some effort on your own.”
    â€œI intend to. Her name is just the beginning.” Once he had her name, he could locate her and observe her exploits or adventures or whatever she did that would provide inspiration.
    â€œBesides”—Phineas shrugged—“I don’t know her name. This is all Miss West’s endeavor. I have nothing to do with it.”
    â€œThen perhaps I should ask Miss West—”
    â€œYou can ask her, but I’d wager you won’t get any usable information. Miss West doesn’t trust you.”
    Cam gasped. “Me? Why, I’m most trustworthy.”
    â€œNonetheless, she is not an admirer of your work or your paper.”
    â€œShe’s made no secret of that.” Indeed, Miss West’s opinion of the Messenger was much like his father’s.
    â€œIf she thinks you’re looking for a story, she won’t tell you anything. She has a very finely developed sense of honor for a woman.” Phineas shook his head.
    A sharp rap sounded at the door, followed immediately by the unmistakable sound of a key inserting in the lock.
    â€œAnd she’s back.” Phineas rolled his eyes toward the ceiling.
    â€œSo much for your holiday.”
    â€œSo much indeed,” Phineas muttered, then lowered his voice in a confidential manner. “The means to pulling information from Miss West is not to directly ask her anything you wish to know. One never knows what one might learn in the course of casual conversation.”
    The door opened and Miss West stepped into the room. Both men got to their feet at once, Phineas with a show of some reluctance.
    â€œGood day, Mr. Chapman.” Her gaze slid to Cam. “And Mr. Fairchild. It’s been some time since we’ve seen you.” She nodded and proceeded to her desk.
    â€œFar too long, Miss West.” Cam smiled.
    â€œThe two of you look as if you are plotting something.” Her gaze slid from Cam to Phineas. “Are you?”
    â€œWhy are you here?” Phineas asked.
    She pulled off her gloves. “I am doing quite well, thank you. And you?”
    â€œThat’s not what I asked.” Phineas huffed. “I thought we had agreed that you would not be coming here while you are in the employ of the American.”
    â€œI don’t really recall agreeing to that, nor is it something I would ever agree to.” She sat down behind her desk. “However, I shall indeed be too busy accompanying Miss Merryweather to fulfill my usual responsibilities here.”
    Phineas slanted Cam a pointed look. It wasn’t necessary. Cam had already noted the name.
    â€œAre you enjoying your new position with the American?” Cam said politely.
    â€œHe told you about that, did he?”
    â€œNaturally I inquired as to where you were,” Cam said in a gallant manner. “Mr. Chapman told me you had taken a temporary position as a companion to an American.” He paused. “I apologize if I have overstepped. If this position is confidential in nature or your activities