Free The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress by Victoria Alexander Page A

a secret of some sort.”
    â€œOn the contrary, Mr. Fairchild.” She scoffed. “It’s the most straightforward and least secretive venture I’ve been engaged in since joining Mr. Chapman.”
    Phineas blew an annoyed breath.
    She ignored him. “I’ve only started today, so whether or not it will be enjoyable remains to be seen.” She opened a drawer and peered down into it, rummaging through the contents. “She’s a lovely woman and gives the impression of being somewhat scattered, although I suspect that hides an excellent mind. But, yes, Mr. Fairchild, I do expect it to be a most enjoyable employment. Rather like”—she raised her gaze to Phineas—“a holiday, I should think.”
    Cam choked back a laugh.
    Phineas’s eyes narrowed.
    â€œIt will be most refreshing to be around someone with a pleasant disposition for a change.” She smiled and pulled a notebook from the drawer.
    Phineas huffed. “I can be pleasant.”
    â€œI know you can be, you simply choose not to be.” She shut the drawer and rose to her feet. “I only came by to fetch my notebook. Now that I have, I’ll be on my way.”
    â€œI assure you, I had no intention of reading it while you were gone,” Phineas said. “It was perfectly safe in your desk.” Phineas prided himself on never needing to write anything down. He never forgot anything he wished to remember.
    â€œAnd now it is even safer.” She moved toward the door.
    â€œMight I inquire as to where you will be staying during your employment?” Cam said smoothly.
    â€œWhy, Mr. Fairchild?” She studied him coolly. “Do you intend to call on me?”
    Cam hesitated, then nodded. “I had considered it.”
    She stared at him for a moment, then laughed. “You have not.”
    â€œHe’s smarter than he looks,” Phineas said under his breath.
    â€œOne can only hope.” She considered Cam thoughtfully. “As you have never before indicated so much as an iota of interest in me in a personal sense, I can only conclude that you have an ulterior motive in doing so now.”
    â€œGood God, Phineas.” Cam glared at his friend. “What have you done to her?”
    Phineas shrugged, but laughter glittered in his eyes.
    â€œWhich would further indicate to me your interest lies in my new employer.” Her eyes narrowed. “Do you intend to make her the subject of one of your scandalous stories for your paper?”
    Cam widened his eyes in surprise. “Not at all.” He clasped his hand over his heart. “You wound me deeply, Miss West. I have long been meaning to ask if I could call on you.”
    Phineas snorted.
    â€œMy apologies, Mr. Fairchild. I should not have jumped to such a conclusion.” In spite of her words, it was obvious from the look in her eyes that she neither believed nor trusted him. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
    â€œThink nothing of it, Miss West.” Cam paused. “But perhaps, as your employer is a guest in our country, might I offer you my services as, oh, a guide of sorts?”
    â€œMiss Merryweather has a very specific list of things she would like to see and do during her stay in England. So, while your offer is very kind, your services will not be necessary. I am well able to show a visitor the city I have lived in all of my life.” She smiled in an overly sweet manner.
    â€œThe offer remains open should you decide I could be of some assistance.” Cam tried to hide the note of eagerness in his voice.
    â€œThank you, Mr. Fairchild, but I very much doubt that I will.” She moved toward the door. “Good day. Good day, Mr. Chapman.”
    â€œMiss West,” Phineas said abruptly.
    She turned back. “Yes?”
    â€œDo take care of yourself and try not to do anything foolish.” His tone was brusque, but his gaze caught Miss West’s and for a moment