Free An Artful Deception by Karen Cogan

to comment upon the unfair penalty of having been born female. Her uncle did not deserve the estate, but there was nothing she could do to change the fact that it was now his legal residence.
     
    Mr. Adkins skimmed the document, and then looked up. “You have no property to inherit. But your father has left you a nice yearly pension to be paid monthly for your upkeep.”
     
    When he told her the amount, Katharine breathed a sigh of relief. Though it would not allow her to be extravagant, it was a generous amount and she would be able to live on her own. She would set about looking for a house as soon as she began to receive the funds that were due her.
     
    Mr. Adkins closed the document and studied Katharine. “Give me a few days to make some legal inquiries. Then I will draw up the papers allowing me to dispense your pension.”
     
    Katharine nodded. “Thank you. You have been very kind.”
     
    “ Where may I reach you should I need to send a message?”
     
    Katharine bit her lip. She disliked the idea of having a message arrive at the Charlesworth residence. Yet she had no choice.
     
    “ I am staying with Lady Charlesworth on Park Street.”
     
    His eyebrows rose. “I am glad you have found a champion at such a difficult time. I am sure she will take good care of you and make sure you are introduced into society.”
     
    Katharine rose, not wanting to prolong the conversation. “Very true. May I call on you in a week to see if my pension has been arranged?”
     
    “ Better make it two. These things take time to get in order.”
     
    “ Very well. I shall come back in two weeks.”
     
    She curtseyed briefly. “Thank you for your concern.”
     
    She felt vastly relieved as she smiled at the clerk, noting that his face turned red as he held the door for her to leave. He helped her down the step and secured a coach.
     
    “ It was a pleasure meeting you, miss.”
     
    She thanked him as he assisted her into the coach.
     
    The ride back was as damp as chilly as before. Yet, she did not feel it as keenly. She did, however, hope that Lady Charlesworth was still at her rest and had not missed her. It would be awkward to explain her disappearance and she did not like to lie. Yet, Lady Charlesworth would be sure to demand an explanation should she spy Katharine returning in a hired coach.
     
    Fortunately, she was able to slip into the house without notice. Lizzy was busy with Cook and the butler was off for the afternoon. She hung her bonnet and shawl on the rack beside the door and slipped up the stairs to find Lady Charlesworth just awaking.
     
    “ Ah…Ginny. I was just going to ring for you. Fetch my tea and then my dark green day dress. Then I shall go down to lunch.”
     
    Katharine saw to her duties, which seemed less burdensome now that she knew she would not be continuing them for much longer. She wondered what inquiries Mr. Adkins would make. She remembered his kind words about Papá and they warmed her heart.
     
    That afternoon, Lady Charlesworth required her company for several more calls. At their last call, she sat inconspicuously near the parlor door at Lady Weatherton’s house while the matrons discussed the upcoming social events. She had found the other conversations dull. This one, however, captured her attention.
     
    “ There is a ball next week. I know it is not yet the season, but I always enjoy a ball. It is delightful to see all the young people. It makes me feel young again myself,” Lady Weatherton asserted.
     
    “ Indeed,” agreed Lady Charlesworth. “I should enjoy it also, except that I have a previous engagement that evening, one that I convinced Lord Charlesworth and my son to attend. You must remember everything at the ball and tell me who has already come back this year.”
     
    Katharine lost track of their conversation as her thoughts took another direction. If Lady Charlesworth would not be attending the ball, what was to keep Katharine from slipping out and