Free Alissa Baxter by The Dashing Debutante Page B

that you will cease your activities.”
    Alexandra sighed. “But if I do not help the peasants, they will be in a very bad way. I cannot leave them to such a harsh fate.”
    “There are other methods of helping them, that do not involve stealing for them.”
    She looked at him doubtfully. “What kind of methods? The local landowners have little inclination to institute reforms, you know.”
    “They might be open to persuasion. I know of many landlords in the country, the Duke of Bedford and the Earl of Egremont being of their number, who have devoted themselves to bettering the conditions of their tenants by teaching them the methods that can bring them prosperity.”
    “What did they do?” Alexandra inquired. Seeing him hesitate, she said sharply, “Before you tell me that a lady should not worry her pretty little head about farming, may I inform you that I am well acquainted with all matters that pertain to managing an estate, my father having taught them to me.”
    Mr Chanderly raised his brows. “I was not about to say anything of the sort,” he said calmly. “You are prickly.”
    Alexandra flushed. “Usually, the gentlemen of my acquaintance fail to take my opinions seriously. It annoys me considerably.”
    “I can see that,” he said dryly. “However, the reason for my hesitation was not the one that you assumed. I have another appointment this afternoon, and therefore do not have time to discuss this matter with you further. But, I shall endeavour to do so at a later date. In the meantime, I would like your reassurance that you will cease your activities forthwith.”
    Alexandra nodded her head. “I give you my word on that, Mr Chanderly.”
    “Good,” he said, standing up. Taking her hands, he drew her up from the seat, and holding them between both of his, he looked down at her intently.
    “I have been meaning to ask you who your accomplice was, Miss Grantham.”
    “My groom, Ben,” Alexandra replied. “He refused to aid me in my attack this morning, though, saying that with the Runners due to arrive, it was too dangerous.”
    “He was correct. I thought you would have had more sense than to attempt another robbery when you knew the Runners were in the district.”
    “I thought that they were only due to arrive at the end of the week,” Alexandra said defensively.
    “You should never rely on hearsay, Miss Grantham. You will learn that soon enough, no doubt, when you arrive in the capital. Rumours are rife there, and it is never wise to take them too seriously.”
    Alexandra withdrew her hands from his. “Of course,” she said shortly, her heart sinking at this mention of the London Season and the realisation that she would in all probability soon be moving in the same circles as this disturbing man.
    They walked back to the Manor together, and after Mr Chanderly had taken his leave of her, Alexandra went into the Drawing Room to be confronted by her aunt who said in an eager voice, “My dear child, do be seated so that we can discuss this latest turn of events! I am of the decided opinion that Mr Chanderly has averted his attentions from Jane Hadley to you!”
    Alexandra blinked. “I think, Aunt, that you are mistaken,” she said, sinking down on to the chaise longue.
    “Indeed, child, I am not. Remember that I am far wiser in the ways of the world than you are. When a gentleman starts calling on a lady, you can be sure that he is developing an interest in her.”
    Alexandra looked at a point somewhere above her aunt’s head. “Mr Chanderly merely wished to see the grounds of Grantham Place, Aunt Eliza. He has a keen interest in gardens.”
    “That was what he said , Alexandra, but you can be sure that that was not the principal reason he called on you. Oh my dear girl, I am quite delighted for you! Mr Chanderly is such a distinguished looking gentleman, and he is also possessed of a handsome fortune, I dare say.” She smiled complacently. “Mrs Hadley will not be pleased at this