Free A Path Toward Love by Cara Lynn James

someone else’s treasures, without owning any of them himself. Yet, unlike the servants, he had luxuries to indulge in because he was part of the family. A cherished nephew, but on the periphery.
    He held the best of both worlds in the palm of his hand. With the Clarkes’ connections, he received countless opportunities for success in the law—yet he hadn’t enough funds to become lazy or even vaguely dissatisfied, chronic conditions plaguing so many sons of privilege.
    Andrew unpacked and then wandered into the parlor. His boss glanced up from a stack of papers piled beside him on the plush green sofa.
    â€œJust the man I want to see.” Mr. Wainwright gestured for him to sit in the nearest chair.
    Andrew sank into a coordinating seat, overstuffed with the softest of cushions.
    â€œYou remember that trunk line for sale in California? Well, I might buy it, especially if I can get it at a lower price. I’ve made inquiries. I hear they might be ready to sell this fall, for much less than their asking price.”
    Andrew nodded. The line from San Francisco down to San Diego was already profitable and worth a lot of money. “It’s a good opportunity.”
    â€œThe owner is returning from abroad in September. I’d like to go to California to negotiate, but it seems Mrs. Wainwright has other plans. There’s a wedding of some cousin of hers in Boston the same month. It’s a nuisance, but she has her mind set on attending, and I don’t have the heart to turn her down.”
    Andrew kept his amusement from invading his smile. He doubted Mr. Wainwright had ever turned down that domineering wife of his.
    The big man leaned forward, holding out a sheet of paper. “I’d like you to go to California in my place. I anticipate you’ll only be there for a week or two. The entire trip should take less than a month.”
    Accepting the paper, Andrew glanced at the details of his itinerary. “Thank you, sir. I’ll look forward to it.” As Mr. Wainwright’s private legal counsel, this assignment was the most important given him to date. “I’m most grateful for the opportunity. Thank you.”
    Mr. Wainwright nodded, apparently satisfied. “Good. I know you’ll do an excellent job.”
    Together they reviewed Mr. Wainwright’s potential offer and all his detailed instructions over cups of coffee and a midmorning snack of Danish pastries made within the Isabelle ’s well-equipped galley. When Mr. Wainwright adjourned to his stateroom, Andrew cupped the back of his head in his hands and let a grin spread across his face.
    â€œWhy do you look so self-satisfied?” Katherine swept into the parlor, a partially refurbished hat and a bag of feathers and flowers in hand. She took her father’s spot on the sofa. She wore a gray-green traveling suit, appropriate for a widow but hardly a flattering color. Yet she flashed the first truly relaxed smile he’d seen since his arrival in Florida, and she looked young and beautiful again.
    He pulled his attention back to her question. “Your father just gave me a big assignment. I’ll be heading west this September.”
    â€œWhy, good for you! No wonder you look so pleased.”
    â€œI’m thrilled,” he admitted.
    â€œI have no doubt you deserve the assignment,” she said, examining the plain straw hat. She glanced up at him. “My father doesn’t lend his trust readily; I’m glad you’ve conquered that hurdle.”
    Deep pleasure from her secondary praise rose in waves of heat and probably stained his face tomato red.
    â€œDo you enjoy working for my father? He’s a dear man to his family, but I don’t know how he treats his employees.”
    â€œHe’s a stickler for detail and getting things exactly right. We work hard, and he rewards us with fairness and respect. What else could a man ask for?”
    Katherine nodded, then riffled