Free Secret Heiress by Lillian; Shelley

as you put down your head what is about to occur—it must be a dreadful thing. I do not see how a civilized people could permit such a thing.”
    â€œSometimes humans do not seem far removed from the primitive,” said Adrian.
    â€œThat is very true,” said Caroline somberly.
    â€œBut come,” said Adrian, “let us not become melancholy! Did you know that a man once tried unsuccessfully to steal the Crown jewels? His attempt was considered so daring that Charles II pardoned him, granted him a pension, and restored his estates!”
    â€œHow strange!” commented Caroline.
    The afternoon passed quickly and pleasurably, Caroline enjoying Adrian’s witty comments on what they were seeing.
    â€œIt is so nice to have a personal guide,” she said. “My guidebook is excellent in its way, but you make the Tower come alive for me.”
    â€œThat is a compliment worth having,” said Adrian. They smiled at each other.
    When they reached Woburn Square, Adrian refused to come inside, protesting that the hour was late and she would be wishing to rest before dinner.
    â€œYou underestimate me,” said Caroline.
    â€œThen let us say that I do not wish a too-quickly-gained familiarity to breed contempt,” said Adrian.
    Caroline felt her heart beating with unaccustomed rapidity. She was not used to the accomplished flirting of a man far more experienced than she in the art of dalliance. She was relieved when Adrian left her at the door without making a definite appointment to see her again. She hoped to avoid seeing Aurelia before she could collect her thoughts, but Aurelia was awaiting her return in the parlor.
    â€œDid you have an enjoyable time, my love?” she asked.
    â€œYes, it was most enjoyable,” said Caroline.
    â€œIs not Mr. Bradford a most charming gentleman?” she asked.
    â€œYes, he is,” replied Caroline noncommittally. “If you’ll excuse me, Aurelia, I should like to rest before dinner.” It was a lie, but it was an effective excuse and she was able to make her escape.
    Adrian was well pleased with the afternoon’s work. He had flattered the elderly duenna and then shown Caroline a more subdued, more subtle charm. The contrast had frequently proved successful. Caroline was well on her way to thinking him a charming, witty man, and her companion would present no problem. He had not made another assignation, desiring to pique her curiosity. He intended, in fact, to stay away for about a week: enough time to make her wish to see him, but not so long as to allow her to forget him.

Chapter 10
    Arabella had been thoroughly enjoying her visit to London. Lady Kimborough had been so kind, and it was such fun visiting dressmakers and trying on hats! Her gown for her come-out was almost ready, and Arabella thought there had never been such an exquisite dress. It was pale yellow, usually an unfortunate color for a blonde, but Arabella had found a gown exactly the color of her hair and the total effect was one of a spring flower. She was having a final fitting one afternoon when Giles came into the room.
    â€œBehold the daffodil!” he exclaimed as he entered.
    â€œAh, dear Giles,” said Lady Kimborough, “we would very much like a gentleman’s opinion. Is not Arabella’s gown most becoming? I am certain her mama will be pleased.”
    â€œI am certain all of London will be pleased,” said Giles. “I have something which I hope will perfectly complete the costume.” He pulled a package from inside his coat.
    â€œFor me?” asked Arabella. “Oh, Mr. Kendal!”
    â€œPlease open it,” said Giles. “And as we are so nearly related, can’t I prevail upon you to call me Giles?”
    â€œOh, yes, of course, Mr. Ken—Giles,” said Arabella, opening the package. It contained an ivory fan painted in shades of white and yellow in the manner of Angelica Kauffmann.
    â€œOh,