Free The Riddle of the Shipwrecked Spinster by Patricia Veryan Page A

fortune.”
    “Which is why every matchmaking mama in the
ton
is on the catch for him. One might think she would have realized her daughter was, er”—Florian hesitated and finished cautiously—“not likely to catch his eye.”
    “True, I suppose. Gervaise is everything most girls dream of—handsome, charming, wealthy, and heir to a baronetcy. Mrs. Stansbury knew he could have his pick of London’s beauties and that there was no chance for Cordelia unless he were forced into offering. Oh, Florian! If you but knew how
mortified
she was at that dreadful ball.”
    “What do you suppose she will do now? Life with her mama must be insupportable, I’d think. Has she relations who would take her in?”
    “I rather doubt it. Mrs. Stansbury quarrelled with all of them and they have been completely estranged ever since.”
    “Even so, Miss Cordelia must live
somewhere
, dearest. Surely her mama would not dare turn her out into the street, and she is too young to set up her own household.”
    “She told me she has—a Plan.” Laura looked solemn. “And—oh, my goodness, I know her—Plans. Faith, but I dread to think of what may happen.”
    Florian kissed her cheek and tightened his arm about her. “Then turn your thoughts instead to what may happen to us, my love.”
    She leaned her head against his shoulder and said sadly, “Idread to think of that as well. If my father should ever find out that I sometimes slip out to meet you!…”
    “He would have my ears, I know. And in truth I cannot blame the gentleman. You deserve a splendid match, rather than to be tied to a young fellow who cannot even claim a legal family name and has no fortune whatsoever!”
    Smiling at him fondly, Laura said, “You will succeed, I know it. You have looks and charm and—”
    “And had it not been for the Cranford twins I would have starved by this time.” He said without enthusiasm, “Perhaps I should take the King’s shilling and enlist in the Army. I might work my way up—”
    “And in the meantime I would never see you!” Seizing him by the collar of his coat, she cried, “And you might be killed! Oh, Florian! I could not bear it if I lost you! Only think, dearest, Lieutenant Piers has already made you his steward—a splendid achievement for so young a man!”
    “And that achievement would render me acceptable in the eyes of your sire? Hah!”
    “But—but I am growing older, Florian! I am nineteen already. We have only to wait until I am of age. Papa cannot forbid me to marry you then.” She tilted up his chin and peered into the eyes that had been turned from her. “Dear one—you
will
wait? No, look at me! And promise you’ll not go rushing off into the Army.”
    He forced a smile and kissed her and gave her his promise. Soon afterwards, watching her scurry across the park towards her father’s great house, he was all too aware that meeting her against Major Finchley’s wishes was dishonourable conduct. Lieutenant Piers had warned him repeatedly against coming here. Yet what other hope had they for ever seeing each other? Piers Cranford was a fine man, but if he had ever loved deeply, he would understand. Still, the need for all this secrecy brought a troubled frown to his face, and returning to the shrubs wherehe had tethered his horse, he acknowledged wistfully that he and his beloved had small chance of ever finding their happiness.

    “It’s agin me nature to come frettin’ ye with it, Mr. Cranford.” Oliver Dixon perched on the very edge of his chair in the Muse Manor study, turning his hat in gnarled, agitated hands as he gazed across the littered desk at his young landlord. “If we hadn’t had so much dratted rain, the river likely wouldn’t’ve backed itself up, nor the bridge wouldn’t’ve fell itself down. But as things are, sir, I be powerful glad you’re home again.”
    “Yes.” Cranford smiled and said bracingly that he would ride over to the farm in the morning. “And well see what’s