Free The Dashing Miss Fairchild by Emily Hendrickson

own, for you have an inquiring mind and good sense, there are times a man is useful."
    Clare tore her gaze from his, then looked back at him again to see if he was serious. “Please do not feel obliged to accompany the. I would not for anything in the world put you to a deal of trouble."
    "I am already involved. I find my curiosity has grown. I would like to see the baby reunited with his mother.” His eyes seemed to add a message that Clare wanted desperately to believe. But it was far too soon for such, and she had been raised to more propriety than she had displayed as of late.
    "Yes,” replied Clare softly. “She must miss him dreadfully."
    He turned the carriage in the direction of Bath once again, then continued their planning. “How soon can you leave?"
    "Goodness, this has all the earmarks of something improper. I imagine I shall not be permitted to travel alone with you.” Clare said this with a small chuckle, but knowing she was precisely correct.
    "According to the papers and the tabbies about the Pump Room, the latest scandal is of such great proportions that you have been relegated to stale news."
    "I must be thankful for small mercies.” She wrinkled her brow. “And the latest on-dit."
    "A notice has been placed in the local paper to the effect that a lady has eloped from her husband, and that he warns he will not pay any of her bills in the future. She had run him into debt, and he cautions others not to trust her."
    "That certainly must have set the tongues wagging."
    "A decided hum hovered over the ladies at the Pump Room, I believe.'’ He grinned at her, and Clare found her pulse racing madly.
    "I believe it is urgent we go as soon as possible,” she said to change the subject and calm that silly pulse. “Do you agree? Although I shall not take Venetia along, no matter what she says. This calls for caution, and she is another not to be counted upon. Unruffled she is not."
    They entered Bath once again, and as he wove along the streets, noting the interested looks that followed them, Richard could only be glad he was to take Clare away from the city for a short time. Out of sight, perhaps out of mind and off the tongue? He detested the gossiping and knew it bothered Clare not a little.
    "I am at your disposal.” He refrained from commenting about Miss Godwin. She was Clare's chosen companion, and as such, it was for Clare to decide their relationship. If he had his way, things would be vastly different.
    Venetia reacted to the news of Clare's imminent departure exactly as Clare feared: lengthy lectures on propriety and virtue, challenges regarding motives, and impugning Mr. Talbot until Clare thought she might explode.
    At long last on the following morning, as her modest-sized valise was shut and placed by the bedroom door, Clare turned to face her companion.
    "I have asked Priddy to travel with us. Mr. Talbot has his man and our Tom Coachman and a groom. You go too far when you cast aspersions on Mr. Talbot. He has been the perfect gentleman at all times. His concern for little William, not to mention my good name, has been praiseworthy. Far better than some I might name, but shan't.'’ She paused to cast a significant look at Venetia.
    Deciding it might be better to still her tongue for the moment, Venetia dropped her gaze to conceal her fears. If Clare found she might get along without her, it would mean that Venetia must find another place to live, and the number of options had dwindled severely as of late. She was down to Aunt Peasely, who was horridly deaf.
    Clare regretted her words as soon as they flew out. Not that any of them were not true. But Venetia looked so shattered, like a frightened little bird.
    "Forgive the, my dear Venetia. This is a necessary thing I must do, and I would not have you touched by it in any way. I pray you will understand?"
    Venetia smiled like a cat who had just received a plump mouse. “Of course, dear Clare. I feel sure Mr. Talbot is just as he ought. I