Dance of Seduction Read Free

use all the legacy on reform.”
    For the first time that morning, a smile lit Mr. Gaither’s thin, bookish features. “Mr. Doggett made no stipulation whatsoever on how the money was to be used, madam. He left it entirely up to his niece.”
    “Clever man, my uncle,” Clara muttered under her breath.
    Mr. Gaither went on, almost maliciously, “If she wants to use it to make gold cages for your little beasts, she’s perfectly free to do so.”
    Horror filled her aunt’s face. “Cages! Clara, you would never—”
    “Of course not, Aunt. I wouldn’t think of it.” Clara added teasingly, “Unless you persist in this notion of using it for my dowry—”
    “I’m only trying to help,” Aunt Verity grumbled. She was no fool—she knew when to retreat, though that didn’t mean she’d given up. “If you insist on ignoring the possibilities, I don’t suppose we can do much about it, eh, lassies?”
    The poodles’ yapping wiped the smile right off Mr.Gaither’s face. He leaped to his feet. “I’d best be going. I must pass on those other bequests, you know.”
    Clara smiled at the American as she rose, too. “Yes, to Uncle Cecil’s by-blows and mistresses. I don’t suppose you could tell me who—”
    “Don’t even think it, Clara Stanbourne,” her aunt protested. “Reforming pickpockets is one thing, but if you begin associating with those sorts of women—”
    “Actually, madam,” the solicitor broke in, “Mr. Doggett thought that his niece might ask such a thing, and he instructed me to keep everyone’s identities secret. I think he was afraid that if his…er…consorts knew of his exalted connections, they might take advantage of the association.”
    Tears sprang to Clara’s eyes again. It was so like Uncle Cecil to try to protect her. “Thank you, Mr. Gaither, for carrying out his wishes so faithfully.”
    To her surprise, he winked. “I’ll inform you when all the papers are drawn up, my lady, and you can collect the funds. Now, if you’ll excuse me—”
    “Yes, of course, I’ll just see you out.” Clara shot her aunt an indulgent smile. “Aunt Verity, I’m going to the Home, but I’ll be back for dinner.”
    “Do be careful, Clara,” her aunt called after her. “Take one of the footmen!”
    “I always do,” Clara said irritably as she ushered Mr. Gaither into the foyer.
    Samuel jumped to his feet and hastened to bring Mr. Gaither’s overcoat. But as the young man helped the solicitor into it, she saw his right hand flash.
    With a groan, she stepped forward to manacle Samuel’s wrist before Mr. Gaither turned around. “Oh, dear, Mr. Gaither,” she said smoothly, “I believe you’ve dropped your purse. Samuel seems to have found it.”

    Samuel colored, but held the purse out with such lightning speed that nobody but Clara would have known it had resided in his pocket for a full five seconds. “It was on the floor, sir. Is it yours?”
    With a look of complete bewilderment, Mr. Gaither patted his pocket, then said, “Bless my eyes, it is indeed.”
    “It must’ve fell out when you put on your coat,” Samuel said helpfully.
    “I suppose.” Mr. Gaither eyed Samuel with suspicion as he accepted the purse. Then turning to Clara, he made a sketchy bow. “Good day, madam. I’ll send a note round when everything is done. Perhaps it would be better if we meet elsewhere next time.”
    “Certainly,” she agreed quickly. “Good day, Mr. Gaither.”
    The door had scarcely closed behind him before she whirled on Samuel. “I cannot believe that you—”
    “It ain’t what you think, m’lady,” Samuel hastened to say. “I would have returned the purse before the carriage drove off, truly I would. I was just practicing.”
    “For what? You’re out of that life now.”
    “I got to keep my skills up, because you never know…” He trailed off as if to keep from saying too much.
    But he’d already said enough. She knew what he was thinking. Because you never know when