Love for Lucinda Read Free

and immodestly gowned, laughing from under her lashes at every male within her sight and whirling away in their arms. He spluttered, “Why, you cannot mean what you are saying, Lucinda!”
    “I have never been more sober in my life. Papa,” said Lucinda.
    “But only think how you will look. You are so young, scarcely fledged when all is said. You will be the object of every eye and tongue, and there will be none to protect you from slight and slander.” In his agitation Sir Thomas rose from the table and took a short turn, his hands clasped tightly behind his broad back.
    “I am no longer a dreamy-eyed schoolgirl with little more than her face and figure to recommend her, Papa,” said Lucinda on a tart note.
    “No, of course not. You were never that. You were always a girl of uncommon sense,” said Sir Thomas, coming back to press her slim shoulder.
     

Chapter Two
     
    Lucinda had the inspiration to freshen his coffee cup. After she poured, Sir Thomas returned to his chair and picked up the cup. Encouragingly, Lucinda said, “There is nothing to make you anxious, Papa. I only wish for a little gaiety.”
    With a bothered expression, he said, “That is all very well for you to say. However, I will not conceal from you that I think this a very odd start, Lucinda! I cannot foresee anything for you but disaster. You will be alone and unprotected. Indeed, I fear greatly for your reputation.”
    “I am Lady Mays and a very rich widow. I do not think I shall lack for respectability,” said Lucinda dryly.
    “Respectability!” Sir Thomas fairly pounced upon the word. “You cannot go up to London alone and unchaperoned, Lucinda. You must have a respectable female with you in order to protect your reputation. Your mother cannot be expected to do it, for she has promised to go for Lefty’s lying-in next month. It would be selfish to request either of your other sisters to abandon their husbands and families for several months only to afford you pleasure.”
    “Pray do not fret, Papa. I have already invited Miss Tibby Blythe to join me.” Lucinda was surprised by her father’s sudden frown. “Surely you recall my former governess, Papa?”
    Sir Thomas nodded. His heavy brows were still drawn. “Of course I do. Miss Blythe was an exceptionally stern preceptress. Your mother and I much admired the fashion in which she molded you and your sisters’ characters.”
    “Then I do not understand. What possible objection could you have to her?” asked Lucinda, now made curious.
    Sir Thomas pulled momentarily at his underlip. “I approve of your rare good sense in retaining Miss Blythe as your companion, Lucinda, but I do wonder that you thought of her at all when your announced intention is to cut a dash.” Meeting his daughter’s astonished gaze, he shrugged uncomfortably. “I was always secretly of the opinion that Miss Blythe’s long face threw rather a damper over things. She had all the appeal of a crusty dragon.”
    Lucinda with difficulty suppressed a smile at her father’s revelation. She and her sisters had been aware for many years that beneath Miss Blythe’s uncompromisingly respectable exterior had beat a heart that thrilled to the nonsense in romance novels. However, this was certainly not the time to disabuse her father of his mistaken estimation of her former governess. “It is true that Miss Blythe has always possessed a formidable air. However, I felt that it was only proper to provide myself with a chaperone of stern countenance, one who would keep a close watch and ward off the wolves. A chaperone, moreover, who knew what was due to my name.”
    Sir Thomas pursed his mouth thoughtfully. “You do not want for all sense, in any event.” He looked closely at his daughter, and his expression softened. “Aye, Lucinda, I can well understand how you must crave a bit of excitement after leading such a quiet life as you have. I have often pitied you living here with no company but your own to enliven