Miss in a Man's World Read Free Page A

introduce myself. I am Fincham, Viscount Fincham.’
    When she betrayed neither surprise, nor, indeed, any outward sign of discomposure at being in the companyof such a distinguished peer of the realm, doubts again assailed him. She must surely have known who he was?
    â€˜And you are?’
    A slight hesitation, then, ‘George, my lord George—er—Green.’
    The Viscount successfully suppressed a knowing smile. ‘Well, Master Green, are you sure you wouldn’t prefer me to convey you to a relative or friend in the metropolis?’
    â€˜Positive, my lord, for I have neither residing there. But if you could, as I mentioned before, deposit me at some respectable inn, which is not too expensive, I shall be for ever in your debt.’
    The hopeful expression was unmistakable. Was she the most accomplished actress who ever drew breath, or in earnest? He remained frustratingly undecided. ‘I might,’ he at last conceded. ‘But first I should very much like to know why you wish to visit the capital?’
    The response was prompt enough. ‘In order to find employment, my lord.’
    He raised a decidedly sceptical brow at this. ‘Indeed? And what type of employment are you hoping to attain?’
    Slender shoulders rose in a shrug. ‘I hadn’t really considered. Maybe a situation in service might suit my purpose best—a footman, perhaps.’
    Again his lordship cocked a sceptical brow. ‘How old are you, child?’
    Delicate lids lowered. ‘Fifteen, my lord.’
    Clearly an untruth. Moreover, one that had been uttered most unwillingly, unless he much mistook the matter. Interesting…. yes, most interesting.
    â€˜A little young for a footman, then,’ he suggested,still willing to play along with the subterfuge. ‘A page, perhaps?’
    â€˜A page,’ she echoed, seeming to consider the possibility. ‘Yes, that might serve very well.’
    Dear God, she couldn’t be serious! Her sex would be uncovered in a trice! If she wasn’t in the employ of some prankster, and engaged to entice him into committing some act of folly, then he had possibly done more harm than good by suggesting what he had.
    Settling himself back against the plush velvet squabs once more, his lordship experienced a rare pang of conscience, simply because he still couldn’t quite make up his mind about his intriguing travelling companion, which was most unlike him. He was renowned for being a shrewd judge of character, and although it would be true to say he didn’t make snap judgements about people, his first impressions, more often than not, turned out to be accurate.
    But young George Green had him well and truly puzzled. Speech alone suggested the chit didn’t come from the lower orders. He strongly suspected, too, that she had received a well-rounded education. So what on earth did she imagine she was doing indulging in such an escapade? If she wasn’t in disguise as a jest, then there was every likelihood she had run away from home, possibly fleeing some form of persecution, or even an arranged marriage that was not to her taste. If he had any sense at all, he told himself roundly, he would do what she asked, and just deposit her at the first respectable hostelry they came to in the capital! Yet, even as this most sensible course of action crossed his mind, he knew he would not act upon it.
    He found himself studying her intently again. Yes, dressed appropriately she would undoubtedly make adamnably pretty girl… No, an extremely lovely one, he corrected silently. She was certainly older than fifteen… Eighteen, or maybe nineteen, he decided. And definitely no sweet simpleton, if he were any judge. She knew precisely what she was doing, too. There was some definite purpose in this outrageous charade of hers. He’d stake his life on it! One thing was certain, though, he found her and the situation intriguing and highly