When We Meet Again Read Free Page A

shortly after her twentieth birthday. Pamela had gazed into a mirror and discovered that her tall, lanky body and nondescript features had somehow become rather nice. Even lovely. Unfortunately, the confidence in oneself that was as much an Effington birthright as the name itself had not accompanied the unexpected transformation. Therefore, was it any wonder that Pamela lost her heart, and her innocence, to the first man who showed her a fair amount of attention? Oh, certainly, she had thought George had been sincere in his declarations of affection and had shared her feelings and was intent upon marriage. She had never dreamed said intentions were not in regards to marriage to her.
    Clarissa, on the other hand, had been born pretty and even as a child had always had a quiet confidence about her. She'd never had a doubt as to where she belonged or with whom. While the cousins shared a certain similarity in appearance, although Pamela's coloring was far fairer than Clarissa's, and were a scant few months apart in age, the way in which they saw the world was as different as night and day. Odd then that they had been not merely cousins but the very best of friends for nearly all of their lives. Pamela had on occasion wondered if they were so close because Clarissa was not an Effington and Pamela had never especially felt like an Effington.
    Until, of course. Aunt Millicent had taken her under her wing.
    "Dearest girls." Aunt Millicent's voice sounded from an open doorway. "Do come join me at once. I have the most interesting news."
    Pamela turned to enter the room, but Clarissa caught her arm and met her gaze. "Stop it, cousin, and listen to me. What I have been trying to say for months now, and obviously not at all well, is that you have nothing left to prove. You are not the same girl who fled six years ago from London rather than face scandal. You are confident and assured and not the least bit reticent about voicing your feelings or opinions. Indeed, you've become quite accomplished and really rather remarkable I think. I would even say you are"—Clarissa rolled her gaze toward the ceiling—"every inch an Effington. God help you." Pamela stared at the other woman for a moment then grinned. "I know." Clarissa's brows drew together. "You do? But you didn't say a word."
    "It isn't something one announces. Besides, it didn't happen overnight. I daresay, I've been changing, growing if you will, since the very first day we left London. Perhaps it makes no sense, it doesn't entirely make sense to me, but I haven't at all been trying to become something I'm not, simply trying to find out who I am." Pamela thought for a moment. "I have found that I like fencing and riding at a full gallop and exotic places and dancing until dawn and flirting with delightful men. And I particularly like speaking my mind without fear as to the consequences. In truth I find I quite like Pamela Effington." She cast her cousin a wry smile. "And I can see that was not true six years ago."
    "You were entirely too hard on yourself." Clarissa studied her cousin. "I have always liked you."
    "You have always loved me." Pamela gave her a quick hug. "As I have always loved you."
    "Are the two of you going to stand in the doorway going on forever about Lord knows what, or are you going to come in here." Aunt Millicent's impatient voice rang from the room. "I have the most wonderful news, and I shall burst if I do not share it at once."
    The cousins exchanged grins and stepped into the salon.
    Aunt Millicent did indeed look as if she would burst at any moment, her usual air of barely suppressed energy heightened, if possible, by excitement. She was the twin sister of Pamela's mother and had used her widowhood and the vast wealth she had inherited to live precisely as she pleased. Indulging in a great deal of travel, an equally great number of gentlemen admirers, and an extraordinary amount of fun. Aunt Millicent always said she had married once for love and