Abducted by a Prince Read Online Free Page A

to their hostess. “Pray accept our sincerest apologies, your ladyship. We’ve some errands to complete and I fear that if we tarry, we won’t be home in time to dress for dinner.”
    “Errands?” Beatrice asked, her pert little nose wrinkling as she allowed Ellie to draw her to her feet. “Why, what do you mean?”
    “I’ll explain in the carriage. For now, we must take our leave, so kindly say your good-byes to her ladyship.”
    While Beatrice grudgingly complied, Ellie couldn’t help but notice that Lady Milford’s gaze rested on her, rather than her cousin. Those dark slender brows formed a faintly quizzical expression as if she were pondering a topic that required thoughtful consideration.
    Ellie blushed to think that she might be held to blame for Beatrice’s misconduct. It was, after all, her responsibility as governess to teach her cousin proper behavior.
    “Miss Stratham,” Lady Milford murmured to Ellie, “if you might delay your departure for a moment, I have something that may be of use to you. Pray, wait here.”
    Ellie’s lips parted in surprise as she watched Lady Milford glide out of the sitting room. Something of use to her ? What could she mean?
    In a rustle of petticoats, Beatrice minced into view and planted her hands on her hips. Her reddish-blond ringlets framed pretty features marred by a disgruntled expression. “Why did you have to spoil everything? I was just about to convince Lady Milford to help me. Instead, she wants to give you something.”
    “A pamphlet on manners, no doubt,” Ellie said. “She must have concluded that I’ve neglected your education.”
    The more she considered it, the more likely the possibility seemed. How mortifying to be judged as deficient in her duties! But that was precisely the way the situation must have appeared to their hostess. And as humiliating as it might be, Ellie would have to gracefully accept the instruction book.
    Beatrice’s lower lip thrust out in a pout. “Do you mean to imply that I’ve misbehaved?”
    “Well, let’s see.” Ellie ticked the points off on her fingers. “You presumed upon Lady Milford’s good nature to assist in your marriage scheme. You demanded that she expend time and money in hosting a party. You even dictated who should be on the guest list.”
    “It’s a brilliant plan,” Beatrice declared. “Pray tell, how else am I to become a duchess? There aren’t any other eligible dukes!”
    “Then turn your mind to a marquess or an earl. Besides, you should be more concerned with the character of a man, not his rank. Whomever you choose to wed, you’ll be bound to him for the rest of your life.”
    “Oh, la! Perhaps a title matters little to a spinster without prospects. However, I intend to marry well and be the envy of all society.”
    A spinster without prospects . The careless description stirred an ache in Ellie’s bosom. The sensation startled her, for long ago she had buried her girlish dreams of love and marriage, when she had faced the hard truth that few gentlemen were willing to wed an impoverished nobody. Instead, she had devoted herself to repaying her father’s debts through serving the family in whatever capacity was required of her.
    Yet she had no intention of enslaving herself forever. Not a living soul knew it, but Ellie had conceived a bold, enterprising plan to earn her own way in the world …
    A movement drew her attention to the doorway of the sitting room. Lady Milford entered, carrying a blue velvet purse in her hands. Reaching into the bag, she drew forth an article that glinted in the wintry afternoon light streaming through the windows.
    Ellie blinked in surprise. A shoe? It appeared to be a fine, heeled slipper made of garnet satin, frosted with tiny crystal beads and bearing a dainty, filigreed buckle.
    Lady Milford brought out its match and placed both shoes into Ellie’s hands. “This pair was an old favorite of mine from my younger years,” she said. “I believe they