Lady in Demand Read Online Free Page A

Hannah said when they paused to draw breath.
          “I have to admit that I had built up my first season in my dreams to be something wonderful, and in truth the reality is far from that,” Phoebe sighed. “There are so many fools masquerading as gentlemen. Don’t you think, Hannah?”
          “Absolutely, and the women are foolish, too. I told Father just this morning, when he wanted me to attend a book reading salon with Lady Hindle, that I had had more informative conversations with the scullery maid than I did with some of the woman in society.”
          Phoebe laughed at her despondent expression. “What did he say?”
      “That the scullery maid did not have a brother who was a duke.”
          Phoebe laughed again. “As much as I would like to stay here in this room for the remainder of the evening, Hannah, I fear my sister and brother-in-law will grow worried if I do not return.”
          “Lord and Lady Ryder are lovely people, Phoebe. I talked to them over the supper table one evening. They’re very much in love, aren’t they?” Hannah added with a sigh.
          “Very much so.  
          “I don’t think I want that.”
          “What?” Phoebe’s brow wrinkled as she looked at Hannah.
          “To give someone so much of myself that if he chose to, he could destroy me.”
          “One day I want it.” Phoebe’s words were almost defiant. “But I will be certain the man is the right one before I commit to him.”  
          “Phoebe, I want to ask you one more thing before we return to the ballroom and your many admirers, who I am sure are probably distraught at your continuing absence.”
          “Stop belaboring the point, Hannah, if you please.”
          Hannah didn’t giggle, she snuffled, which made Phoebe smile as the sound was at odds with her elegant appearance. She sounded like a puppy.
          “I have always actively involved myself in my father’s businesses; however, lately I have decided to start one of my own.”
          “Don’t let Lady Croxley hear you speak that way.”
          “I’m hoping that one day it is I or we who shall have the last laugh on her. With your help, that is.”
    “I’m intrigued, Hannah. Tell me more.”
    “I will, but I’d rather show you. Will you meet me  
    tomorrow at midday.” Rising to her feet, Hannah waited for Phoebe to do the same.
          “And you will give me no clue as to what I am to see?”
          “It would be easier to show you.”
          “I think that’s cruel of you to leave me hanging.”
          “Yet still I will remain tight-lipped until then.”
          It was then that Phoebe noted the stubborn thrust of Hannah’s jaw.
          “You may look angelic but you’re not, are you, Miss Wooller.”
          “I have no idea what you mean, Miss Langley.”
          Phoebe laughed. She liked this woman very much.  
          “Behind that sweet face are many secrets, it seems.”
          “We all have secrets, Phoebe.”
          Phoebe didn’t add to that, as she certainly had her fair share.
          “I will send round a note to you in the morning with details of where we are to meet.”
          “It’s all very secretive, Hannah, and I have to say I’m intrigued.”
          “Excellent. I feel a long friendship ahead of us, Phoebe, and let me say until tonight I did not think that amongst these people, that would be possible.”
          “I second that in all aspects,” Phoebe’s step felt lighter as she followed her new friend from the room.
          “Thank you, Hannah. I enjoyed our talk very much.”
          They exchanged smiles, and with a quick squeeze of their hands they went to find their families as they entered the ballroom.

CHAPTER THREE
                  
          
    Finn believed in routine. It