Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness Read Online Free

bubble.”
    Liberty’s chest ached a little.  How could it not?  There was something in Felicity’s tone.  Something so fine and rare and happy—she couldn’t help wanting a bit of it for herself.
    “But then we were home and he wanted to make plans to meet again, properly this time.  I told him it was impossible, but he persisted—so we compromised and planned to meet here.”  She waved a hand.
    “But I don’t understand.  Why could you not meet him in the regular fashion?  Surely you could have arranged to be at the same event.  An introduction should not be so hard to manage.”
    “Of course, you wouldn’t know,” the girl answered miserably.  “I’m only out this Season at my aunt’s insistence.  She convinced my mother that I should get out, see a little of the world before I settle down and marry.  Mother objected, but my aunt bullied her unmercifully until it was agreed I could act as companion to Charlotte.  I’m to accompany my cousin on shopping trips and to the park and on other outdoor excursions—and to any other event that Aunt has no wish to attend.  But on no account am I to flirt or court attention from young gentlemen myself.”
    Liberty frowned.  “Why ever not?  I thought that was rather the point of it all.”
    “Not for me.”  Her pretty head hung low.  “I’m to go to Mr. Bridlaw.  He’s our neighbor in Cumberland.”
    “Oh, that is an obstacle.”  Liberty thought a moment.  “Are you formally engaged, then?”
    Felicity shook her head.  “No, but Mr. Bridlaw’s estate is right next door, close enough that I can still help Mother—and she says he is just the man for me, older and steady enough to even out my flighty ways.”
    Liberty’s indignant retort was lost as Harris hissed in excitement.  Liberty had posted the maid at the corner, and set her to watching the lane and its intersection with the mews.  “Miss!” she called now.  “A carriage!  It’s very fine and it’s stopped dead on at the end of the lane!”
    Felicity paled and leaned against the wall for support, but Liberty was made of sterner stuff.  She hurried to the corner, bade Harris to make room, and peered around. 
    Suddenly the wistful ache in her chest bloomed into a full-fledged flare of jealousy.  “Good heavens, Felicity,” she breathed.  “No wonder you forgot Mr. Bridlaw.”
    A gentleman had descended from the carriage.  Liberty pressed her lips together tightly.  The museum directors her mother socialized with were forever growing excited over quality items and prime specimens.  She swallowed—and knew she’d become a collector herself if only a girl was permitted to gather tall, broad and handsome samples such as this.  And he only improved as he advanced.  
    “There’s two of them,” Harris said.
    Liberty tore her gaze away to see another gentleman descend from the coach.  He moved slowly and carefully and leaned on a walking stick.  He was as tall as the first man, but paler in skin tone and hair color.  They both moved toward their vantage point.
    Liberty withdrew and pulled Harris away too.  She looked back at Felicity, waiting wide-eyed and trembling, and abruptly crossed to her and took her hands.
    “Felicity, speak truly now.  Do you wish to marry Mr. Bridlaw?”
    The girl shook her head, setting her blonde curls to bouncing.
    “Do you wish to see if something . . . romantic . . . might develop with your fine gentleman, if given the chance?”
    The girl stared, wide-eyed.
    “Well?”
    “But—Mother?”
    “Don’t think of her now, but only what lies in your heart.  What do you want?”
    The girl’s eyes drifted toward the corner.  “Him,” she whispered.
    Liberty smiled and brushed a tendril of her hair from her lovely face.  “Then let’s get him for you.”
    The other girl sucked in a breath and Liberty spun around.  He’d rounded the corner, Felicity’s gentleman, his expression somber and his companion hanging back a