To Catch a Lady Read Online Free Page B

“I don’t believe it. It’s only terrible gossip.”
    Caro shook her head. “I’m so sorry, little sister, but it’s true. The invitations have been sent. Lady Talmadge told me this afternoon that she’d already received hers. The cur has even obtained a special license.” She leaned forward. “News about town is that Cransford will be gaining a new ‘lordling’ come winter and that Miss Emily Travers will be going to the Continent immediately after the wedding.”
    “No…” Beatrice sobbed into her kerchief.
    Waiting for her sister to calm, Caro sipped her now cold tea. It wasn’t the first time she had wished for another solution to their problems. Or at least a solution that wouldn’t have her forcing her young sister into a marriage with a stranger.
    After a few seconds, Beatrice hiccupped and sat back, dabbing at her eyes. “I suppose there’s nothing to be done about it.”
    “I’m sorry, Bea.”
    The younger woman took a deep breath. “I can’t help it. I still love him.”
    “I know you do,” Caro said, “but you cannot deny yourself a chance for happiness. It hurts now, but you’ll heal in time.”
    Bea gave her a teary expression. “And just how shall I do that?”
    “By finding another husband, that’s how. That’s why I’ve given your card to Summerton. I know when he sees you he’ll offer for you immediately. How could he not? You are the most beautiful and talented girl in London, I swear.”
    Caro’s hopes for her sister’s agreement were dashed the moment the girl’s striking blue eyes met hers. “I can’t do it. I can’t give myself to another. I shall be like you and remain alone for the rest of my life.”
    “Nonsense, Bea. You would be miserable alone. Besides, I just know the two of you will suit. He’s quite handsome and clever. A man of true worth. Why, practically every girl in London is vying for his attentions.”
    Bea shook her head. “I won’t do it.”
    Caro sighed. There was no way around it. She was going to have to tell her sister the truth, though it pained her to do so.
    “We have no money left. Mother’s settlement is gone.”
    “Gone? What are you talking about? What did you do with it?”
    Caro took her sister’s hands and held them firmly. “I’ve been very careful with the money, I assure you. But it turns out that our dear cousin Alfred visited the bank last month. Acting as Mother’s guardian, he emptied the account. We’re broke.” She paused to let her sister catch her breath. “Not only that—he’s sold the cottage. We must be out by the end of the month.”
    It was true. Alfred Danbury, their mother’s distant cousin, was the last living relative she had in the world. Black-hearted cad that he was, Alfred didn’t even stop by to check on his cousin’s well-being. One would think he might have a bit more care for her, but not so in Alfred’s case. He was a terrible gambler, and theirs wasn’t the first bank account he’d emptied.
    Bea sat back, the fight clearly going out of her. “What will we do? How shall we live?”
    Caro leaned forward. “It’s my hope that you can attract Summerton’s attention, or, if not him, at least one of the other eligible gentry.”
    “And what of you and Mother? Do you think that my new husband, whoever he will be, will take on the support of my entire family?”
    The very thought of such a thing burned in her chest. Caro shook her head. “It’s only necessary for you to find a good match. I’ve already secured a position as a companion to Lady Talmadge. With the money I earn, we can rent this cottage from the new owner and pay half salary to Mrs. Danley.”
    “Half salary? You must be joking. Surely she can obtain a better housekeeping position.”
    “She’s already agreed to the arrangement. She knows she’s getting up in years and had been thinking of retiring on the monthly stipend her son now sends her, but she’s so attached to Mother, she couldn’t bear to leave her to