Read Emily Hendrickson for Free Online Page A

traveling a bit. The rolling stone and all that, you know. If she can’t find you, she can scarcely trick you, can she?”
    Alexander listened to the quietly spoken words, acknowledging that Lady Hetherton spoke nothing but the truth. “It galls me to be compelled to leave what promises to be a brilliant Season, my lady. My only consolation is that I did not miss your annual ball. If I must go, allow me a dance before I vanish.” Alexander summoned a smile for the older woman, who had always proven his friend.
    Her eyes alive with mirth, she nodded her agreement and subtly guided Alexander to a corner of the ballroom far from where delicate, blond Camilla Shelford stood with her mother.
    Later, onhis way to his rooms, Alexander stared out of the window of his carriage. This entire farce was growing beyond him. Come morning he would consult with his solicitor as to possible legal action should it prove necessary. Doubtless it would make him look a fool, but better that than marriage to the willful Camilla.
    * * * *
    The next morning Alexander made his way to the solicitor’s office at an hour that guaranteed Miss Shelford would still be abed. It did not take him long to present his dilemma to Mr. Small, who sat rubbing his gray-frosted side-whiskers all the while Alexander talked.
    “I do not think it in your best interests to consider legal action. A cease and desist order could bring unpleasant notoriety. Could you not take a tour of your estates?”
    Alexander was not one of those peers who neglected his land. Once the Season concluded, he spent his time inspecting each and every estate to keep the land and property in good heart. “She will likely follow me. I tell you, the girl is not right in her head.”
    Mr. Small frowned, rubbing his chin until he brightened, appearing to have thought of something.
    “Do you remember that smallish property your grandmother left you? A neat little manor house down at the tip of Wiltshire somewhere if I make no mistake.” He rose from his desk to cross the room, where a wooden cabinet provided a plump file containing the most current papers dealing with the Hawkswood properties.
    “Wiltshire?” Alexander queried softly. “I recall something to that effect, but I confess I’ve not had the time to go so far from the other estates. A smallish house does not command the attention Hawkswood Abbey does,” he concluded, referring to his principal seat.
    “Here it is,” Mr. Small said cheerfully. He spread out a map and a few other papers on his desk.
    Alexander rose to examine all before reluctantly assenting to the opinion voiced by Mr. Small. The village of Woodbury appeared to be the ideal place for a bolt-hole in which to hide until Camilla Shelford decided to turn her attention to some other poor chap.
    “To think I should be reduced to this!” Alexander said with a grimace.
    “It would appear to be as good a solution as any, my lord, and a good deal cheaper, not to mention easier on your reputation,” Mr. Small suggested.
    “I shan’t inform anyone else of my plans, and I rely upon you to keep me informed of Miss Shelford’s whereabouts,” Alexander offered lightly. “I leave immediately, as soon as my man can pack. Remember, utter silence—unless there is need for communication of a sort, and in that case contact Harry Riggs. I’ll leave his direction with you.” Alexander immediately jotted down Harry’s address, then turned to leave.
    “Good luck, my lord,” Mr. Small said as Alexander left the room and clattered down the stairs with great haste.
    It took but a little time before Alexander saw his banker, acquired all he needed from that source, then informed his valet that they would be taking an extensive journey to the south of England. As that worthy valiantly suppressed a shudder, Alexander offered the details while gathering a few papers he wanted .
    “The hinterland, I expect one might call it,” he confided with a sigh, thinking of all the