Read In Love Again for Free Online Page A

but one of the best people I’ve ever known, I reached this place of not caring. In a good way, of simply putting myself out there and saying: This is me. Take it or leave it. ”
    “I like the sound of that,” Claire said.
    “The only catch is that some people will leave it. You have to be prepared for that. Just not focused on it.”
    “I guess I am nearing that place. Trying to figure out what it is I am going to do and just doing it.”
    “Yes, which brings us to the supposed purpose of this meeting. What are you aiming to do?” Boppy asked.
    “Well, anything, really. I am so willing. With two of the most accomplished sisters-in-law on earth, I feel a bit of an underachiever.” Claire smiled. “But I do have something to offer. I think. Maybe…” Her voice trailed off.
    “Confidence not being one of them, I see.” Boppy chided, but it was supportive somehow, as if that was something she could remedy.
    “Alas, not quite yet. I’m a bit off kilter.” Claire smiled again. “But I’m steady, I promise. I am, according to my family, damnably reliable. And so eager. I could sort fabrics, answer the phone, do paperwork. I am very meticulous and detail oriented. I pursue workmen and craftspeople rather like a terrier pursues a rat. And I’m a terrible perfectionist, which Sarah thought was somehow marketable. So she suggested I mention it.”
    Boppy was the one smiling this time. “Okay. Let me think about the best way to use you. I notice you’re not introducing yourself as the Marchioness of Wick. How does that stand? Are you going to be called away to speak to men in wigs about the sordid details of your marriage, or are you divorced?”
    Claire was falling in love with this woman. She was smart and confident and demanding and strong. Her mother had been all those things, but there had been a lack of joy about the Duchess of Northrop, as if bringing up Claire had been akin to training a prized show animal, rather than raising a daughter. Boppy seemed like she might work Claire hard, but might also be interested in being along for the ride.
    “I am legally separated. It’s just a matter of time until it’s official. The castle has been shut down, except for the barest bones of the public areas, and I’ve called upon my brother to provide the necessary funds to keep the heat and water running.”
    “I’m surprised he hasn’t offered to do more.”
    “Oh,” Claire laughed. “Of course, they both offered to buy the whole thing and give it to me. But I couldn’t have that. I think everything will be sorted in the end. My husband—soon-to-be former husband—was a rascal and terrible businessman, but I don’t think he was really cretinous. More vain and careless.”
    Boppy nodded. “Go on.”
    “Once all of his investors finish pressing charges and everyone gets their money back—which could take years, of course—I think the place will come to me. The property’s not entailed, and the marquisate is finished anyway. The title will die with my husband. Unless he remarries, I suppose.” Claire looked at the ivy-covered brick wall across from where she was sitting, as if the thought hadn’t really occurred to her.
    “Anything’s possible.” Boppy raised an eyebrow.
    Claire took a deep breath. “You know, I’m not sure it would be the worst thing that ever happened.”
    “Good. Okay, why don’t you come upstairs and I’ll introduce you to everyone? I think I’m going to have to come up with a special title for you. Intern sounds odd.” The older woman put her coffee mug back onto the silver tray, then looked at Claire.
    “Are you offering me a job?” Claire asked, stunned.
    “Of course I’m offering you a job.”
    “A paid job?”
    Boppy laughed again. “Yes, Claire. A paid job. I can’t offer you a huge salary. There are too many others who’ve put in their time and worked here for years. It would be bad for morale if I paid you too much. And that sort of thing tends to get