Read Lady Alex's Gamble for Free Online Page B

Richardson
    led him to suggest that perhaps she might like the vicar to help her with her studies. The look of delight which had illumined the girl's face had sent him straight off to broach the subject with her father.
    Though uninterested himself in exploring the rarified realms of intellectual pursuit, the earl had no objection to his daughter's visiting them if she pleased. Thus had begun one of the most pleasurable parts of young Alexandra's life. She was an apt pupil and it had not been too many years before she and the vicar had become fellow travelers in their quest for knowledge rather than master and student. Alex smiled at the memory of the doctor, holding her small hand firmly in his, bearding her father in his account room.
    "Alfred, I want you to see that this child is given the education she deserves. I suggest you send for Theodosius right now and see what he can do for her." Her father had merely smiled benignly at his friend's forcefulness and replied mildly, "Very well, Trevor—that is, if Alex herself agrees to it."
    She had been almost too excited to stammer her response.
    "Oh yes, Papa, if you please, Papa." And ever since then, the doctor had done his best to make sure that she had everything she needed, battling as pugnaciously and tenaciously as a terrier for her happiness. Indeed, with his beetling dark brows and square jaw, not to mention his fierce loyalty, he did rather resemble a terrier himself. Certainly no dog could have been as devoted to her as he had been for so many years. The very least she could do to repay his kindness and concern was to listen to his 44
    Lady Alex's Gamble
    by Evelyn Richardson
    advice, even if she did not heed it. The best she could do in this case was to resolve to be as discreet as she could be—if such a thing were possible in the escapade such as she was planning.
    [Back to Table of Contents]
    45
    Lady Alex's Gamble
    by Evelyn Richardson

Chapter 5
    Over the next few days, Alexandra was caught in a flurry of activity and planning, for reliable and devoted as Bessie, Mrs. Throckmorton, and Althea were, there was much to be done, a great many details to be attended to, and all of it with as much secrecy as possible. Alexander was the first and foremost concern, it being imperative that he be moved as quickly and with as little disturbance as possible before he became worse.
    Doctor Padgett had left instructions as to how best to transport him most comfortably to Mrs. Bates's cottage and they waited for a moment when he had passed from delirium into exhausted docility before dressing him and carrying him down the entrance hall. From there it was only a few steps to the carriage, the stalwart Ned assisting Alexander's passage in a manner that made it appear to anyone who cared to observe that, despite his being completely castaway, the earl was embarking on a considerable journey.
    Later, Bessie made her way surreptitiously to the cottage where Ned had made his master as comfortable as possible. The doctor, stopping to call on Alex after checking in on her brother, was able to report that at least that part of her plan had progressed satisfactorily. The earl was none the worse for his journey, though he was certainly not improved. He remained feverish and restless, tossing and turning, so little aware of his surroundings that it was doubtful he was even 46
    Lady Alex's Gamble
    by Evelyn Richardson
    conscious of the fact that he was no longer in his own bed at Halewood.
    In the meantime, deprived of the invaluable Bessie, Alexandra was forced to rely on Mrs. Throckmorton and Althea to help her prepare for her transformation into the earl. They worked night and day to alter her brother's clothes to fit her, taking them in at the waist, adding padding to the shoulders, and providing a critical audience as she perfected her imitation of Alexander's swagger and strove to pitch her voice to match his. Hers was rather low for a lady, though considerably gentler and more