Read The Perfect Wife for Free Online Page B

us these past ten years, hasn’t it?”
    He shrugged in simple acknowledgment.
    “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have with me, but...” She paused and took a deep breath. “I need you here. To keep the house running, to keep an eye on Belinda.”
    Disappointment flashed across his face and he frowned. “I don’t believe it’s wise for you to undertake such a venture alone.”
    “I don’t seem to have a great deal of choice,” she said impatiently. “It’s not as if I can put a notice in the
Times
saying: ‘
Marchioness seeks companion for treasure-hunting. Previous experience in smuggling or other similar ventures preferred but not required
.’ There is no one I can turn to for help with this. And no one I would particularly trust.”
    Wills swirled the brandy in his glass. The light flashed off the golden surface, and he studied the liquid for a long moment. Finally, his gaze caught hers.
    “There is one,” he said quietly.
    “One? Who do you—” Sabrina jerked upright. The meaning of Wills’s comment struck her with an almost physical force. Of course; it was perfect. Her spirit leapt. She had not thought of that. Of him. The only real flaw in her plan so far was the difficulty of an unprotected woman traveling alone. This would solve that problem plus answer her need for transportation. Wills’s idea was more than likely impossible to execute, but not bad; not bad at all.
    “Do you think he’d be willing to help me? It has been a very long time, after all. I have not seen or spoken to him in ten years.”
    Wills leaned forward and locked his gaze with hers. “I believe he’d do anything just for the pleasure of your company.” Heat flushed up her face and he grinned at her discomfort. “The pleasure of your company and a sizable fortune.”
    Sabrina ignored the comment and thought for a moment. “I really have no idea where he is. He could be in America or anywhere else in the world. Have you had any contact with him in recent years?”
    Wills shrugged. “I still have a few old friends here and there. I’m not completely out of touch. I’ll check the docks and try to discover whether he’s in England.” He tossed back the last of his drink and shot her a warning glare. “If we find him, I’ll have no objections to this treasure hunt of yours. If we can’t, we’ll have to think of another way. I won’t let you go off by yourself.” He gave a sharp nod and quickly pulled himself to his feet, once again the ideal butler.
    He picked up the jewel box. “I shall take care of this at once.” He crossed the room, turned the key and left, closing the door quietly behind him.
    Sabrina stared at the glass in her hand. Wills’s threat didn’t bother her. She’d do exactly as she pleased. He knew she wasn’t stupid and would not make foolish mistakes. No, he was merely concerned about her safety, an old habit she honestly appreciated.
    But he was right: It would all be so much easier with a partner, especially the right partner. A man with whom she could drop her prim and proper facade. A man who recognized that intelligence and courage were not strictly male qualities. A man who expected nothing more from her than the free spirit she had once been, and now, perhaps, would be again. The idea triggered a rush of excitement in her blood that rivaled even the lure of a fortune in gold.
    She was more than willing to share the treasure. According to her translation, it was worth at least a half million pounds. More than enough for two.
    Oh, yes, a partner would be the perfect answer. If, of course, she could find him.

    Nicholas leaned back against the tufted velvet seat of his carriage and wondered for the hundredth time what on earth Lady Stanford could possibly be up to. When his son asked him last night to have a talk with her, it seemed a minor request. Nicholas looked forward to seeing her again, especially since he was more and more convinced she would make an acceptable, even