Read Online Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James - Free Book Online

mother would mind, very much.
    Mama’s eyelashes fluttered. “Now isn’t the best time.” She glanced toward Harlan, whose glower distorted his normally pleasant features, and then she pursed her lips. “You volunteer countless hours during the rest of the year, so you should take time off to enjoy yourself during the summer. Stay here with your family and friends. Miranda is sensible. She ’ll understand.”
    Lilly toyed with the lace at the neck. Though she usually followed Mama’s wishes to keep peace in the household, this time she couldn’t. “Miranda wouldn’t summon me unless they truly needed my assistance. So I must go for a short time. I’ll return by the end of the week.” Lilly excused herself and stepped toward the door.
    “Wait a moment, Lilly.” Mama’s pale skin reddened from the tight collar of her pearl gray dress upward to her hairline. “I suppose if you must go,” she sputtered, “it would be all right for a day or two. But you must return for the van Patten’s ball. You’ve accepted their kind invitation, so it would be unforgivable to decline at the last moment.”
    “Of course.”
    Before Lilly could escape, Mama added, “The Carstairses are leaving for the city, early tomorrow morning. I’m sure Beatrice would welcome you along. I’ll make the arrangements. And do ask Miranda to return with you for a visit.”
    “Thank you,” Lilly said, surprised Mama didn’t insist she remain at Summerhill where she could keep an eye on her. But naturally Mama wouldn't argue in front of guests. She simply had to make it appear that it was her plan too.

SIX
    T he next morning Jack held the telephone receiver to his ear. “Good morning, Mr. Jarman. It’s a pleasure to hear from you, although I didn’t expect we ’d be in contact until I returned to New York. I’ve been giving serious thought to making an offer.”
    “I’m delighted. But just yesterday I received another proposal. I wanted you to know since you were the first to show an interest.”
    Jack’s pulse quickened. He’d counted on a few more weeks to study the financial statements for the publishing house. “Oh? May I ask from whom?” His stomach tightened. He could see his hopes slipping away.
    “Atwater Publishers.”
    Their well-established star, Mrs. Elna Price, rivaled Jones and Jarman’s rising newcomer, Fannie Cole.
    “We ’re to meet tomorrow morning,” Mr. Jarman said.
    “I’d also like to discuss a purchase as soon as possible. Would it be convenient if we met late this afternoon in the city?”
    They agreed on a four-thirty appointment before hanging up. Jack quickly stacked his clothes in his valise and searched for the Westbrooks. Gathered for a late breakfast, Jack found them lingering in the dining room over oatmeal, poached eggs, and bacon served on fine china plates.
    Mrs. Westbrook blotted her mouth with a linen napkin. “Do eat some breakfast, Jackson.”
    “I already have. Thank you. I’m taking the next train to New York. I need to take care of some pressing business that came up unexpectedly. I’ll return in a few days.”
    A sly smile turned up the corner of Irene ’s pouty lips. She wore a red frock, guaranteed to garner attention at the casino. An overblown American beauty rose amidst a garden of pale pink and white blossoms.
    “How coincidental. Lilly’s also in the city. No doubt she ’ll be thrilled to see you. Don’t you agree, Harlan?” Irene asked.
    His face hardened, as did Mrs. Westbrook’s. He paused and then said in a cool tone, “What are you implying?”
    Irene shrugged and fingered the cameo at her neck. “Why, nothing.”
    “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way.” Jack bit back a grin as he exited the dining room.
    He left within the hour. Traveling comfortably in a first class compartment, he skimmed two Fannie Cole novels he ’d borrowed from Irene. Much to his surprise, he enjoyed the misadventures of her brave heroes and sassy heroines. The train