Blue Clouds Read Online Free Page B

elsewhere?”
    The mention of their youngest child, crippled by muscular dystrophy, brought the subject to an abrupt close. With a forced attempt at cheerfulness, Pippa inquired after all three Kelly children, diverting the conversation to happier topics.
    The knowledge that her new employer held the sobriquet of Grim Reaper did nothing to reassure Pippa’s sagging confidence.
    ***
    â€œYou don’t really mean you took the job without an interview?” Horror written across her expressive face, Meg stared at Pippa over her cup of morning coffee.
    Pippa shrugged with more nonchalance than she felt. “I have to support myself somehow. Your letter saying Wyatt couldn’t hire anyone for a million dollars inspired me. I doubt if I’ll make a million dollars, but just think about that little boy out there. I called Mr. Wyatt from the airport, faxed my resume, and he faxed his acceptance. We’ve not discussed all the terms and so forth, but I’ll not be a burden to you, Meg. I can’t put Candy out of her room forever. You have enough problems without taking on mine.”
    â€œYou’re still afraid of that psycho boyfriend, aren’t you?” Meg demanded, setting her cup down with a thump. Outside, a bird sang in the California version of lilacs.
    Looking at the bright sunshine pouring in the double kitchen windows, Pippa decided Southern California weather was as predictable as Kentucky’s was unpredictable. So far, she loved it. She was determined to stay here, one way or another.
    â€œBilly is not my boyfriend,” she pronounced carefully. “He’s a mistake I made when Mama was ill. A mistake I’ll not make again. I can take care of myself. If this job doesn’t work out, I’ll find another. I just want to start someplace where I have friends.”
    â€œYou’ll need friends if you work for Seth,” Meg warned. “He’s lucky he still has his father’s housekeeper. She’s too old to go anywhere else. I don’t know where he found his secretary, but it wasn’t from around here. None of them come to town. They have their groceries shipped out to that mausoleum of a house. What will you use for transportation? That gothic horror is way out in the hills.”
    â€œHe’s sending a car for me,” Pippa admitted. “Will everyone despise you for having a friend who works for him?”
    Meg grinned. “No, they’ll pump me for every detail. Stand up and let me have a look at you. If you insist on doing this, then let’s do it right.”
    Pippa stood and pirouetted in the dress she’d bought with some of her last few dollars. She didn’t exactly look a fashion plate, but the soft green shirtwaist was businesslike and practical, and the wide belt made her feel feminine. She had contemplated continuing the disguise of a middle-aged woman, but the idea of wearing that stifling padding every day quenched the notion quickly enough. The only part of the disguise she kept was the hair. And the cover-up cream on the bruises.
    â€œYou look like a prim schoolteacher,” Meg informed her, avoiding any mention of the bruises. “I hope when your clothes arrive, they have a little more style, or I’ll make you spend your first paycheck on something a little classier.”
    Pippa grimaced. “Fashion critic. This is how we dress for work in Kentucky. What do you wear out here, halter tops?”
    They launched into the old argument with zeal and laughter, until a car horn blew outside. The time had come and the insistent horn was an inauspicious beginning.
    ***
    â€œChad, I know you’re not happy about this, but we have to allow Miss MacGregor out of the house once in a while. Unless you like sitting here by yourself or listening to Nana complain, you’ll need someone else with you. I’m certain Miss Cochran will be fine. She’ll just be here in case you need her. The rest of the