Paradise Wild by Johanna Lindsey Page A

death. They will come directly to you when you are of age.”
    “Or when I marry?”
    “Yes.”
    “You know, if you could just give me some of that money now, Father, I wouldn’t be in such a hurry to marry,” Corinne suggested.
    “And have you lose it all? No, my girl. I just hope when you finally do get your money, you show some sense in what you do with it. The two hundred you get monthly now comes from your trust, but what do you have to show for it?”
    “I spend money on clothes,” she said defensively. “And jewels.”
    “You charge those to me! You throw your own money away.”
    “This conversation has become boring. Good night, Father.” Corinne rose stiffly and stalked from the room.

Chapter 6
    Jared Burk called at the Barrows’ townhouse promptly at noon, but was kept waiting for thirty minutes. Corinne didn’t do it on purpose, as she sometimes did with her other callers. She had actually overslept, forgetting to tell Florence to wake her early.
    When she finally came downstairs to meet him, Jared’s eyes showed that he didn’t mind the wait. She wore a simple dress without frills, elegant because of the rich silk poplin material. Bottle-green, it was a few shades darker than her eyes. The high collar was ribboned in a darker green, with an ornate diamond broach. A large diamond and emerald ring was her only other jewelry.
    After a few words of greeting and the customary compliments on Jared’s part, they left in Jared’s hired carriage. He allowed her the choice of restaurants, since he was not acquainted with the better establishments, and she chose a small cafe that she often enjoyed. The food was excellent and the atmosphere friendly.
    Jared ordered lunch for them both, making a choice Corinne silently approved of, and a light wine was served immediately. After taking a few sips, Corinne relaxed a bit and observed her escort boldly.
    He was smartly dressed in a dark blue suit, openedto reveal a light blue silk vest with mother-of-pearl buttons. His rugged good looks, his expensive clothes, his entire appearance commanded attention. His face was smoothly shaved, and she still wondered how he had acquired such a deep tan. Corinne felt the envy of the other women in the room, and this pleased her vanity.
    “Is something wrong, Miss Barrows?” Jared finally asked, after he had allowed her scrutiny to continue for several moments.
    She blushed slightly. “I didn’t mean to stare. I’ve just never met anyone as darkly tanned as you are. It must be terribly hot where you come from.”
    “You get used to it,” he replied noncommittally, and quickly changed the subject. “I must say I expected a chaperone to join us today.”
    Corinne laughed. “Whatever for? We live in a new age, Mr. Burk. Chaperones are old-fashioned.”
    “Not everyone feels that way.”
    “You, for instance?”
    “Yes,” he admitted. “Frankly, I’m surprised your father doesn’t insist on a chaperone for you.”
    “My father is quite tolerant where I am concerned. He has always given me complete freedom, so I have learned to be cautious. I avoid dangerous situations. Have I something to fear from you, Mr. Burk?” she asked coyly, thoroughly amused by his archaic ideas.
    He grinned before answering. “That depends on what your fears are.”
    “Meaning?”
    “Some women fear what others don’t.”
    Lunch was served. Though Jared never gave her questions direct answers, he asked her many. He quizzed her about Boston, and she proudly related some of its history.
    She relaxed and enjoyed his company. He could becharming and witty, and when he laughed, his eyes were more blue than gray. But afterwards, on the ride home, she was taken by surprise when he began questioning her again, and in a personal vein.
    “I find it unusual that your fiancé didn’t object to our meeting today.”
    “He didn’t know about it,” she admitted. “But he wouldn’t have said anything if he had.”
    “You intend to tell