“You see. That's what I mean,” Joanna said, slumping in her seat. “I don’t have a clue as to how to act or…or what’s to be expected of me. I’ve never had tailored clothes or…or—”

“Maids, chauffeurs, and a personal cook?”

“Really?” Joanna said, wincing.

“Yes, plus a house manager who I know you’ll adore,” Fran said, but when she noticed Joanna’s frown, Fran reached over and touched her on the hand. “Relax, Joanna. You’ll be fine. Nothing is going to be expected from you at first, and when the time comes for you to appear in public with Addison, you’ll have had plenty of opportunities to brush up on your haughty skills. Trust me.”

“I don’t ever intend to be haughty,” Joanna said quietly.

“Good.”

“Thanks for everything you did today.”

“I hardly think you need to thank me for forcing you to get a physical.”

“I didn’t mind. I hadn’t had one in years, so it’s good to know I’m okay.”

“Oh, speaking of that…hold on,” Fran said, pulling her briefcase from a nearby chair. Opening it, she pulled out a folder and slid it across the table to Joanna.

“What’s this?” Joanna asked.

“Addison’s medical report.”

Joanna snickered as she pushed the file back toward Fran. “Not interested.”

“What?”

Joanna shrugged. “I just figured since she was forcing me to get one, I’d do the same. I don’t need to see what it says.”

“Nicely done,” Fran said, chuckling as she returned the file to her attaché.

“Thanks.”

“And speaking of nice, I like your father. He’s quite a character.”

“Well, he definitely likes you,” Joanna said with a laugh. “I always forget how charming he can be when he puts his mind to it. I apologize for all those winks he was sending your way earlier, but he insisted on meeting you.”

“He’s adorable. I didn’t mind at all,” Fran said, taking a sip of tea. “Can I ask what made you decide to tell him the truth?”

“Because he’s my dad. Yeah, he’s going to forget most of what I told him today, and I’ll have to repeat it again and again, but making up a story, basically telling him a lie, well that would have made him look stupid, and my dad’s not stupid.”

Gazing at the woman across the table, Fran said softly, “From where I’m sitting...neither is his daughter.”

Chapter Ten

In the back seat of a Rolls-Royce parked outside the registry office, Robert Sheppard sat silently as he waited for his daughter to return. Although a bit tired from the activities of the morning, he was alert and knew exactly where he was and why he was there.