Scandal in Scotland Read Online Free PDF Page A

prison by now, the house lost to creditors.”
    “He is a selfish man. I don’t know why Lucinda wished to wed him. She was raised to be more forward thinking than that.”
    “I think he flattered her that she was better than everyone else.”
    “Better than me ,” Grandmamma said, her eyes flashing.
    “Mother is wrong,” Marcail said soothingly. “She is stubborn and won’t admit her mistake, though I think she knows it. Father isn’t easy to live with.”
    Grandmamma’s shoulders slumped. “I wish your mother would just leave him, but I fear that will never happen.”
    “Don’t look so glum. At least the debts have been paid and there’s enough to fund a season for Elizabeth. And if all works out the way I’ve planned, by the time she’s had a season or two I should have enough saved for Margot. And then Jane and—” Marcail sighed. “But none of that will happen if the ton discovers that they are related to a common actress.”
    Grandmamma’s face fell. “I suppose I shan’t see them when they’re in town, either, then.”
    “Don’t even think such a thing! They can claim the connection to you; our cases are quite different. Not only did you marry into the peerage, but it has been so long since you were on the stage that I doubt anyone would remember it.”
    “It would take only one person, my dear. People are not as forgiving as you think.”
    “Then that’s their loss, for a more gracious and wonderful woman doesn’t exist.”
    “La, but you are a fire-breather, aren’t you? Unfortunately, that changes nothing. It would be better if I did not see your sisters.”
    “So long as no one guesses my connection to you, we will be fine. I’ve been careful when I come to visit; I always wear my veil and I take a hackney coach rather than use my own, which might be recognized.”
    “You’re always protecting other people, my dear. But what about you , Marcail? What about your season?”
    “I’m seven and twenty now, the time for my season has long passed.” Marcail chuckled at her grandmother’s expression. “Stop that! It’s not as if I’m slaving in some coal mine. I have a wonderful career, I make an excellent wage, I’m able to provide for my family, and I have you to share dinner with whenever I wish. What more could I ask?”
    Grandmamma frowned. “You may trick some people into believing that silliness, but not me. I know of the slights and the illicit proposals and the lack of regard for your art.” She leaned forward. “I also know the personal price this charade has cost you.”
    Marcail wished she hadn’t confided about William all those years ago, but there was no undoing it now. She’d been sick with the loss, which had hurt far worse than she’d expected. For a few weeks, she hadn’t been able to leave her bed.
    Grandmamma had sent Briggs to her home every day with notes and tureens of hot soup. Eventually, Grandmamma herself had threatened to come visit. The thought of her frail grandmother braving the rough streets and cold weather had forced Marcail to rise. Though her spirits remained low for months, she never returned to the sickbed.
    Marcail waved a hand as if to banish that time. “I don’t think of it very often.” Until last week .
    “Well, I do. You have enough on your shoulders. My child, we must stop this blackmailer. You can’t keep giving him sums and sums of money as you’ve been doing.”
    “I would do something about it if I only knew who he was.”
    “I suppose this messenger, the red-haired woman, won’t give you a clue?”
    Marcail shook her head. “I get the distinct impression that Miss Challoner is afraid of the blackmailer. I’ve seen it in her eyes.” And Marcail didn’t get the impression that many things frightened Miss Challoner. The blackmailer’s messenger was an interesting woman, quite tall and amazingly beautiful, with red hair and green eyes and a confident bearing that set her apart. There were times when Marcail got