Scandal of the Season Read Online Free PDF Page A

again and knew what she would do with it. Little Bronwyn might only be nine, but someday, she would wear fine things like silk gowns and ruby necklaces. And if not, maybe by then she could pawn it for the girl.
    Standing up, Victoria moved to her linen press and the box with Bronwyn’s name on it. She placed the pendant in the box. When Bronwyn was older and the necklace forgotten about, then Victoria could give it to the child.
    Now her only concern was finding something else to pawn before they ran out of food and coal. She knew she could go next door and ask Lady Whitely for money, but she hated that idea.
    It was Victoria’s fault that they were low on funds. She had brought two new children in last month who were not like the others. Then there were the few trinkets she had bought the children to give them on Christmas morning. And she never should have bought presents for Avis’s and Jennette’s babies. She should have said she could not attend the christening party. But she wanted to see her friends.
    She wanted to be one of them instead of always on the fringe.
    It mattered not, she told herself for the millionth time. She would never truly be one of them. And today’s actions proved that. What would they think if they discovered she was nothing more than a petty thief?
     

    Anthony walked up the steps of his home on Duke Street. He loved the small home that his grandmother’s inheritance had afforded him. It had allowed him to leave his father’s house of lies. For almost ten years Anthony had lived here…alone.
    Why was that suddenly rubbing him wrong? He loved his life. With plenty of cousins, he had no reason to marry just to give his father an heir. But the past few months something felt off in his life, and Lord Eastleigh’s actions at that party last night had only made it worse. Maybe being away for five months had made him forget how much he loved his unfettered life.
    Nevertheless, even that notion didn’t sit well with him. After watching three friends fall madly in love and marry, he could not possibly think he wanted that too. He didn’t. He could have any woman he wanted, whenever he wanted. What man would want more than that? So what could be bothering him?
    Perhaps it was his need to apologize to that woman.
    Anne Smith.
    She was the only regret he had in his life. He’d been so damned drunk that night her words never reached his brandy soaked brain. Taking that poor girl up against the wall of the church had been more than bad form. It had been rape. And at the very least, he owed her an apology and probably much more than that.
    For years, he had been trying to find her. But without a name, he’d had no luck. He finally went to Sophie for advice two years ago, and she promised to help him find the girl’s name with her abilities as a medium. But before she had given him Anne Smith’s name, she’d required his assistance with matching her friends.
    Tomorrow, he would return to Sophie’s and demand an explanation. He wanted more than a name now. He wanted to know everything about the woman.
    Reese opened the door as Anthony reached the top step.
    “Good evening, sir.”
    “Good evening, Reese.” Anthony shook the light snow off his greatcoat and handed it to his butler. “I believe I shall retire.”
    Reese glanced over at the clock in the parlor. “It is only ten.”
    Anthony chuckled. “I am tired tonight. After all the traveling, I want an early night in my bed.”
    “Are you expecting someone?”
    Anthony smirked at Reese’s knowing remark. “Believe it or not, I just want some sleep tonight.”
    “As you wish, my lord.”
    Anthony trudged up the stairs eager for the comforts of his bed. He could hear the sound of his valet’s footsteps following him up the stairs. “Evening, Huntley.”
    “Evening, my lord. Did you have an enjoyable time?”
    “Hardly.”
    Walking into his room, Huntley trailed behind. “I can manage my clothing tonight, Huntley. You may