The Saint and the Sinner Read Online Free PDF

home,” he said. “Miss Stratton is staying, so bring in her trunk.”
    “Yes, M’Lord.”
    There was a look of surprise on the Butler’s face which Pandora did not miss.
    “I thought I should find Burrows here,” she said. “Have you made many changes in the household?”
    “I have no idea,” the Earl replied. “I have an agent who attends to all that sort of thing.”
    Pandora knew that this was one of the reasons why the people in the village had been upset and frightened.
    She was just about to say more when the door opened and into the room came one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen.
    She had hair that was a brilliant red and her skin in contrast was so white that it took Pandora a second or two to realise that it was not natural.
    Her lips were scarlet and she was wearing an inordinate amount of jewellery on a low-cut gown which concealed very little of her full, curved figure.
    She seemed almost to float into the room and looked from Pandora to the Earl in a questioning manner that was somehow offensive.
    “I heard a lady had arrived!” she said, accentuating the word, “and wondered who it might be. I thought our guests were not expected until later.”
    “You need not get excited,” the Earl replied. “This is my cousin, Pandora Stratton, whom I have never met before.”
    “You expect me to believe that?” the newcomer enquired.
    She looked at Pandora in an even more suspicious manner than she had before.
    Because she felt she must say something, Pandora explained quickly,
    “I live in Lindchester and I came to ask my cousin for help.”
    “He’s got no money for charity,” the woman said rudely. “I see to that!”
    “Shut up, Kitty, and behave yourself!” the Earl said. “My cousin has every right to ask my help if she wants it, and in fact she is not after money.”
    “Then what is she after?”
    “Just an invitation to stay for a night or two because she thinks it will cool the ardour of a Parson who wishes to marry her.”
    The woman stared at him incredulously, then she laughed.
    “God Almighty! What are we coming to?” she asked. “There isn’t really a part in this play for you, Norvin, as you must be well aware.”
    “On the contrary, I am quite prepared to play the part of Stage Manager, or that of the villain,” the Earl replied. “Now, suppose we start at the beginning and you are introduced?”
    He made a gesture with his hand.
    “Pandora, this is Kitty King, and as I fancy you have no knowledge of the London Theatre, let me tell you she plays an important part at Drury Lane and also understudies the famous Madame Vestris with great gusto!”
    This all meant nothing to Pandora but it obviously pleased Kitty King.
    “‘Gusto’ is the right word!” she said. “You should see me striding the stage in me breeches and boots. It brings the audience to their feet, doesn’t it, Norvin?”
    “They certainly enjoy the sight of you,” the Earl replied.
    “And there’s quite a lot to see!”
    “You should be slimming for your next part.”
    “Not with all the drink you’ve got in this place,” Kitty King answered, “and I could do with one right now.”
    “Forgive me for appearing inhospitable,” the Earl said, “but my cousin has given me a great deal to think about.”
    “Well, keep that in your mind and not your hands!” Kitty admonished.
    The Earl again reached for the bell-pull.
    “Champagne” he said as the door opened.
    “I was just bringing it in, M’Lord;” the Butler replied.
    From behind her two footmen appeared, carrying a large silver ice-bucket in which there were two bottles.
    “Well, I don’t understand what’s going on,” Kitty said, throwing herself down on the sofa and crossing her legs so that she displayed a great deal of ankle, “but I’ve never been one to refuse a friend in need.”
    “Then you are exactly what my cousin is asking for at this moment,” the Earl said.
    Kitty King looked at Pandora in a more kindly