Betrayed by Arnette Lamb Read Free Book Online Page A

stead.”
    Henry wooing Sarah, Sarah loathing the Elliots. How had she tangled herself up with them?
    â€œHow much will they give you upon resignation? More than we paid, I should hope.”
    Beyond shock, Michael simply stared at her. She still thought he earned a wage. He grasped a random, paltry sum. “Two thousand pounds.”
    Her mouth tightened in a perfect picture of Sarah’s description. “Give it to me, and I’ll take it to London. Perhaps his grace will be pacified by it. We cannot have our family affairs dragged into Parliament.”
    Knowing he’d break the family crystal if he had to endure another moment of her overbearing company, Michael rose. “I’ll take it myself the day after tomorrow.”
    â€œI have friends to see in London, and I must look after Henry.”
    As much as he hated himself for it, Michael tried to reason with her. “Henry has manly needs, Mama. Toiletries and things unmentionable in mixed company.”
    â€œNonsense. I am his mother.”
    That did it. He crumpled his napkin. “I do not appreciate being accused of speaking nonsense.”
    She sat motionless, surprised. “Your father never allowed me an opinion.”
    With good cause, Michael thought, and wondered if she’d been born a shrew.
    â€œGo then, and do not skimp where Henry’s comfort is concerned.” Judging from the vigor with which she rang the servants’ bell, Michael knew her acquiescence was hard won. She spoiled it by saying, “You may take port in the study. There hasn’t been money for brandy or for the tobacconist. The housekeeper has prepared you a room, in the family wing, of course.”
    He assumed this was a great compliment, considering her tone. But as her son, he expected more than civility from her. It wouldn’t come today or tomorrow, and in the meantime, he’d keep a distance.
    â€œYou’re very accommodating, Mother. But I’ve arranged rooms at the Dragoon Inn.”
    â€œNons—”
    â€œMy lady,” he interrupted, “I’ll be staying elsewhere.”
    â€œYou said ‘rooms.’ Have you brought a mistress with you or taken a wife?”
    She actually believed he would marry without telling his family? The idea had certainly never occurred to him.
    She’s a stranger , his bruised pride said.
    She’s a damned disappointment, his heart replied.
    Buck up, the mature soldier insisted. “No, I travel with a manservant.” Turnbull would chuckle at being relegated to that.
    â€œCan you afford a valet?”
    Michael wanted to roar in frustration. Instead, he told her what he thought she wanted to hear. “I’m thrifty to the core, Mother.”
    Realizing she’d gone too far, she gave him a conciliatorysmile. “You will keep me informed as to your progress with that MacKenzie woman?”
    â€œBy all means. Shall I give you a report now?”
    â€œOnly if the news is good.”
    She’d take what she jolly well got. “I told her you sent apologies for calling her an ill-bred, uncivilized ne’er-do-well.”
    â€œYou wouldn’t dare take her side.”
    No, he wouldn’t. He must try to establish loyalty among the Elliots. “She’s sorry she said that you were a pinched-mouth crow.”
    â€œOh, she’ll pay for that slander. I’ll see her pilloried beside Mercat’s Cross with other liars and thieves.”
    â€œShe also indicated she would fight any suit we brought against her.”
    â€œShe thinks she knows so much. No decent family will send their children to that Sunday school of hers, and I’ve just begun.”
    A teacher—it fit Sarah perfectly. “I’m dining with her tomorrow night.”
    â€œRemember what I said about ruining her for your brother.”
    Ignoring his mother’s rudeness, Michael bid her good night and escaped to the darkened streets of Edinburgh. The wind