Melinda Hammond by The Dream Chasers Read Free Book Online

born a gentleman, after all, and once I’ve signed the papers and have secured my inheritance, I intend to live like one. That little affair with Barker was my last deal. I’m a free man now. At least I would be, only . . .’
    ‘Only?’
    Wry amusement gleamed in the grey eyes. ‘They took my purse, Viv.’
    Mr Lagallan grinned.
    ‘I’ll pay your shot here, plus enough for the doctor who is coming to see you tomorrow, and I’ll give you your fare to London.’
    ‘You are monstrous generous, Viv. You have my word that I’ll settle with you once I get to Town—’
    ‘No!’ Mr Lagallan stopped him. ‘I’d prefer to have your word that you will keep out of my way once you get there!’
     

Chapter Five
     
    The repaired coach duly arrived at The Golden Cockerel the following morning to collect Mr Lagallan and his companion. Miss Marchant looked a trifle heavy-eyed, but she was eager to talk over the events of the evening. Mr Lagallan refused to discuss anything until they were on their way. Eustacia scarcely waited for the steps to be put up before she bombarded her companion with questions.
    ‘How is Mr MacCauley this morning? What did he say to you - did he tell you who had attacked him?’
    Mr Lagallan threw up his hands, laughing at her.
    ‘Gently, my child. Give me time to answer one question before you fire another!’
    ‘But the poor man was so bruised and battered, I thought perhaps we should have stayed to nurse him.’
    ‘Now I know your wits have gone begging! I wouldn’t wager a groat against MacCauley seeing through your disguise if he saw you for any length of time.’
    Eustacia wondered what Mr Lagallan would say if he knew of her midnight dealings with the injured man. She was considering telling him the whole tale when he spoke again.
    ‘And why the deuce did you go into his room last night? Of all the ill-considered starts! You should have called me!’
    ‘He was moaning so pitifully.’
    ‘And you wanted to be a ministering angel. Hare-brained little ninny!’
    Miss Marchant held her tongue, and Mr Lagallan’s harsh look faded as she fought back an angry retort.
    ‘You do well not to come to blows with me, brat! I’ll give you credit for a kind heart, my dear, but don’t waste your sympathy on Nathan MacCauley. The doctor will attend him today and I’ve paid the landlord well for his trouble, so you may put the matter out of your mind.’
    Impulsively, she caught his hand.
    ‘You are such a kind person, Vivyan, and you have been so good to me, I do not know how I shall ever repay you.’
    He laughed, squeezing her fingers.
    ‘Nay, child, I shall consider it reward enough if we can get you to your godmama without a scandal!’
    * * * *
    The remainder of the journey was accomplished with no further mishap and in good time, so that it was early afternoon when the pair were shown into the morning-room of Major Lagallan’s house in Bruton Street by a wooden-faced footman.
    ‘Cheer up, no one’s going to eat you.’ Vivyan nodded encouragingly at Eustacia, but although that young lady forced a smile the shadow of anxiety remained in her eyes. She was wrapped in Vivyan’s large travelling-cloak, and at the sounds of someone approaching, she clutched it even tighter about her and moved a little closer to Vivyan.
    Mrs Lagallan came into the room, her ready smile upon her lips as she greeted her brother-in-law.
    ‘Viv, my dear! Philip will be so sorry he is not here to meet you!’ her glance flickered over Miss Marchant, and she looked back at Vivyan, her brows drawing together slightly. ‘Will you not introduce me to your companion?’
    Vivyan gave his sister-in-law his most charming grin which immediately set her on her guard.
    ‘Caro, I need your help. This is Miss Eustacia Marchant.’ Eustacia flushed under the scrutiny of Mrs Lagallan’s steady grey eyes and she heard the laughter in Vivyan’s voice as he continued, ‘It was expedient for Miss Marchant to travel here — ah