Practice to Deceive by Patricia Veryan Read Free Book Online Page A

saying your kinfolk have sunk to torment a wounded gentleman, miss?”
    She bowed her head and nodded miserably.
    â€œDo you know how much he has told them?”
    Chandler spun around. In a choked but angry voice he cried, “Nothing, damn you! Quentin would not speak. Not with all your lives at stake!”
    â€œThat is truth,” said Penelope. “But he must be rescued, and quickly. He cannot—he could not withstand them for much longer.”
    With a prideful lift of his chin, Gordon said, “You do not know my brother, ma’am. Now, tell me. Is Quentin wounded to death?”
    She said slowly, “I saw only that his right arm was hurt. But he is very weak. He has likely not eaten…”
    â€œAnd very likely lost a deal of blood,” put in the Corporal, gloomily.
    Chandler drove a fist into his palm. “We must get him clear, Rob. Oh, Lord! To have to stand here and not know how to free him! While those bastards—”
    He strode to the sideboard, took up a saddle holster, and removed the long-barrelled pistol it contained.
    The Corporal leapt forward to grasp his wrist. “Are ye gone daft, sir? You must stay clear of this at all costs! You’re no Jacobite, or ever have been!”
    â€œVery true.” Chandler wrenched free. “But do you fancy I shall stay clear while they slowly murder him? By God, but I shall not!”
    â€œYou would have no chance, sir,” Penelope interposed quickly. “Without me to help you, my uncle’s people would catch you before you ever entered the house.”
    They both stared at her. Chandler said a bewildered, “You? Why? Unless—did your papa hold Jacobite sympathies, perhaps?”
    It would probably be wise to answer in the affirmative, but lies had never served her well, and so she admitted, “No. He was in disgust of the Prince’s Cause. But he was an honourable gentleman and never would have treated your brother so savagely, whatever the inducement.”
    â€œAh, so you know about the—inducement,” he sneered.
    Penelope met his scornful gaze levelly. “Yes. And that Quentin refuses to tell my uncle where the treasure is hid. If it is just the money, I would think—”
    â€œBut it is not just the money. There goes with the treasure a list of all those who contributed.”
    She paled. “What madness! Sure death for all so named!”
    â€œAye. And a traitor’s death. But for a man such as Delavale, an extra windfall, for it would be a choice gem of blackmail.”
    Surprised, Penelope asked, “You are acquainted with my uncle, Mr. Chandler?”
    His lips tightened. He slanted a glance at the Corporal, then replied, “I believe your father and mine were acquainted, but—well, I’ve—forgive me—I’ve heard rumours concerning your uncle. Is why I—we—came this way and watched day and night, hoping to intercept my brother.”
    Incredulous, she asked, “You knew Quentin would come to Highview?”
    â€œHe was hounded this way. We knew he was hurt and desperate, so we thought it logical he might seek shelter here. For old times’ sake.” He saw Penelope wince, and went on quickly, “Each instant we delay likely holds a bitter price for him. We must start now. How can you help us, Miss Montgomery?”
    â€œI’d think,” the Corporal put in thoughtfully, “as the lady herself might be Major Chandler’s best hope.”
    Gordon tensed. “By Jove! You’re right, of course! What a clod that I did not think of it!” He appraised Penelope’s damp person speculatively. “Your uncle, m’dear lady, will pay highly for your safe return.”
    â€œGood God! Am I kidnapped, then?”
    â€œAye. To be traded for my brother.”
    Perhaps because this had been such a terrible day, Penelope began to laugh hilariously.
    â€œAn odd reaction to a kidnapping,”