Scandal in Scotland by Karen Hawkins Read Free Book Online

cabin and they stole the blasted box.”
    Mary and Caitlyn exchanged worried glances.
    “They knew you were coming,” Mary said.
    William nodded.
    From where he lounged in the corner of the room, Robert pulled a monocle from his pocket, a thick black ribbon attaching it to his coat. He held it before one eye and examined William from head to toe. “You must not have put up much of a fight, for I don’t see a bruise upon you.”
    “They drugged me.” William had to almost spit the words, they tasted so ill upon his tongue.
    Robert dropped the monocle, which swung from the ribbon and flashed in the firelight. “And how did they manage that?”
    “My decanter of port was laced with it.”
    Mary looked shocked. “And they forced you to drink it?”
    Damn it, must they know everything? “I didn’t know the port was drugged, so I didn’t hesitate when offered a glass.” Besides, Marcail had poured herself a glass as well. It wasn’t until later that he realized she’d never taken a sip.
    “Then you must have known the person who drugged you fairly well,” Robert said silkily.
    William scowled at the five curious gazes locked upon him. “Yes, I knew her,” he ground out.
    Robert’s gaze narrowed. “ Her ?”
    “Yes, her .”
    “Ah!” Robert said softly, leaning back in his chair. “I should have known.”
    Caitlyn blinked. “Who is this her ?”
    Robert tucked his monocle back into his pocket. “Sadly, there is only one ‘her’ for William: Marcail Beauchamp.”
    Caitlyn’s eyes widened. “ The Marcail Beauchamp, the Darling of Drury Lane?”
    “None other.” Robert looked so satisfied that William yearned to box his brother’s ears.
    Mary’s gaze was fascinated. “I didn’t even know you were acquainted with Miss Beauchamp. You’ve never said a word.”
    “He knew her years ago,” Robert said.
    “ Many years ago. So many that I’d almost forgotten.” William sent Robert a dour glare. “Here’s what happened. When I arrived on ship she was already in my cabin. It never dawned on me that she wanted the artifact; I didn’t know anyone other than ourselves was even aware of it.”
    “And she just demanded it?” Mary asked.
    “No. She said she needed my help with something, and when I told her no and ordered her to leave, she asked for a drink, which she then poured. She’d doctored the port before I’d even arrived.”
    “I daresay she knew you wouldn’t help her,” Robert said.
    “She was right.” William ground his teeth. “While I was incapacitated, she stole the artifact.”
    Caitlyn shook her head. “Someone must have known of your connection and sent her to steal it.”
    “Perhaps,” William said grimly. “She said something as she left—something about needing the artifact to win her freedom.”
    “What did she mean by that?” Caitlyn asked.
    “I have no idea.”
    “She can’t be in need of funds,” Caitlyn said, pursing her lips. “Everyone knows she enjoys Colchester’s protection.”
    “And he is as wealthy as Croesus,” Mary added. “If I had a protector, I’d want one with that much money.”
    Robert’s black brows snapped down. “That is not a proper subject for a lady.” He shot a glare at MacLean and Erroll, who were both grinning. “I’m surprised you find that amusing.”
    MacLean placed a hand on Caitlyn’s shoulder. “I find plain talking and forward thinking a joy in a spouse.”
    “It’s one of Mary’s best traits, too,” Erroll added.
    Mary sighed. “Please stay on the topic. We must figure this out.” She turned to William. “What do you think Miss Beauchamp wanted with the artifact? She’s not a known collector.”
    “We won’t know until I catch up with her.” He hesitated a moment. “I don’t believe she did this for herself; she was sent by someone.”
    Robert leaned forward. “By whom?”
    “More than likely, the person Michael warned Erroll about.”
    Everyone looked at the earl, who nodded thoughtfully. “The