Scandal in Scotland by Karen Hawkins Read Free Book Online Page A

letter I received from Michael warned that I should be cautious with the object and trust no one, not even people I knew.”
    “Good God,” Robert said with obvious disgust. “Trust Michael to make such a dramatic statement and not bother to explain it.” He sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Not only have we lost the box, but only three of you have seen it—which means the rest of us cannot assist in any real way. We could stumble upon it and never even know it.”
    “I have a picture of it.”
    All eyes turned to Mary, who tugged the drawstring of the reticule hanging from her wrist. “I drew it when I was working with Erroll. I brought the drawing with me to show to a curator at the British Museum to see what he thought of it.” She held out a drawing on high-quality paper.
    William leaned forward but Caitlyn was quicker. “Is this the correct size?” she asked.
    Mary nodded.
    Robert leaned to the side so he could see the drawing. “Odd. I think I’ve seen that before, but it was a long, long time ago … No, it couldn’t be.” He flicked a glance at Mary. “How accurate is the detailing?”
    William reached across to take the paper from Caitlyn. “This is exactly it. Well done, Mary.”
    She smiled, her face pink. “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome. And now I will bid you all adieu. I must pack my bags and leave.”
    Robert stood. “You plan to follow Miss Beauchamp?”
    “Yes. I must find out who wanted that. I have it on good authority that Miss Beauchamp is leaving within the next few hours, and wherever she’s going, she plans to stay overnight.”
    Robert looked skeptical. “How did you discover that? You just arrived.”
    “Oh, I have my methods.”
    Mary’s gaze was bright with curiosity. “William, just how well do you know Miss Beauchamp?”
    He shrugged. “Well enough.”
    “That’s an understatement,” Robert murmured. At William’s sharp look, he continued, “I take it you’re telling us you don’t need our help?”
    “Not yet. I will contact you as soon as I know more.”
    Robert nodded. “That’s good. I’ve an errand of my own in Edinburgh.”
    MacLean quirked a brow at Robert. “Shall we expect the pleasure of your company after you finish your errand? You would be within a day’s ride.”
    “Perhaps,” Robert said, favoring them all with an odd smile.
    William scowled. Damn Robert and his mysterious airs. “If you don’t mind, I shall leave you all now. I must be off as soon as possible if I’m to retrieve that artifact.”
    Robert turned to his sisters. “Shall we retire to my house? Unlike William, I will offer you food and a very nice Madeira.”
    William added, “I’ve already ordered your coaches to be brought around.”
    A sudden knock sounded as Lippton stood in the doorway. “Sir, you asked that I inform you when your caller arrived. I escorted him to the library and he is awaiting you there.”
    “Very good. My family was just preparing to leave.” He turned to them. “As soon as I know something more, I will write.”
    Robert stood and adjusted one of his French cuffs, his shrewd gaze locked upon William. “You know where this artifact—and Miss Beauchamp—have gone, don’t you?”
    “When I regained consciousness, I immediately sent word to my friend Fielding who oversees the Bow Street Runners. I asked him to have an agent keep an eye on the elusive Miss Beauchamp.”
    “Ah. That is your visitor, then.”
    “I believe so.”
    Robert turned to his sisters, who were standing ready to depart. “I suggest we leave this mess for William to sort out. He’ll contact us if he has need of our help.”
    “William, please hurry,” Caitlyn begged. “I worry about Michael.”
    “I don’t,” Erroll said.
    Mary sighed. “Erroll says Michael is fine, and that in some foreign climes being held for ransom is almost an honor.”
    “It is until they cut off your head,” Robert said blandly.
    At the reproachful looks tossed his way, he