Page 23 of A Scoundrel in the Making

The baron stood.

“I really must insist that someone else accompany you, Lady Buchman,” the viscount said.

“Nonsense, I have nothing to fear while in Lord Reade’s company. Good evening.”

They started toward the door. Abigail caught the glance Lady Julia sent their way. She hated the surge of satisfaction she experienced, but followed through with a cool regard of the lady. Mr. Russell gave Lord Reade a knowing glance before they passed into the hallway.

“An ‘old widow’ such as you?” Lord Reade said when they turned the corner in the hallway.

She laughed. “I had to say something to keep him from accompanying us. You know full well that is exactly what he wanted.”

Reade chuckled. “You can’t blame him for wanting to bask in your presence.”

Abigail bumped him with her shoulder. “You are teasing me.”

He looked down at her. “Only a little.”

Her stomach did a somersault. “Aye, well, I’d say everyone now believes we are lovers.” Including Lord Chaluim, if she were fortunate.

“That is the idea,” he said.

She arched a brow. “It took you long enough to save me from Lord Chaluim.”

“I didn’t think you were the sort of woman who needed rescuing.”

Damn him for noticing. “You’re right, of course.”

Reade covered her hand with his. “I have some information that might take your mind off foolish men.”

“What might that be?” she asked, and tried to ignore the warmth of his fingers.

“When we were having our brandy, Mr. Russell mentioned the Scottish separatists who accuse England of concealing the Honors.”

“Really?” That was very interesting. “Did he say anything else?”

“A discussion ensued. Of course, most believe the Honors were lost to us long ago. But Russell encouraged the idea that the separatists might have a point.”

Abigail frowned. “What reason could he have for wanting people to believe that England conceals the Honors?”

“Cromwell served as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland. If Russell sees himself in that same position, then if he were to produce the Honors, that would cast him in the same light as Cromwell.”

“That’s ridiculous. If he stole the Honors, that makes him a thief, not Lord Protector.”

“Perhaps, but those who sympathize with the separatists will call him a hero and that could be close enough.”

“Our government will try him for theft of the crown jewels. Perhaps even treason,” she said.

“Are you certain?” How willing will Scotland be to admit that they’ve held the Honors all this time and remained silent?”

He had a point. The separatists would likely scream for the heads of those who kept quiet.

“That might mean Mr. Russell really does have them here at Caithis Castle,” she said.

“My thoughts exactly.”

“Tomorrow evening during the party is a perfect time to search his private wing,” she said.

“Aye. He will be busy with his guests. We can give the rooms a thorough search.”