Caught in a Cornish Scandal by Eleanor Webster

Author:Eleanor Webster
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-01-07T19:55:09+00:00

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Sam stood by the fire at Lansdowne. The room was small, ill-furnished and the chimney did not draw properly, making the atmosphere smoky. Yet, he had never in his life felt more thankful to be somewhere. It felt safe. It felt wholesome. It felt, ironically, like a breath of fresh air away from the chill sophistication of Manton Hall. He’d stayed there longer than anticipated. Mrs Ludlow had asked him to dinner and he could not refuse. Besides, he still hoped something might jar his reluctant recollection.

But his memory remained blank as ever. To do her justice, Mrs Ludlow tried to make the repast as pleasant as possible, given the situation. They dined quietly and, by mutual consent, did not talk about Jason or Frances, instead sharing recollections about opera and theatre productions in London.

She had, he realised once again, circulated in high circles. Her husband had been many years her senior, apparently doting on her, and for some years she had reigned in political and fashionable circles. It seemed that this power had diminished with her husband’s death, her fading looks and a son who lacked the political acumen of his father.

Sam did not rush dinner, despite his impatience to return and see Frances was settled, as he knew Mrs Ludlow must find company a welcome break from worry about her son. Indeed, he felt a sympathy for her. She must always be straining to hear the knock which might bring news, her emotions perilously balanced between hope and fear.

Therefore, it was quite late by the time he and Marta arrived with the remainder of Frances’s belongings. Flora answered the door and stated that Mrs Frances Ludlow, Mrs Lansdowne and Miss Lillian had retired to bed. However, Miss Lansdowne was still up if he wished to speak to her. Her tone did not sound as though she encouraged this option.

Despite the maid’s sour looks, he’d accepted. He needed to thank Millie for her hospitality and the thought of seeing her held appeal. He trusted Millie. At times, he doubted his own mind, his sister’s sanity and whether Mrs Ludlow was friend or foe, but his trust in Millie remained constant. She was a source of sanity in a world gone mad.

He stood close to the fire, warming his hands. The mantel was made of sturdy wood, its centre darkened by the smoke accumulated over the centuries. The wallpaper was yellowed, except for a square where a portrait had likely once hung.

Perhaps it had been of Millie’s father. Mr Lansdowne had been a pleasant enough fellow. Sam had met him several times with Tom during that wild year when he’d thought his heart shattered following his broken engagement with Miss Whistler.

Mr Lansdowne and Tom had similar personalities. Both had been individuals of impulsivity and extreme moods. Often Mr Lansdowne had been wildly elated about an investment, only to be cast into deep despair following the scheme’s failure.

‘Sam? Sorry I took so long. You wanted to see me?’

Millie’s soft tone startled him and he turned quickly.

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