When Scandal Came to Town (Scandalous Sons 3)

“Yes. I want to know if he kidnapped and drugged my wife.”

After a moment’s contemplation, Mrs Crandall sighed. “Purcell knows I buy secrets. I keep them close to my chest, and I use them when needed. Every person in the ton has something to hide. Secrets grant a person more power than money or position ever could. Purcell wished to know if I had any information on Lord Worthen.”

“Lord Worthen?” Cassandra sat forward. “You know my father’s secrets?”

“I know your father bribed a man to ensure he secured a property in Shropshire. When I heard of Purcell’s suspicions, I sought the clerk who collected the tenders.”

Cassandra snorted. “Lord Purcell is wealthy enough to pay the clerk for information. Why would he need to come to you?”

“Because the clerk cannot be bribed with money. Lord Worthen holds the deeds to the house where the clerk’s unmarried sister lived with her child. He threatened to evict them unless the clerk co-operated.”

“The clerk would face prosecution if people discovered he acted fraudulently,” Benedict said, struggling to shake his disgust for his father-in-law’s actions.

“Which is why I offered the clerk’s sister alternative accommodation in exchange for information. And Lord Worthen can no longer threaten the clerk as both men are guilty of a crime.”

Benedict had to admire Mrs Crandall’s cunning. “And did you trade the secret with Purcell?”

“No. It is mine to use should Lord Worthen ever pose a problem. Besides, Purcell had nothing to offer in exchange. However, he did ask if I knew why you despise each other. Apparently, it is common knowledge throughout the ton. Then he asked if I had information on Lord Tregarth.”

Good God!

Benedict’s father would beat Purcell to within an inch of his life if he knew the devious lord was prying into his affairs.

“You cannot have anything on my father,” Benedict said with confidence. “Tregarth has always been honest with me.”

Mrs Crandall smiled. “Even if I had knowledge of Tregarth’s affairs, I would never betray you, Benedict.” She paused. “Purcell returned a second time. He said he’d heard I had a particular fondness for you and offered me an opportunity to hurt those who had caused you distress.”

“Hell and damnation!” Benedict gritted his teeth and shot to his feet. “The conniving—”

“Then Lord Purcell is responsible for what happened to me.” Cassandra’s shoulders slumped, and she breathed a weary sigh. “I’m an easy target for those who seek to punish my father.”

“Purcell would seem the most likely candidate.” Mrs Crandall rose from the chair. She stepped closer and offered her hand. “For one more show of respect, Benedict, I might share another secret.”

He didn’t hesitate and bowed over the madam’s hand. “Any information that may enlighten us as to the perpetrator’s motive will be most welcome.”

Mrs Crandall’s eyes twinkled. “Lord Murray squandered half his yearly income last month alone. His mother does her best to hide her son’s reckless spending, but I’m told the situation is growing rather desperate. Perhaps it is wise to consider his need to marry a lady with a substantial dowry. A lady who has a generous father when it comes to bestowing monetary gifts to his family. And that is not Lord Worthen.”

The news did not come as a shock.

The ton was a walking monument to hypocrisy.

“Now,” Mrs Crandall continued, “unless you’re here to frolic and fornicate, I shall ask that you take your leave.” She unlocked the door and led them out into the hallway. “Woods, show our guests out, would you?”

Woods plodded slowly to the front door. He lingered, waiting for his mistress to head back to the drawing room so he might sell the information he had alluded to earlier. But like a hawk, Mrs Crandall watched his every move.

“Say good night, Woods.” The madam’s expression turned hard, unyielding. “And before you return to your duties, I want to see you in my private parlour. It seems we have a little bird in our midst who likes to tweet tales.”

Chapter Nine

“Do you believe her?” Cassandra took hold of Benedict’s arm as they waited on the pavement outside Mrs Crandall’s abode. “Do you believe what she said about Lord Murray’s excessive spending?” She was skirting around the question she wanted to ask. Had Timothy conspired to ruin her to secure a better financial arrangement?

“You saw Murray’s new racing curricle and Cleveland Bays.” Benedict gestured to their coachman, who’d parked the carriage at the end of the road. “Murray likes to flaunt his wealth. Those who lean towards ostentatious displays of grandeur often have empty pockets.”

“But Lady Murray is a pillar of respectability.” The lady professed to have the morals of a saint. Had Cassandra not released Timothy from his obligation, his mother would have found a way to disentangle her son. “I’m surprised she hasn’t curbed his spending.”

With a huff of frustration, Benedict raised his hand and beckoned Foston again, yet the coachman failed to sit up straight or flick the reins. “The man must have fallen asleep.”

“Do you suppose Miss Pendleton’s brother offered a dowry more substantial than mine? I have heard the viscount is keen to be rid of his burden, keen to see his sister wed.”