A Scandalous Secret Read Online Free

please.”
    Grudgingly, he began. “Truthfully, Caro, I don’t know all of what transpired. James never spoke of it. God only knows what he’ll take with him to the grave. But Alex and I believe that it actually has something to do with Lady Hannah—which is reason enough for you not to invite Astwick.”
    Well, that was interesting. She had no idea that her two pet projects knew each other. “How is Hannah involved in all this?”
    “Caroline.” Staveley shook his head and a look of annoyance settled on his face.
    “I consider her a friend. I just want to know,” Caroline pressed.
    “Yes, you always ‘just want to know.’ But this time I don’t have any answers for you. And I’m warning you—don’t go poking your nose where it doesn’t belong.”
    Caroline thrust out her lip in a pout, but inwardly her mind spun with possibilities…plotting, planning. As soon as she was able, she penned a quick missive to Chet.
    ***
    “What am I doing here, Caro?” Chet asked as he looked out at Lady Pennington’s garden, filled with tables and a throng of young, unmarried women.
    Caroline winked at him and took his hand in hers. “Darling, I’ve seen you around ladies my whole life, but I’ve never analyzed your performance. So today I want to sit back and gather information.”
    Perfect. Chet sighed. All he needed was Caroline to analyze his performance. Made him sound like a dancing circus bear.
    Caroline softly tapped his chest. “Now, tell me, darling, of all these lovely creatures, who most catches your eye.”
    That was a useless question. Chet already knew the answer… None of them. But he appeased her by looking out among the sea of women with a scrutinizing eye anyway. But it was just as he suspected, no one caught his interest. No one had for more than a decade. He shook his head. “A few are lovely enough, but no one makes me all giddy, if that’s what you’re asking.”
    “Hmm.” Caroline quietly examined the crowd herself. Then after a moment, she turned her gaze on Chet. “Are you acquainted with Lord Carteret’s sister, Lady Hannah?” she asked bluntly.
    Chet choked on a swift intake of air, coughing loudly. God in Heaven. How did Caroline know about Hannah ? After he finally caught his breath, he turned his questioning gaze on his companion. “I beg your pardon?”
    With a haughty air, Caroline raised her brow. “I’ll take that little exhibition as a ‘yes’.”
    There was no point in denying it. He could tell from Caroline’s expression that she already knew anyway. Damn the woman. How did she find out? Was she clairvoyant? “I knew her,” he replied tightly.
    “Yes, I believe we’ve already established that. Care to tell me about it?”
    “Not particularly,” he drawled, knowing it was pointless. Once Caroline set her mind on something, she was relentless. How Staveley lived with the woman, he had no idea. “I’ve never even spoken to Robert about her.”
    “Not even to Robert? Interesting.” Caroline’s gaze raked him up and down. “But then, my brother is not as perceptive as I am. Anyway, you may as well tell me about her, Chet. Otherwise I’ll just ask Hannah myself.”
    Chet almost snorted a reply. What would Hannah say if Caroline asked her about him? Did she ever think of him? Had he meant anything to her all those years ago? “Good luck finding her. She’s somewhere on the continent, I believe.”
    “You are ill-informed.” Caroline’s brow rose in a most haughty fashion. “She’s residing at Carteret House with her two sons,” she added cheerfully.
    Sons? Chet’s mouth fell open at the revelation. Though why should he be surprised? Why wouldn’t she have children? It was ridiculous to think that after she married another man, she still pined away for Chet after all these years. No, he was the only one who was that foolish. “She’s in London?” he heard himself ask.
    “With only Beth for company, poor girl.” Caroline nodded. “So are you going