Free Samantha James by Bride of a Wicked Scotsman

Where was the brazen pirate from last night? He was being played like a pawn, he decided furiously.
    “Do not look at her like that,” growled her uncle. “Do not dare to blame her! The fact remains, you have disgraced her! You took advantage of an innocent woman. And I defy you to tell me she was not pure.”
    Alec’s eyes flickered. “Nonetheless, it occurs to me that your niece was—”
    “Hold!” Murdoch roared, on his feet now and squared away toward the duke. “Be very careful what you say, your grace! Your rank will not countenance the ruination of my niece, and that is exactly what you have done!”
    But for Maura, nothing could disguise the truth. It did not disguise her part in what had taken place.
    She was disgraced.
    She felt ashamed.
    But she could bear it. It was worth anything—everything!—if she found the Circle and brought it home.
    Shakily, she got to her feet. Murdoch stretched out a hand. “Please let me be!” she cried.
    The baron was up as well. He rounded his desk. “Lady Maura! Perhaps you’d like to compose yourself in the rose garden—my late wife’s pride and joy. Mr. Maxwell, perhaps you’d like to accompany her.”
    A footman ushered Maura and her uncle through a set of double doors into the garden.
    Alec gazed after them. The baron resumed his seat behind his desk and regarded him.
    “I believe, your grace,” Preston stated coolly, “that you are arrogant.”
    “Am I?”
    “You are. And at the moment—rather reckless.”
    Alec shrugged.
    “Headstrong.”
    “I fully admit, I am used to having my way.”
    “Too used to having your way, I suspect. By heaven, if your father had not been my friend, you would never be invited back,” Lord Preston said sternly.
    Alec gave a faint smile. “Am I being invited back?”
    “That depends on you.”
    Alec arched a brow.
    The baron’s tone was gruff. “Lady Maura’s mother and my wife were distant cousins. Even if her uncle were not here with her, you knowthat, as such, I would be obliged to stand up for her.”
    Alec’s eyes narrowed.
    “You know Murdoch will demand that you wed her. It is only right. Regardless of what you claim about her conduct, it does not excuse yours. All of us saw the proof, the fact that Lady Maura’s reputation has now been irreparably damaged. She lost her virginity to you, your grace. You can hardly deny your part in it.”
    Alec’s teeth were clenched so hard his jaw hurt. “And if we were to query her further, I would lay odds she planted herself in my bed for a purpose. If we were to query her further, perhaps she might admit she set out to catch herself a duke and his fortune!”
    “What! And you had no part in it?” Preston scoffed. “Perhaps you should have thought of that before you took her to your room. To your bed.” His tone carried a stern admonishment. “As the daughter of an earl,” he continued curtly, “no man of good family will marry her now. She has no prospects—”
    “None but a rich Scottish duke! And I didn’t know who she was. But I’ll wager she knew exactly who I was.”
    Preston glared at him. “Even if she did, that does not alter or excuse your behavior.”
    Alec made a sound of disgust.
    The baron ignored it and went on. “It’s entirely possible Lady Maura may well deliver your child. Have you considered that?”
    How could he, Alec thought blackly, when he had no memory of ever bedding her!
    “A Catholic girl who is no longer a virgin has no future. She and her family will face nothing but shame. It may easily follow them forever. If you do not do the honorable thing, Alec, she might as well go straightaway to the convent. Her life there would not be an easy one with such a taint. Would you subject her to that? Only one thing will restore her honor. Circumstances do not permit your refusal.”
    Alec felt like grinding his teeth. It gnawed at him, the notion that something was not right.
    “Alec! Would you tolerate any less if a member of your