Free Scandalous by Candace Camp

andreturned the handshake, saying, “I only wish I could return the favor and tell you my name.”
    Florian looked puzzled. “What do you mean? Is it a secret?”
    Priscilla chuckled. “No, Papa. What he means is, he doesn’t know what his name is. He can’t remember anything, including who he is.”
    Florian’s face brightened. “Amnesia?” He looked back at the patient with something close to glee in his expression. “Are you serious?”
    When the stranger nodded, Florian beamed. “Fascinating. I’ve read about it, of course, but I’ve never actually met anyone who suffered from it.” Eagerly he pulled the chair up to the edge of the bed and sat down. “Have you no memory whatsoever?”
    The stranger looked somewhat taken aback by Florian’s enthusiasm. Priscilla explained, “Papa is a scientist. He is interested in all sorts of phenomena.”
    â€œOh, yes,” Florian agreed. “Right now I’m concentrating on chemical reactions. But the human brain is always fascinating. Now, is there anything you do remember?” He patted his pockets and finally pulled out a sheet of folded paper, then a pen.
    â€œNothing before a few days ago,” Priscilla said crisply, and went over to put her hand on her father’s arm. “For pity’s sake, Papa, put away your notes. The poor man is tired, can’t you see? Let him go to sleep now. He’s had a very rough night. Later you can ask him all your questions.”
    Florian looked pained, but he stood up, reluctantly. “Very well, if you insist, my dear.” He turned away, saying to Priscilla, “But what do you think caused the amnesia, Pris? The fever?”
    â€œWait!” Their visitor spoke up, and they turned back to look at him. “I do have one thing I would like to discuss with you, sir.”
    â€œReally?” Florian looked pleased and started back toward the chair, reaching in his pocket again for his notes. “About your condition?”
    â€œNo.” He smothered a smile as Florian’s face fell. “It’s about your daughter.”
    â€œPriscilla?” Florian looked perplexed. “Well, you had best speak to her about that, wouldn’t you think?”
    â€œNo. I mean, I have already talked to her about it, and she refuses to listen to reason.”
    Florian’s face cleared. “Oh. That. Well, I’m afraid you’ll find that Priscilla always knows her own mind. Not much use trying to change it.”
    It was the other man’s turn to look taken aback, but he continued gamely, “But, sir, you can’t allow her to walk into danger!”
    â€œDanger!” Florian turned toward his daughter. “Priscilla, what’s he talking about? What danger?”
    â€œThere is none, Papa,” Priscilla began soothingly.
    The man on the cot snorted derisively. “Two men bashed me on the head, stole all my possessions and held me prisoner for days, and you say there’s no danger?”
    Florian’s eyes widened. “All that happened to you?”
    â€œYes. That is the sum total of my memory—being held captive by two scoundrels, until I finally escaped. Miss Hamilton says they came here looking for me.”
    â€œIndeed they did,” Florian replied. “My, I am certainly glad we decided not to tell them anything about you. Aren’t you, Priscilla?”
    â€œYes, I am. Now, Papa, why don’t we leave and let our visitor rest?”
    â€œWait. You haven’t answered my question,” Florian protested. “Why should Priscilla be in danger?”
    â€œBecause she is planning on charging out there asking questions, that’s why.”
    â€œAsking questions of whom?” Florian asked. “Priscilla, do you mean to try to find those two men and question them? I must say, I do agree that that would be foolhardy.”
    â€œIndeed it would, but I have