Read Online The Summer of Wine and Scandal: A Novella by Shana Galen - Free Book Online

turned toward it.
    “She’s not worth this much trouble,” the blond said.
    “Have her if you want,” Mutton Chops said. “There are plenty of whores in this town if you know where to look.” The two men strolled away as though they had not just destroyed her life.

Chapter Five
    L ochley stood rooted in place, unable to fathom what he’d just heard. Caro had been a whore at The Pleasure Den? He knew she had a secret, but he could not believe that of her. Surely, she would deny it.
    “Miss Martin,” Gage said, offering her his hand. “May I help you to your feet?”
    She swiped at her eyes and accepted his hand. “Thank you.” She stood. “I don’t deserve your kindness.”
    Lochley had been waiting for her to deny the men’s claim about her past, but he knew now a denunciation would not come. He felt he should say something, do something, but he couldn’t seem to make his feet move or his mouth speak. She glanced at him, then lowered her eyes again.
    “You deserve my kindness and more,” Gage said. “Are you in town alone? Can I take you home?”
    “My mother,” she whispered. “She’s in the apothecary shop.”
    “I’ll fetch her.”
    “Wait!”
    He paused and looked back.
    “Please don’t tell her what’s happened. Please. She has been through enough. Tell her I feel unwell.”
    Gage gave a curt nod and started toward the shop again.
    Caro gave Lochley another look and then moved past him, back toward the abandoned baskets Gage had noted before they’d both seen the two men cornering a woman. Of all the women Lochley might have expected to see with her skirts half raised and her bodice pulled down, Caro Martin was one of the last. He’d been furious when he saw who the men had trapped, so furious he’d felt a cold seep in and a deadly calm settle over him.
    But the fury had fled with the shock.
    “Now you know the truth about me,” she said.
    Lochley turned to look at her, aware he hadn’t spoken a word since the revelation. He should say something, but he didn’t know what to say, didn’t know what he thought or felt.
    “I know you’ll never speak to me again.” She bent and lifted the baskets. “I won’t embarrass either of us by acknowledging you the next time we meet, but I would ask one boon of you—and it’s not for me—for my family. I’m the one to blame, not them.” She placed the baskets on her arm.
    Lochley nodded, acquiescing to her request, even though he hadn’t heard it yet. He knew her enough to know she wouldn’t ask something of him he couldn’t give.
    “When you judge the wine-tasting, please don’t hold my sins against my family. Judge the wine fairly. I swear, I haven’t tainted it too.” Her voice broke on a sob, and he stepped forward. He didn’t know if he intended to take her into his arms or to finally speak, but he never had the chance to find out. Her mother’s voice floated to them.
    “Caro? Are you there? Mr. Gage says you are unwell.”
    “I’m here, Mama. My head felt dizzy for a moment.”
    “I knew you didn’t eat enough this morning.”
    “Fortunately, Mr. Gage and Mr. Lochley happened by. I don’t know how to thank you, gentlemen.” She gave them a pleading look, begging them with her eyes to go along.
    “It was our honor to assist you, Miss Martin,” Gage said.
    Lochley had a moment to thank the heavens Gage was with him. He managed to nod his agreement.
    “May we see you ladies home?” Gage asked. “I have my carriage. Lochley can stay with my sister and Mrs. Clotworthy until I return.”
    “That’s not necessary,” Caro said quickly.
    Her mother gave her a dubious look. “You are white as a sheet, Caro. We cannot walk home. Mr. Gage, if you would be so kind, we will accept your offer.”
    “Lochley?” Gage arched a brow at him, ostensibly asking if he agreed to stay with Georgie and her companion.
    “I’ll find Miss Gage now,” he said, finally breaking his silence. “Good evening, Mrs. Martin, Miss