Marblestone Mansion 01 - Scandalous Duchess

his fountain pen and put a check mark beside the delicate figurine of a grand lady in a pink ball gown. She put everything back the way it was, turned out the light, picked up the candle and as quietly as she came, went out the door and back upstairs.
    Sassy quietly closed the door to her room, changed into her nightshirt and carefully hung the frock Charlotte finally finished hemming in her small closet. Each night, she still moved her bowl and pitcher of water to a different location on her dresser, and then checked first thing in the morning to see if it pleased her. This night was no different and before she could think of sleeping, she put the bowl on one side and the pitcher on the other. At last, her day was finished and she could rest.

    Hannish was not a stupid man and he prayed what he suspected was not true, but just in case, he did not intend to let his wife get away with much more. He spent the next morning in his study drafting a very important letter, sealed it and then called for his horse. He rode to town alone, posted the letter at the post office, and then sent two cablegrams: one to the captain of the ship his wife arrived on, and the other to an old friend - his banker in Scotland. He said not a word about his dealings to anyone when he got home, and simply went about checking lists and ordering what they needed to fill the Mansion.
    Two days later, McKenna asked to go to town. She hoped to find patterns, embroidery threads and a few yards of white linen to help her pass the time, especially in the evenings. Bored with his lists and invoices, Hannish decided to go with her. The sun was shining; the air smelled of lilacs and with Shepard driving the red carriage, the leisurely ride was a pleasant one.
    Hannish took her to the general store, went inside with her, introduced her to the owner, and directed him to put anything she wanted on his bill. While she shopped, Shepard drove him to the telegraph office where he sent two more inquiries to Scotland. Once that was accomplished, he went to the bank, withdrew some cash and told them to expect a very large deposit.
    However, when Shepard pulled the carriage to a stop in front of the general store, McKenna was outside standing between two of his friends, Simon Merth and Gregory Goodwin. She was furious and they were trying to calm her down with little success. “What is it?” He asked as soon as he opened the carriage door.
    She tossed her packages into the carriage and then let him help her climb inside. “It matters not.”
    Hannish was not happy with that answer and turned a questioning eye on the two men. “Charles Whitfield accosted her,” Mr. Merth answered.
    Hannish narrowed his eyes. “Accosted her how?”
    Mr. Goodwin looked as angry as McKenna. “He blocked her way and would not let her leave the store.”
    “ Did he touch her?” Hannish asked.
    Mr. Merth nodded, “He had ahold of her arm.”
    “ Brother, I am quite all right. Let it pass,” McKenna pleaded.
    Hannish ignored her. “Where is he?”
    Mr. Goodwin answered, “Where he always is; in the hotel lounge with his friends, pestering Margaret Ann.”
    “ Wait here, McKenna,” said Hannish. “Shepard, stay with her.”
    “ Yes, Mr. MacGreagor.” Shepard tied the reins and climbed down to stand by the door of the carriage.
    “ Where are you going?” McKenna asked, leaning her head out of the carriage window. It was too late. All she could do was watch her brother walk down the middle of Main Street, climb the steps, and disappear under the archway entrance of the Antlers Hotel. Not wanting to miss watching Charles get what he deserved, Mr. Goodwin and Mr. Merth hurried after him.

    Charles Whitfield never saw it coming. A doubled up fist hit him square in the eye and sent him flying across the room. Men sitting at a table managed to get out of the way just in time, before his hurled body knocked over the table, two chairs, and a bottle of whiskey.
    Hannish MacGreagor’s glare was fierce when he pulled Charles to his feet, and the look in his eyes left no doubt that he was willing to make good on his next threat, “You come near my sister again and I will shoot you!” This time he gave into his urge, shoved hard and tossed Charles backwards over a second table. On his way out, he nodded to the bartender, “Send the bill to me.”
    “ Yes, Mr. MacGreagor.”
    With that, Hannish stomped out of the hotel.
    Behind him, a thoroughly embarrassed Charles sat up and put