Read Sinful Cravings for Free Online Page B

hiding.
    The housekeeper recognised her and granted her instant entry. Clara came out to greet her before she had even managed to remove her hat. The girl, who was so similar to her sister in many ways that it made her heart hurt, gripped her hands and ushered her into the drawing room.
    “My mother will not hear us in here,” she said, closing the doors.
    Hettie lifted a brow but said nothing. Her mother, as far as Hettie knew, was thoroughly aware of her daughter’s antics yet did nothing to dissuade her from behaving so. It seemed to her that all idea of morals and decent behaviour were abandoned when a young girl stepped foot in London. She thanked God for the hundredth time for her simple country upbringing.
    “What is it, Clara?”
    The girl turned, her blonde curls whirling about her head as she did so, and retrieved a letter on the small circular table between the chairs.
    “I received this letter from Emma today.” She passed it over.
    Hettie opened it with haste and scanned the words without really taking them in. She re-read it, forcing herself to take it slowly and absorb the information.
    Clara,
    Do not worry for me, I am safe. I am in Edinburgh. I have to ask you to do me a favour. Will you make it known to Brandon where I am? I am sure he shall want to find me soon. But, Clara, you must not tell anyone else. Do not make it known to my aunt. If she comes after me, she shall ruin everything.
    I shall see you soon, no doubt, and hopefully by then Brandon shall be at my side.
    Your dearest friend,
    Emma
    Hettie drew in a breath and eyed the letter for a few moments. Edinburgh. Brandon . Was this...? “Is she in love with this Brandon?”
    Clara bit her bottom lip and nodded.
    Hettie was going to elope with this man, whoever he was. But for the moment she was alone. Oh, what a disaster. Her little sister alone in Scotland waiting for a man who could not be of decent character if he had let her sister go off unaccompanied and wished for them to elope. Why, a good man would have waited to ask for their father’s permission. They must have anticipated they wouldn’t get it. She loathed the man already.
    “Do you know where she might have gone?”
    Clara shook her head. “I had no idea she’d gone to Edinburgh. She never mentioned leaving at all, I promise.”
    “You have not exactly been honest with me, Clara,” Hettie scolded.
    “I know. I am sorry. I was ashamed of my behaviour and for encouraging Emma to behave the same.”
    “Do you know where I can find Brandon?”
    “I do not think he is even in town. Maybe he has already gone after her?”
    “But why would she ask you to tell him where she is?”
    “Oh.” Clara looked defeated. “I don’t know. She must have written to him too, surely?”
    “If she even knows where he is.” Hettie pinched the bridge of her nose. It did not sound to her as though this man had any intention of joining her. Would her sister give up and return home or had she already found herself in trouble? Regardless, Hettie had to get to her.
    “If Brandon comes back to London, I am trusting you to let me know,” she told Clara. “I shall go to Edinburgh and track her down. Once I’m there, I shall send a telegram so you can keep me informed.”
    “Emma will hate me for telling you about her letter.”
    Hettie sighed. “Clara, if my sister does not come home safely, you will have more to worry about than a falling out with a friend.”
    The young girl clasped her hands together and her skin paled. Hettie might have regretted her bluntness except it was better the girl understand now that her behaviour had repercussions. Maybe it would prevent her from doing anything foolish in future.
    She hurried home and packed her travel bag before finding her aunt in the drawing room. Aunt Flora glanced up at her from her embroidery. “Aunt, I am going to Scotland,” Hettie declared.
    “Scotland? Whatever for?”
    “I have reason to believe Emma is there.”
    She didn’t