Page 116 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

“Rowan will figure it out. He’s not stupid.”

“Perhaps he will, eventually. But what proof does he have? What evidence links me to any of this?” Annette began unpacking items from her bag with methodical precision. “Even if he discovers the truth about Edward Bentern, it’s merely a name on a page. No one alive can connect that name to me.”

“What about Captain Veer? He could identify you.”

“Poor Captain Veer will suffer a sudden, tragic illness before he can speak to anyone,” Annette said without looking up from her preparations. “Amazing how quickly fever can claim a man in poor health.”

Ice filled Selina’s veins at the casual way Annette discussed murder. “You’ve planned everything.”

“For three years, yes. Every detail, every contingency.” Annette straightened, her eyes glittering in the lamplight. “As for you, my dear, you’ll simply vanish. No body to bury, no grave for your husband to visit. Just the endless torment of not knowing what became of you.”

“He’ll search for me.”

“Of course he will. He’ll tear London apart looking for you, just as I want him to. The uncertainty will destroy him far more than a clean death would.” Annette stepped closer, eyes locked on Selina’s face with unsettling focus. “He’ll spend the rest of his life wondering if you’re hurt, if you’re calling for him, waiting for help that’s never coming.”

Fear curled in Selina’s chest, tightening her throat, but she wouldn’t let Annette see it. She straightened her spine and met her gaze head-on.

“You won’t win. Rowan’s stronger than you think.”

Annette gave a small, almost pitying smile. “We’ll see, won’t we?” She tilted her head, her voice softening. “You know, you remind me of myself when I was your age. That same fire. That same need to act brave, even when everything’s falling apart.”

Selina didn’t hesitate. “I’m nothing like you.”

“No? I was nineteen when I first caught Gerald’s eye. Young, naive, convinced that love could conquer anything.” Annette’s smile turned wistful. “I believed his promises, trusted in our future together. Even when he married another for her dowry, I held onto hope.”

“He used you.”

“He loved me,” Annette snapped, her composure cracking. “More than he ever loved his cold, perfect wife. More than he loved that cursed son who killed her. But love wasn’t enough to overcome duty, was it? Just as it won’t be enough to save you now.”

The sound of hoofbeats outside made them both freeze. Annette moved to the window, peering through the grimy glass.

“Right on schedule,” she murmured. “Your devoted husband has arrived to play his part in this little drama.”

Selina’s heart leaped with hope and terror in equal measure. Rowan had found them, but walking into this cottage meant walking into Annette’s trap.

“Let me warn him,” Selina pleaded. “Please, whatever you want from him, there has to be another way.”

Annette turned from the window, her face serene once more. “There is no other way. This is how it was always meant to end.”

Outside, the hoofbeats stopped. A horse snorted and stamped, then silence fell like a curtain over the cottage.

The last act was about to begin.

CHAPTER 40

“Stop right there!”

The shout came from behind a tree as Rowan dismounted. Two men stepped into view with pistols raised.

“Turn around and leave,” the larger one growled. “This is private property.”

Rowan’s hands crept to his sides. Years aboard the Intrepid had taught him to read dangerous men. These were hired muscle, and nothing more.

“I’m here for my wife.”

“Don’t know nothing about no wife.” The second man shifted, finger tightening on his trigger. “Walk away now.”

A muzzle flash split the darkness. The shot went wide.

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