Page 77 of Temptress in Disguise
The rustle of a newspaper preceded Uncle Jeremiah’s frustrated grumble. “Doubtless the chit has run out of funds. Perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise. Ingram will marry her. He’s always been besotted. Once she’s wed, we’ll be rid of her for good.”
Clearly they had no idea Naomi was at the drawing room door.
“Show her in, Wilson.” Melissa sounded smug now. There’d be empty hugs and vacant kisses. “We could do with a little entertainment to brighten the day.”
Wilson appeared to escort her into the drawing room.
Though every muscle in her body urged her to flee, she said a silent prayer to her father, begging for the strength to avenge him.
Aramis wrapped his fingers around her wrist to stall her. He pressed his mouth to her ear. “I’m in love with you. I love you, no one else. Don’t lose sight of that in this game of charades.”
She turned her head, shocked he’d chosen this moment to make a declaration, ecstatic because she was in love with him too.
He read her mind. “I couldn’t let you face Melissa without knowing the truth. Don’t let her convince you otherwise.”
Tears gathered behind her eyes, tears of joy. Heavens! Sentiment was a warrior’s curse. “I love you.” She could barely catch her breath. “When this is over, I shall spend a lifetime reminding you why.”
He inhaled deeply, as if capturing the words before they dispersed into the ether. “If I could go back to that night at the Belldrake, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“There’s no need to look back, only forward.”
She saw it then. The twist of unease, the flicker of uncertainty marring his handsome features. He was preparing for the worst possible outcome. The deep sense of trepidation that consumed her plagued him, too.
“Wilson!” Melissa called.
The sudden clang of a handbell echoed through the hall.
Naomi cupped Aramis’ cheek and whispered, “I should go, or we will ruin the surprise.”
“Be careful.” With some reluctance, he relinquished his grip.
Her nerves were in tatters when she followed Wilson into the drawing room. She didn’t care about money or vengeance. Running away with Aramis was the only thought in her mind. But where would they go? He had responsibilities in town, and strong family bonds that meant everything to him.
“Naomi? What areyoudoing here?” Melissa looked like she’d won a prize at the fair, only to discover it was a rotten apple. “Where is Lydia?”
“In London, the last I heard.” Wherever Lydia was, trouble wasn’t far from her door. “I wondered if she might be here.”
Melissa patted her perfect black curls as she sneered at Naomi’s creased cloak and dusty boots. “It’s clear you regret racing away in the dead of night. If you’ve come back expecting us to feed you, think again. After the diabolical way you’ve behaved, you’ll need to earn your keep.”
She glanced at her uncle, who had taken up his newspaper. His clenched jaw said he did not care for the disturbance. “My father’s will states you must provide every comfort.”
Jeremiah met her gaze, his grey eyes as hostile as a storm cloud. He always roused a tempest when trying to unsettle her. “You’ll be grateful for what you’re given. Your papa isn’t here to pander to you now.”
When one had dined with the Chance brothers, Uncle Jeremiah was as intimidating as a kitten chasing a ribbon. “No, but I’m sure he’ll watch from heaven’s plains as you walk to the scaffold.”
Her comment stumped the man who’d stolen her inheritance.
Melissa’s laugh was more like a cackle. “You seem to have found a sense of humour during your absence. Though I wouldn’t test your uncle’s patience. He’ll not think twice about throwing you out.”
“Oh, I’m not leaving,” she said, determined to fight her corner. Aramis’ passionate kisses had curled her toes and left her empowered. “I shall remain here until the magistrate arrives. While you have been idling your days away here, I have gathered evidence of fraud. The solicitor’s clerk gave his testimony, as did the Hendersons.”
She was sure the sweet old Hendersons were tricked into signing the papers. Indeed, her uncle’s reaction confirmed as much.
“John Henderson can’t remember what day it is, let alone what happened over a year ago. His testimony will be worthless in court.”
Melissa gritted her teeth. “Be quiet, Jeremiah.”
“Yes, Uncle. You wouldn’t want it known Mr Henderson was not in his right mind when he signed the forged will.”
