Page 79 of Temptress in Disguise
Aramis couldn’t help but chuckle. It was a means to disguise his shame. Only a fool would fall for this woman’s tricks. “I wouldn’t believe a word from her lying lips. She had her lover kill her first husband. Doubtless she found a way to kill Mr Grant. Be warned. There’s always a man waiting in the wings, keen to do her bidding.”
Who had killed Jacob Adams?
He’d first heard of the rogue’s demise two years ago. Stories were rife and often conflicting. Some said a military man had driven a blade through his black heart. Some said he’d been beaten over the head by a French sailor Melissa was bedding. That his body had been dumped like fish guts into the Thames.
“You would know, Aramis.” Melissa stroked her throat, the heat in her eyes a ploy to suggest she knew a titillating secret. “I recall you’d have done anything to win my favour.”
“I was naive, barely a man.” He’d been seeking sanctuary. A safe place where Aaron did not need to fight his corner. Somewhere he could be the master of his own domain. “Sadly, it took the burn from a lit brazier to reveal the true nature of your character.” She had gone crawling to her husband and not given him a second thought.
Aaron pursed his lips and swirled the brandy in the glass.
“I was attracted to you because we’re like-minded.” Melissa pasted the seductive smile that made her seem ugly to him now. “You use people for your own gain. It’s called surviving. But while I have found peace with Jeremiah, you have married my stepdaughter to exact revenge.” She stared at Naomi as if she were a fawn caught in a poacher’s trap. “Stupid girl. Do you honestly think he gives a damn about what happens to you? Sad little Naomi. Fooled by a heartless beast.”
He reached for Naomi’s hand and clasped it tightly, but Aaron intervened before he could put Melissa in her place.
“Aramis is in love with her.” Aaron’s indifferent tone masked any personal feelings on the subject. “He’s never been the cold man the gossips claim.”
Melissa tutted. “Aramis is still in love with me. Regardless of what he’s told you, he wouldn’t be here if he didn’t feel something.”
Aaron’s humourless laugh added to the tension. “I know my brother better than anyone. He never loved you. He loved the idea of being wanted. He loved the thought of being someone’s protector. But he would die for Naomi. That tells me all I need to know.”
Aramis stared at his brother, feeling a rush of pride. His hero had never disappointed him. Now was not the time to make grand statements, but he might not get another opportunity.
“I’m sorry if I failed you. You’ve dedicated your life to supporting our family. I know I’ve let you down at times.” It was tough to say, but he felt better for it.
Aaron remained seated, a fleeting glimpse of sadness dulling his dark eyes. “You’ve never let me down. I couldn’t be more proud of you than I am at this moment. Let’s say no more on the matter now.”
“Good,” Jeremiah said, a bite of anger in his tone. “Now take your empty threats and get the hell out of my house.”
“Our house,” Melissa reminded him.
Being nothing like the poor fool Melissa suggested, Naomi pressed her case. “It’s my house. The Prerogative Court is currently examining evidence of your fraudulent claim. If you mean to save your necks, I suggest you pack a valise and flee for your lives. Much like I was forced to do the night you paid Mr Ingram to ruin me.”
Failing to take the threat seriously, Jeremiah asked the only question that seemed to matter. “Ingram? What has he to do with this? I assure you, he’ll not take kindly to slander.”
Naomi’s hand trembled in his. “Don’t pretend you don’t know. He attacked me in my bedchamber. Lydia saved me. That’s why we fled.”
Melissa frowned. “Why on earth would he do that? I assure you, Mr Ingram is loyal to this family. I suspect this is another lie to add to the growing list.”
Aramis watched the couple’s reactions with hawk-like intensity, a skill he’d honed in the card rooms. Both appeared to be telling the truth.
A flicker of suspicion roused another thought. One so outlandish he’d be a fool to give it merit. Might Ingram have come looking for Naomi? Was he the person seen fleeing the alley?
“Describe Ingram.” A feeling in his gut said he knew the answer before anyone opened their mouths.
Jeremiah’s expression tightened. “What does it matter? If you have sufficient evidence to overturn the will, take it up with the relevant office. In the meantime, leave my house before I send for the magistrate. And be warned. People in these parts have no tolerance for outsiders.”
Tired of this weasel’s chirping—and needing Jeremiah to understand the severity of the situation—Aramis lunged at the buffoon. He grabbed him by his coat lapels and slammed him into the chair.
“One more word, and I shall show you why men fear me.” He clenched his fists. How he longed to teach this pillock a lesson. “I want a description of Ingram. How long have you known him, and in what capacity?”
Jeremiah turned ashen and struggled to speak.
“Mr Ingram is tall and broad and has dark brown hair.” Naomi’s voice held a tremor of fear. “He has the strength to subdue two women, yet he returned to his room when confronted by Lydia.”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake, Mr Ingram is harmless,” Melissa countered. “Jeremiah knew his older brother at boarding school. They’ve been friends for years.”
While grappling for the clue that would tie the loose ends together, Aramis’ mind ran amok. They had Edwin Budworth, the man with many faces who’d murdered at least three people. He’d used Lydia and tried to frame Naomi for killing his brother. But why?
