Page 78 of A Rake's Redemption
Alex folded a hand and studied his nails. “Things will go easier if you just confess.”
Fern’s expression hardened. “To what?”
He looked up, his face grim. “To wanting to harm—and perhaps kill—Miss O’Brien.”
“You’ve taken leave of your senses, your lordship.” Fern practically snarled the words. “I don’t have to stand here and take this. I’m leaving.” She turned toward the door only to find it blocked by Evans and Jameson. She turned back to Alex. “Don’t try to trap me.”
“I think I already did,” Alex answered. “You see, Elsie had a taste of the truffle and became ill afterward. I am quite sure Dr. Baxter can confirm both her reaction and Miss O’Brien’s are results of poison.”
“You cannot prove—”
“But I can.” Alex reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a piece of foil. “Mrs. Bradley gave me this a short time ago.”
Fern’s gaze went to the paper and her face paled. “I have no idea what that is.”
“It is the wrapper from the truffle,” Alex said. “My housekeeper found it under the stairwell, which is probably where you tossed it after you put the truffle on the tray. The chocolatier is proud of his confection and put his seal on the wrapper. He shouldn’t have trouble identifying you as the one who purchased it.”
“I…I…”
“What kind of poison did you use?” Alex’s voice was steely now.
“I…”
Inis’s blood chilled. Why would Fern try to kill her? None of the maids were overly friendly, except Elsie, but Inis had made a point not to burden any of them. As far as she could recall, other than the evening Fern sat in her room, they’d only exchanged a few casual words. Inis started to say something, but Alex held up a hand, warding her off.
“What kind of poison, Fern?”
Fern looked back to the door, which was still blocked, and then at Alex, who’d risen from his chair and looked about as imposing as the God of Thunder right now. “Out with it,” he said, “before I lose my patience.”
She slowly sank onto the chair in front of the desk. “Belladonna.”
Inis frowned. She knew some ladies put drops in their eyes to make them more alluring, but it was expensive. Certainly nothing servants could afford.
Evidently, Alex thought the same thing. “And where did you get belladonna?”
The maid remained silent.
“Why did you want to kill me?” Inis had to know.
Fern looked down at the floor and shrugged. “It wasn’t personal.”
“Not personal?’ Alex’s voice rumbled like Thor’s hammer. “Making three attempts on herlifewas not personal? You wanted herdead.”
She shook her head. “I didn’t.”
“Then who in the bloody hell did?”
She didn’t answer. Alex ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. “Covering up for someone is not going to keep you from being put in the gaol. Do you want to waste your life rotting away so the person who wanted this done can go free? The magistrate might go a bit easier on you if he decides you were only an accomplice.” Alex folded his arms across his chest. “With whom did you conspire?”
Fern lifted her head, a bitter smile on her face.
“Your lover. Miranda Locke.”
The blood in Inis’s veins turned to ice as she stared at Alex.
…
The first mate of the French frigate docked on the Thames approached Miranda on the deck where several other passengers were waiting. “Your trunks have been taken to your stateroom.”
