Page 69 of Dukes Are Forever
It wasn't an outright confession, but when it came to someone murdering her husband, she wasn't about to take any chances.
"The only other way that I can see is widowhood." Each word came out slowly. "I'm not quite certain I'm ready for that, and all it entails. He isn't... cruel."
Devoncourt seemed to hesitate. "There are rumors he's very fond of his mistress. A love match, they say."
She didn't bother to keep the bitterness out of her voice. "He wouldn't be the first aristocrat to prefer his mistress's bed."
"Yes, but she's been saying she doesn't expect him to be at your beck and call for very much longer. She'll have him all to herself."
"What does that mean?"
Devoncourt gave her a frank look. "All he has to do is declare you mentally unfit, my dear. He owns you. And it's common knowledge the marriage didn't come about of his own volition."
Despite the fact she knew he was lying, a shiver ran down her spine. "You're saying Malloryn might lock me away?"
It was a very real fear every woman in the Echelon faced.
Her father had even threatened her with it, if she didn't apologize to Lord Corvus for slashing his face with the little knife she carried up her sleeve.
"You would be out of Malloryn's way, and he would be free to spend his nights where he willed it."
No point reminding Devoncourt that he himself had told her that her husband was already spending his nights where he wanted. He must think her an utter fool. Anger stirred, lashed to a tempest by both Malloryn's request that she forget all this nonsense, and now Devoncourt's dismissal of her intelligence.
"What should I do?" she whispered, making her eyes very big and very round.
His hand immediately softened against her cheek. "I would protect you, cherub. I promise I would love you if you let me—"
"A lot of men have made me promises. Why should yours be any different?"
Devoncourt seemed momentarily taken aback.
Sorry, it seems I haven't quite swallowed your lies completely, dearest."You ask me to put my faith in one man when I dare not trust another? You have no claim over me. No power over him. You ask me to walk into ruin with no guarantees of my safety. How can I beat the Duke of Malloryn? How can you destroy him? He's so powerful."
"He's not completely invincible." There was a faint snarl to his voice.
"You think you can bring him down?" Adele bit her lip. "But how? He has the queen's ear."
"Come to my gathering. There are many others like me and you who are ill-satisfied with the way life currently stands. Powerful men. And women. They could help you."
"For what price?"
"We all need a little help," he murmured. "You have the perfect bargaining chip. My friends want to see Malloryn and his ilk cast down. You're in a prime position to assist them. And in return you gain your freedom."
"Widowhood?" she whispered.
A smile. Devoncourt lifted her hand to his lips. "Perhaps."
"But what would I have to do?"
"Just come," he whispered. "Meet them. See what they have to say."
"I don't know...."
"You'll be safe, I promise." He set the invitation in her hand, and curled her fingers around it. "But make sure you bring the invitation. It will grant you my protection. No blue blood will touch you if you bear my mark of protection."
There was a hard lump in her throat.
Adele responded with a saucy shrug, playing up to the image of what he expected her to be. "I'll consider it." She tucked the invitation inside her bodice, knowing she drew his gaze. "Though I won't offer any guarantees."
