Page 29 of Wicked Designs
The maid gratefully escaped the watchful gazes of the three men and departed.
When they finished their inspection, the magistrate seemed convinced that Blankenship was destined for the nearest madhouse.
“I’ll show you out now. I have estate matters to attend to today and tenants to visit. I can’t delay any longer.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” Seaton walked outside and took the reins of his horse from the waiting groom.
Blankenship whirled to face Godric, bringing himself far too close for his liking.
“I know you took her. But know this. She is mine. Parr gave her to me. I will get her back and she’ll be punished for staying here with you.”
“You would punish a woman for leaving home?”
“I would punish her for trying to escape me. The girl belongs on her knees before me and I’ll have her there, soon. And you, with all of your bloody arrogance and pride, I’ll tear you down before this is done.”
Godric laughed. “Tear me down? You, my dear fellow, have no idea whom you’re dealing with. Your insolence is matched only by your stupidity. It’s you who should worry. I’ve destroyed greater men for less than the insultof your presence in my home. Even if I did have Miss Parr, I’d keep her just to spite you.”
But Blankenship was not easily cowed. “You might want to ask your friend Lord Rochester, what happened to Lord Pitherington. Terrible bad luck can befall even the mightiest of us. Bear that in mind.”
“And you bear this—I don’t like men who abuse women. When you threaten me, you threaten four more men far above you in intelligence, power and fortune. Should I wish to tell them about your hasty words, you might not wake up tomorrow morning. Good day to you.” Godric finished with such a menacing growl that Blankenship staggered back, then hurried to his horse without looking back.
“Pleasant journey!” Godric hollered as the horses left a trail of dust in their wake.
“And good riddance,” Ashton echoed from behind. The others, save Lucien, were with him.
“Are we in the clear then?” Charles asked.
Godric turned to face his friends. “I wish I could say otherwise, but the truth is no. We aren’t the only ones with an interest in Emily. I believe our interest in the lady is far better than the alternative.”
CHAPTER 6
Only a tiny beam of light cut through the keyhole of the heavy wood armoire.
Emily tried to remain absolutely still, focusing on the noises of the manor. Several minutes later, the door opened and Godric entered, followed by Blankenship and the magistrate. Emily bit her lip so hard she tasted blood. Her uncle’s business partner moved through the room, studying it. She held her breath, terrified he would hear her panicked gasps for air. Finally the inspection of the room was over and the men departed. She sagged against Lucien in relief.
“Christ, that was close,” Lucien muttered. “But they might be back. Keep still.”
After a quarter of an hour, Godric and Ashton’s voices grew louder out in the hall. Lucien loosened his grip on Emily as the armoire door swung open. Ashton and Godric stared at the pair for a second before Godric snatched her out of Lucien’s lap and tossed her over hisshoulder. Sadly, she was getting used to the treatment. It was easier for him to carry her about whenever she couldn’t be trusted to walk. She wasn’t a valise that needed to be carted about by a servant.
“Good thinking on the armoire, Lucien. That one fellow was insistent on seeing the rooms.” Godric shifted Emily and she grunted in discomfort.
“You could put me down, now,” she stated, but it went ignored.
“Thank you,” Lucien said. “I have been known to have the occasional stroke of genius. Now who was that other fellow? That wasn’t Parr, was it?”
“He introduced himself to me as Mr. Thomas Blankenship. Supposedly, he and Parr are friends.”
Blankenship. Why was he here? Why hadn’t her uncle come looking for her? She froze, too terrified to move. He’d probably convinced her uncle to let him marry her…a thought so abhorrent she was sick to her stomach. Emily huffed.
“Blankenship?” Lucien growled. “That devil owes me three thousand pounds, he belongs to a group of investors who purchased a bit of property from me.”
“Do you know anything about what happened to Lord Pitherington?” Godric asked. “I read about the accident of course, but Blankenship suggested there was more to it.”
Lucien’s brow furrowed. “Yes. The man was broken by debt earlier this year. Some of my interests were tied in with his, and I took a small hit as well. There were whispers about Blankenship’s role in the matter. Pitherington…well…he put a pistol to his mouth when he couldn’t pay, I’m afraid. It was reported as an accident for the sake of the family.”
“Well he sounds like an absolutely fantastic fellow, we ought to invite him to our club,” Godric drawled sarcastically.
The news that someone hated Blankenship as much as she did gladdened Emily’s heart.The enemy of my enemy is my friend…I hope, she thought grimly.
