Page 65 of Wicked Designs
“Win him back? I never lost him!”
“Ah, yes, of course.” He resisted the urge to smile. She’d revealed her weakness. Pride.
Evangeline pouted a moment before she spoke again. “What is this scheme of yours?”
“I give you this letter, written to mimic Essex’s hand, which invites you to come to his estate and spend time with him. It implies that he is not finding satisfactionwith Emily. You will confirm my suspicion that Emily is there and send me a letter by post to this name and address. It should not raise Essex’s suspicion in case he monitors your correspondence. Provide me with any details as to her exact whereabouts in the house, where they are keeping her, the routines of the serving men, anything you can tell me that will help me retrieve her.”
“And once you know that she is there?”
“I have in my employ a most dangerous man, one who will stop at nothing to get the girl. Assuming the duke and his friends stay out of the way, they should not be harmed. Once I have the girl, Essex will be free and clear for you to take back.” Blankenship’s smile held no warmth.
A hint of wariness betrayed the Frenchwoman. “This hired man… Would he kill Godric?”
“If Essex tries to stop him from bringing back the girl, then yes. He is very skilled. I have more men to back him, just as ruthless in their means.” Should someone pry the information from her, better that she lead Godric’s men to believe he had an army at his disposal.
For a long moment, Miss Mirabeau did not speak. He had no doubt she still cared for Essex. It only made her more likely to help his cause if she could spare her lover and get him back.
“Your plan is ridiculous. His Grace will know he did not write this note. How will I explain my sudden appearance?”
“Tell him it must have been a prank played on you. Show him the note, say you’ve given your servants avacation and it would be a hardship to return so soon. He’s a gentleman and no doubt he’ll let you stay. I will pay you handsomely for this little mission.”
Greed lit up her eyes. “How handsomely,Monsieur?”
“Very.”
She plucked the cheque he held out, eyes widening at the sum. “Monsieur!” She smiled, but at the same time, it wasn’t a smile at all.
“And more when you return,” he added.
“Consider us partners.”
Soon Emily would be in Parr’s house and Evangeline back in Essex’s bed. Blankenship would graciously forgive Parr his debts the moment Emily was his. He would have Emily, and Essex would be out of the way.
The hunting partyhad nearly reached the edge of the gardens, bags full of pheasants, when Emily tripped on a loose stone and rolled her ankle. The men turned at her cry. It hurt like the devil, and she couldn’t stifle her whimper. Godric instantly assessed the injury, his fingers pushing her skirts up. He touched her stocking-covered ankle with gentle but firm fingers.
“Does that hurt?”
Emily answered with a wince. She fought to stand upright.
“Don’t be silly. I’ll carry you.” Godric slid an arm behind her back and the other under her knees, lifting her up. Penelope followed close by, whining softly.Ashton and Cedric stayed ahead to help open the garden gate and the door back into the manor.
“Your Grace! What’s happened?” Simkins approached, his wrinkled face lined even further.
“Emily sprained her ankle. Have dinner for two brought up to my chambers. I don’t want her to aggravate it.”
He glanced from her to Godric and said, “Of course, Your Grace,” before he departed.
“What’s all this, then?” A familiar voice called from the stairs. Charles and Lucien were back from London, it seemed.
“When did you return?” Ashton asked.
“Half an hour ago. Simkins told us you were out hunting.” Lucien glanced at Emily in concern.
“Odd looking pheasant you have there, Godric. Did you shoot her in the leg?” Charles, unfortunately, was as brash as always.
“Hardly. I tripped on a stone on my way back into the garden.”
“You’re not hurt?” Lucien asked.
