And Father thought I was the harlot.
“The authorities will question Dufton, and frankly, with his reputation, murder and kidnapping will seem plausible.” Sally’s lips drew into a smirk. “He won’t be arrested—his title and wealth won’t allow it—but it will keep the authorities from looking elsewhere. His standing in society will suffer further, of course.”
“Bloody nob deserves it. Made me promises he had no intention of keeping.” Colm snorted. “No ironworks. No shares in Marsden. Not a farthing.”
“Poor Lucy will be distraught at Estwood’s death.” Sally’s face contorted into sympathy. “Thankfully, I’ll be here to console her.”
“And you, poor thing,” Colm said. “In your condition.”
Sally and Colm broke out into giggles.
“You must stop, Colm,” Sally wiped at her eyes. “I fear we won’t get this murder accomplished if you keep teasing me. I think I have everything well in hand. The constable, nor anyone else, will ever suspect I had a hand in this. Or you.” She swatted playfully at him. “And as far as Lucy, the girl is so unintelligent, she makes my teeth ache. Once things are settled in our favor, I’ll make some excuse.” Sally put a hand to her head with a small cry. “The sheer tragedy of Estwood’s death caused me to lose the child.” She giggled once more, the mournful look disappearing. “Imagine, lording it over Dufton when you are in control of Marsden. He’ll be absolutely livid.”
“You think she’ll accept my condolences?”
“Lucy likes men beneath her station, something we have in common.” Sally’s fingers trailed over his hand. “She’ll find you irresistible. As do I.”
Eww.
Sally had always been ambitious, though Lucy would never have considered her capable of concocting such a scheme. Or murder. Doubtless they meant to do away with Father as well.
Colm walked to the other side of the carriage and took up a length of rope before bending to tie Harry’s wrists. “I’ll go get the horses. If anyone comes by, go with our story until I can come back.”
“Just think, Colm. We’ll soon have everything.” Sally grabbed his arm. “Wealthy beyond our wildest dreams. At least Dufton did impart one good idea. He planned to put Lucy into the sanitarium once they wed.”
“I expect I’ll do the same.” Colm pressed a kiss to Sally’s lips.
Lucy retreated deeper into the trees, carefully moving around the side of the carriage, pressing a hand to her stomach to keep from casting up her breakfast. If Lucy didn’t do something, Colm would take Harry to the quarry and kill him. Then they planned to somehow marry her to Colm, take Harry’s fortune and keep Marsden.
Rather complicated. But if Lucy didn’t do something, they might well succeed.
Unfortunately, she couldn’t possibly run back to the house fast enough and return with help before Colm came back. She had no weapons, save two kittens.
Lucy looked around. No, not even kittens. Buttons and Boots had disappeared. But the ground was littered with rocks. And she had excellent aim, according to Harry.
Standing perfectly still, Lucy waited until Colm faded into the trees. Picking up a stone the size of a hen’s egg, she summoned all her courage and took aim at the back of Sally’s lying, conniving head.
“That’s for saying I’m stupid,” she said before cursing softly when the stone hit the carriage and not Sally.
Sally jerked around, looking into the woods. “Who is there?” She looked down at Harry, who blinked up at her, blood dripping from a wound at his temple. “There’s been an accident.” She wailed. “We’ve been attacked by thieves of some sort.”
Lucy picked up another rock.
When no one answered, Sally raised her foot and kicked Harry in the stomach.“This is all your fault for marrying Lucy. But I’m still going to be rich. I would rather have been Dufton’s mistress, but Colm will do just as well. I should have told him to set that entire ironworks on fire and save us this ruse.”
One of Harry’s eyes opened. He spat a stream of blood into the dirt. “I always thought you were a bitch.”
Sally swung her foot back, meaning to kick him again.
Lucy hefted the rock, took careful aim, and threw. This time, she didn’t miss. The rock hit Sally in her left temple, hard enough to whip her head back to snap against the carriage.
Her stepmother let out a tiny sound of shock, clutching her forehead.
The second rock hit Sally right between the eyes, knocking her to the ground.
Lucy stepped into the road, scanning the area for Colm, but there wasn’t any sign of him. She strode over to Sally, feeling violent and furious. This woman had tried to takeeverythingfrom her.
“Lucy?” Sally gave her a bleary look. “Oh, my dear daughter,” she simpered. “Thank goodness. Dufton sent men after us and?—”
