Edwina felt her anger rising within her as she demanded, “How could you do such a thing?”
“Easily,” Mr. Stanley replied. “I was tired of being poor when your family had so much wealth. It is my turn to be rich.”
“But if that is the case, do you even intend to stop?” she questioned.
Mr. Stanley’s expression darkened. “I have to. You mentioned that Lord Dunsby was going to start taking an active role in reviewing the accounts. I couldn’t risk him discovering my treachery.”
Edwina’s gaze fell to the pistol in his hand and fear crept into her voice. “Do you truly intend to kill me?”
“I do. I am sorry that it has come to this,” Mr. Stanley said, his apology sounding insincere. “Although, I did try to kill you once before. I startled that horse in hopes that you were trampled to death in the street.”
Her eyes widened in shock and horror. “Why?”
“Because if you were dead, the questions surrounding your inheritance would go away,” Mr. Stanley answered coldly. “Furthermore, it would release your dowry, which I could have stolen more funds from.”
Edwina’s breath caught in her throat as the full extent of Mr. Stanley’s deceit and greed became clear to her. “You are a terrible person.”
“The worst,” Mr. Stanley agreed, his finger tightening on the trigger of the pistol. “I hadn’t planned on shooting you, but I realize that this could work out in my favor.”
Her heart pounded as she stared down the barrel of Mr. Stanley’s pistol, knowing that one wrong move could be her last. “If you shoot me, the servants will come running,” Edwina said, attempting to reason with him.
Mr. Stanley pursed his lips together. “You are right. I am going to have to muffle the shot.” He walked over to the settee and retrieved a pillow. “This should do justfine. Now we will just wait until the music starts up again.”
“You are never going to get away with this,” Edwina stated firmly, trying to maintain a sense of control despite the fear gripping her.
“Who is going to stop me?” Mr. Stanley asked confidently with a smug grin, tilting his head towards the door where they could hear music playing in the distance. “Well, it appears that your time is up. The orchestra has begun the next set.”
Edwina racked her brain as she tried to think of something to keep him talking but she was out of ideas.
And out of time.
Her breath caught in her throat as Mr. Stanley placed the pillow in front of the pistol and she froze.
But just as he was about to pull the trigger, the door swung open and Miles appeared in the doorway, his own pistol aimed directly at Mr. Stanley.
Edwina’s heart leapt with relief at the sight of Miles, but she knew their situation was still dire.
“Put down the pistol,” Miles ordered, his voice firm and commanding.
Mr. Stanley arched an eyebrow, a cruel smirk playing at his lips. “And why would I do that, my lord?” he scorned.
Miles stepped further into the room, his eyes still trained on Mr. Stanley. “Because you have lost. Do not make this any harder than it needs to be.”
A dangerous glint entered Mr. Stanley’s eyes. “Well, it appears that I have the advantage since I am holding a pistol aimed at Lady Edwina,” he sneered. “If you don’t put down your pistol, then I will shoot her.”
Miles remained resolute, his grip on the pistol tightening as he stared down Mr. Stanley. “I will not allow that to happen,” he declared.
“If Lady Edwina dies, can you live with that on your conscience?” Mr. Stanley taunted with a smug look in his eyes.
Miles didn’t falter or lower the pistol but instead glanced over at Edwina and gave her a reassuring wink, providing her with great comfort. She didn’t know how, but she knew in her heart that Miles would keep her safe.
Mr. Stanley tossed the pillow onto the settee and retrieved the leather-bound ledger from the desk. “I suggest we both put down our pistols and walk away from this unscathed.”
“I cannot allow that,” Miles stated resolutely, moving to stand in front of Edwina. “I have heard enough of your deceitful words and I refuse to let someone like you continue preying on those less fortunate.”
Making his way towards the hearth, Mr. Stanley held up the ledger triumphantly. “If this book is destroyed, then all you have against me is your word. And what value does an earl’s word hold in a court of law?”
“I daresay that it holds plenty of weight,” Miles countered, his voice carrying the heaviness of conviction.
