Mattie lowered her gaze, not knowing what else to do. She trusted Winston, and she knew he wouldn’t leave her here to die. However, she hoped that he wouldn’t sacrifice his aunt and her son, either.
Isaac removed a pocket watch from his jacket and studied it. “Your betrothed should be here soon,” he said. “I suppose we shall see how truly important you are to him.”
“He isn’t my betrothed,” Mattie said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“No?” Isaac asked. “I find that odd since you two have spent a considerable amount of time with one another since I have arrived.”
Mattie brought her gaze up. “We are friends.”
Isaac gave her an amused look. “You can tell yourself whatever you want, but you would be wrong,” he said. “You’d think you would be pleased that you snagged a lord.” He paused. “Unless you are disappointed you didn’t turn Lord Dunsby’s head?”
She pressed her lips together. “I have never been interested in Lord Dunsby, at least in that way.”
“Not like how you feel about Lord Winston?” Isaac tsked. “I got tired of watching you two together. You two were so engrossed with one another that you failed to realize how often I came around.”
“What is it that you want me to say?” she asked, tiltingher chin.
Isaac’s eyes held a sinister glint. “You can try to pretend to be brave, but we both know it is just an act.” He took a step towards her, and she stumbled backwards, desperate to keep distance between them. “I promise that if I do have to kill you, it will be quick.”
Mattie’s eyes went wide as she stared back at Isaac, attempting to stay strong. But with every word that Isaac said, her resolve slipped further.
Isaac performed an exaggerated bow. “I will be back shortly, my dear. Until then, continue to make yourself at home.”
Once Isaac departed from the barn, Mattie’s eyes roamed the old structure, desperately seeking an escape route. She approached the walls, pressing against the old wooden boards, hoping to find a loose one. But they were all firmly in place.
The sound of rats scurrying along the rafters caught her attention, and she let out a shudder. Her situation seemed hopeless, but she knew she had to stay strong. Winston would come for her. She was sure of that. For now, she needed to find a way to survive until he did.
One thing was certain—if she ever had a chance to speak to Winston again, she would tell him how she felt about him. She loved him. She had tried so hard to fight against that revelation, but she could deny it no longer. And the fact that he told her that he cared for her gave her hope that he felt the same.
Furthermore, she needed to ask Emma why she had never given her that letter. Her sister was many things, but she wasn’t forgetful. Had she kept the letter away from her on purpose? If so, why would Emma have done such a thing?
Mattie turned her attention back towards the wood boards and noticed a sliver of light coming from one in the back. She approached it and noticed that the nails were loose. Even if she were able to remove the nails, was that enough room for her to slip through?
As she debated what she should do, the barn door creaked open and Isaac stepped back in, his face twisted into a dark scowl. “What are you doing?” he growled, his voice laced with suspicion.
Mattie spun back around, her heart racing with fear. “I heard a rat,” she lied, hoping her voice sounded somewhat convincing.
“Stupid chit,” Isaac muttered, his eyes narrowing. “It is almost time to see if you are going to live another day or die.”
Her heart sank at his words, but she summoned all her courage to stand firm. She truly hoped that this was not the end for her.
Chapter Nineteen
Winston sat across from his Aunt Sarah in the rattling coach as it jostled towards the Wilsons’ barn. The old structure had been abandoned for many years, its once proud frame now shrouded in a tangle of weeds and overgrown bushes. Tall trees bordered the property, their branches looming over the dilapidated roof, threatening to further compromise its integrity.
Jasper and Grady had concocted a plan, but it was fraught with uncertainties and potential pitfalls. They had no clear idea of the number of men Isaac had under his command. Moreover, Isaac had made it clear that Winston was to bring only Aunt Sarah and Matthew. Any deviation, and Isaac would not hesitate to kill Mattie.
But Isaac had grossly underestimated Winston’s love for Mattie. He would sacrifice his own life if it meant she could live another day. He had been on the verge of confessing his feelings to her when Isaac had abducted her.
Winston adjusted the cravat around his neck, which suddenly felt as constricting as a noose. What if their plan failed? Panic surged through him, a stark departure from his usual composed demeanor. As a barrister, he was adept atprojecting an air of confidence, even when chaos surrounded him. It was a mask he wore well.
His aunt’s voice pierced through the tense silence. “It will be all right.”
Winston met her gaze. “Yes, it will be,” he replied, attempting to muster his usual confident façade.
“I won’t let anything happen to Miss Bawden,” Aunt Sarah said firmly. “She is an innocent in all of this and it was terribly unfair of Isaac to drag her into his schemes.”
“Isaac is a blackguard.”
