He glanced at the hallway, holding the heavy satchel with both arms. “Your father is a Fenian?—”
She slapped him. Hard. Her hand burned, and her wrist hurt, but the shock of her moment of violence hurt more. “How dare you?” Tears and sobs of anger choked her.
He rubbed his cheek, his nostrils flaring. “Your father is a bloody murderer and a traitor to our country.” He spat every word with venom. “He’s responsible for the bomb at Whitehall and many others. I will not be locked up with him or pay for his mistakes.”
“Liar.” She couldn’t raise her voice. The boy, who had grown up with her, had betrayed her family.
“Bloody hell, Violante. You’re nothing but a spoiled little brat who doesn’t understand anything of the world. You go around with your books and spouting nonsense about how kind your father is. You know nothing.” Hatred dripped from his words as if he’d waited years to say them.
“You’re nothing but a thief.”
“Suit yourself. I won’t let the police arrest my mother and me. We’re leaving. I warned you. Your choice.”
“Paul—”
Ignoring her, he strode out of the room and headed for the servants’ stairs.
Violante stood motionless. Her brain couldn’t cope with the absurdity of the situation. Her papa a Fenian? Impossible. Paul had lied. Someone hated her father so much to throw accusations against him. The room tilted, and she put a hand on the desk not to fall. Loud noises and shouts came from outside, but she was numb. She didn’t know what to do.
“Violante.” Keith swept into view. He took in the open strongbox and peered at her face. “You shouldn’t be here. It’s too dangerous.”
She nearly sagged against him when he took her shoulders. “What’s happening?”
Gunshots rent the air, jolting her.
“We must leave.” Keith dragged her away from the study and down the stairs.
“Where’s Papa?” She glanced around, but she didn’t see anyone. The manor was seemingly empty. “Who called the police?”
“Violante.” Keith’s grave tone was like a slap. “I called the police.”
“Because of what Paul did? He was here. He stole my father’s money, our jewels, and even my mother’s pendant. Did you call the police to arrest him?”
His fingers gripped her shoulders harder. He stared at her with an intensity that made her shiver. “Your father is with the Fenians.”
A wave of sheer anger burned her chest. Her numbness was crushed under that wave. “That’s rubbish. Not even you.” She shrugged herself free. “How dare you.”
He didn’t flinch. “I saw it with my own eyes. He met with the Fenians last night to plan an attack on Sir Howard’s house. Paul and other people who work here were there, too. When I confronted your father, he locked me up in the old shed. Paul let me out, and we went to the police.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. It must be a misunderstanding. Papa would never hurt anyone.” A buzzing noise rang in her ears.
He shook his head. “I talked to him. He admitted to wanting to kill Sir Howard and his family. I’m sorry. I had to call the police.”
“You’re lying.” She shoved him. Not that he budged. “Why are you lying?”
“It’s the truth.” His voice broke, and tears glistened in his eyes. “It kills me, but it’s the whole truth.”
Another gunshot rang out. Keith grabbed her hand and dragged her towards the rear of the house.
“Where are we going?” She tried to get free, but he didn’t let her go.
He led her through the back door towards the path that led to the town. Another round of gunshots thundered from the barn. He wrapped his arms around her, shielding her, and she couldn’t see anything.
“Quick.” He urged her onwards, almost hauling her up.
She shuffled, trying to understand what the heck was happening.
When he released her, they were close to the barley field.
