When hunger struck later, as he expected it would, he’d like to be ready.So he made the necessary preparations before collecting the cloak Mrs.Greene had provided last night.“Come, my lady.It’s time for us to depart.”
21
Finn O’Leary finished his breakfast and extended his hand toward his cup of coffee.
Before he was able to take a sip, his aunt spoke, her voice as cool as the chill morning air.“I want you gone within the hour.Should you ever dare to return, I’ll be better prepared.”
“Pistols at the ready?”he asked with a smirk.
Her eyes informed him she’d shoot him dead on the spot if she ever saw him again.“You made a grave mistake coming here.”
“I got what I wanted,” he said, then took a slow sip of his coffee before adding a snide, “Your Grace.”
Nostrils flaring with fury, she stared at him as though he were a maggot.“I hope your attempt to destroy Croft gets you killed.”
The taunt was like a fuse to Finn’s temper.He slammed his cup down on the saucer, snapping the ear and splashing hot liquid across the white tablecloth.“Hemurderedmy father.Yoursister’s husband.”
“Chances are he deserved it,” the duchess announced without flinching.“Michael was an unscrupulous scoundrel who was willing to betray others for his own personal gain.”
“That’s a damn lie,” Finn snapped.“Sean would not have joined my cause if—”
“Don’t be daft, Finn.I’m speaking of friends and business associates, not family.”
“Family is all that matters.My father knew that, which is why he worked so damn hard to make our lives better.”
“And yet, he stupidly made the kind of enemies who don’t look kindly on betrayal.”She leaned forward, pinning him with the kind of look that informed him she’d love the chance to flay him alive.“It is a well-known fact that despite their illicit dealings, the Crofts have a strict moral code.Betray them and die.Your father knew this, yet he chose to turn on them anyway.”
“That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have my revenge.”
“Of course it does, though you are too fixated on your goal to see it.”She snorted with contempt and relaxed in her seat.“So go.Do what you must, and may the devil take you.”
“You might want to rephrase that, lest I feel inclined to inform your husband of our connection after all.”
The threat of the duke finding out about his wife’s ties to the O’Learys, had earned Finn the right to remain here for nearly two months.The estate had provided a comfortable hideaway since he’d fled London.As far as the servants knew, he was a second cousin from the duchess’s father’s side of the family.He’d have told her husband the same, in the event he’d shown up.
Provided she did as Finn asked and didn’t cause trouble.
A point that was worth reminding her of on occasion.
Something sharp sparked in her eyes.A hateful smile curled her lips.“I wish you a pleasant journey and much success.”
Sarcasm dripped from every word, scraping Finn’s nerves.He ought to grab her by the throat and teach her not to defy him.Unfortunately, he did not control the household, which was filled with servants loyal to her.A fact he’d been very aware of during his stay and the reason he’d always kept a weapon on hand.
Should he be violent with her in some way, he ran the risk of never making it to the carriage.
So he dipped his chin and pushed back his chair.“Thank you for your hospitality.I’ll fetch my things and be on my way.”
His aunt said nothing, though he could practically hear her screaming,Good riddance.
A humorless laugh escaped him.He paused briefly to hold her gaze — a reminder of who she was and how that could crush her – before he finally turned his back on the Duchess of Eldridge.
* * *
Adrian alighted from his carriage together with Wrengate.He’d had no choice but to let the duke join him.His Grace had been standing in the middle of Adrian’s study, tearing him to shreds with verbal insults because he’d not yet brought his sister home, when the missive from Murdoch arrived.
Murry’s whereabouts and those of Lady Edwina had been discovered.They were here, at The Mad Bull Tavern, according to a report obtained from the innkeeper himself.
Wrengate was already shoving his way through the inn’s front door.Adrian followed at an even pace.They’d not spoken one word to each other during the ride.There had been no need.The duke had made himself clear; he would murder Murry for his defiance.
