Page 25 of Revenge

Rocking back on his heels, the man puffed out his chest. “Doing well, young sir. Please pass on our thanks to His Grace for the bonus. Two sets of everything ain’t cheap!”

Edward chuckled. “I imagine it isn’t.”

Shanks bundled up the firewood and continued to another metal barrel further on along the edge of the forest.

I followed the man with my eyes. It was clear that he worked for the estate, as he had thanked Edward’s father for the extra money. Was Edward managing the estate in his father’s illness, or did the old butler do the work?

Edward pulled out a flask from his backpack. “Time for a spot of hot chocolate, I think.”

“I hope it’s not spiked.”

His brows drew together. “That was a rather childish prank to play on everyone. Mrs. Jenkins had to put poor Miss Oakley to bed after she’d passed out having had one too many mugs.”

My brows drew together. “That wasn’t you?”

“Widespread chaos via intoxication is more Blake’s style.” Edward grinned. “One time, he put hair remover in Coates’ sunblock, dissolving all his body hair. The poor chap had to shower in private for weeks until it grew back.”

“Nice,” I muttered. At least I knew the identity of one of the culprits behind the tampered shampoo.

He pulled out two insulated mugs and poured two mugs of the most delicious-smelling hot cocoa I’d ever tasted. Then we stood together, watching the wood burn in the barrel, which Edward explained was used to make charcoal. Later, we returned to the jeep, and Edward drove us back a different route with a road that avoided the steep part of the hill.

When we returned to Elder House, Edward walked me up to the first floor, took my hand, and pressed his lips to my knuckles. “Good night, Emilia.”

I tilted my head to the side and smiled. “You’re not going to invite me to your study?”

“You’re worth the wait.” He drew back, walked down the hallway, and disappeared down the stairs, leaving me bewildered.

I stepped into my room. The bathroom door was open, and Rita’s bed was still made. She was probably in Hawthorn House with her upper-sixth year friend. I sat on the edge of my bed and put my head in my hands. What kind of game was Edward playing? When we were alone, he was the perfect gentleman, and he only participated a little when Henry and Blake got hot and heavy. Was he really trying to play things slow, or was he differentiating himself from the others by holding back?

Blinking out the confusion, I shook my head. He’d bullied me just as much as the others, and he’d been involved in framing me for the kidnapping. Nobody would be immune from my wrath, not even those who acted gallant.

Chapter 9

I had hoped to be able to send something useful to Jackie from yesterday’s date with Edward, but unfortunately I hadn’t discovered anything except his fascinating relationship with his employees. And the beautiful grounds. And a secret strength and kindness, hidden behind his hard exterior. As to whether I was glad I had found no dirt on him… I didn’t want to examine that too closely. Jackie forwarded me scanned plans of Elder House and key areas of the academy with red dots to indicate the locations of the cameras they had forced Carbuncle to install.

Later that evening, I sat between Edward and Henry in the common room, where the triumvirate held court at the sofas closest to the fire. Charlotte, Patricia, and Wendy sauntered into the room, holding marshmallows and long, metal prongs. This was the first time she had shown her face since the Correspondent had published the article on her brother’s gambling addiction.

They had also delved into the financial activities of her father. Over the years, he had placed several family properties for auction, selling them for less than their worth. With so many people fixated on money and status in Mercia Academy, and with her lie about her brother working for the Saudi Royal family exposed, I wasn’t surprised Charlotte had gone into hiding.

Patricia was the first to speak. “We brought marshmallows.” She fluttered her lashes at Edward. “I know they’re your favorite.”

He wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “Some things are better than junk food.”

“None for me, thanks.” Henry stretched out on his side of the sofa, taking up all the space.

Blake scooted toward Edward. “Sit with me, if you like.”

I narrowed my eyes. This was clearly a ploy to make me jealous. It was time to act, and I had a great idea. Rita had once told me that Blake liked to boast about his connection to the British Royal family. If I could prompt him into repeating his little speech, Jackie would have a nice little story, and I’d have my revenge. I locked eyes with Patricia and slid my hand on Edward’s muscular thigh. He kissed me on the cheek.

The other girl’s bottom lip wobbled. “Do you know what I hate the most?”

“What’s that?” asked Charlotte.

“Gold diggers who follow the examples of their trollop mothers.”

Wendy shook her head. “How true.”

“Wow,” I said. “You should be kinder to yourself, Pat—“ I tapped my bottom lip. “Sorry, I forgot your last name. What is it again?”