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Ariadne was softly rocking on the wicker chair by the window when Lord Brexley came in through the door. He was expected. He looked as if he had made it there in a rush. The lapel of his undershirt was damp with sweat and he was softly panting.
His eyes widened when he saw Ariadne. “Are you all right, dear? Leda wrote to me saying that you were injured in the fire.”
“These are minor burns,” Ariadne said. “But it does pain me to walk. I have found myself indisposed to work for you.”
For a second she saw the flash of cold rage descend on his face. But then his face smoothed into a mask of sympathy. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“But instead of me, Leda is going to work for you,” she said. “Is that all right with you?”
He smiled. Ariadne saw the depth of depravity in that smile. She barely controlled herself, but in truth, she wanted to walk over to him and slap him out of his wits. The bastard had her father killed to further his nefarious intentions and had masqueraded as their benefactor. But Ariadne knew that for this game to come to an end, she would have to act accordingly.
“Where is she?” he asked.
“In her room,” Ariadne said. “For everything that you have done for us, you may have her, my Lord.” She gave him a knowing smile and let it speak for what she wanted to convey.
Brexley blinked and then his eyes narrowed as if he didn’t really believe everything was happening.
“I understand your reluctance, my Lord. Leda is shy and timid. She has asked me to convey to you the depth of her feelings. She has fallen in love with you because of your kindness and she wants to show to you what you have truly begun to mean to her.”
“Did she…really say that?” he asked, hopefully.
Ariadne nodded, careful not to seem too eager. “You’re kind and valiant and you’ve always given us far more than we deserve.”
“That’s true,” he said smugly and then quickly sobered. “But truly I don’t care for that. I only had your well-being in mind.”
Ariadne nodded. “We know how selfless you are. Don’t take it otherwise, my Lord. Leda simply wishes to acknowledge your kindness in privacy.” She showed him to the door. “Please.”
Something in her earnestness must have finally convinced him because he strode toward the door, his walking cane beating against the floor. Ariadne stood up as he entered the room and closed the door behind him.
Edward and Jack who had been inside the flat all along came out of their hiding places. And so did Leda.
They opened the door just as Lord Brexley embraced the woman who was looking away from him. He didn’t hear them come in. “I have always wanted you, my Leda. Your youth and beauty have seduced me so I don’t see anything beyond you. I want to take you to my bed.”
“But I’m right here,” Leda said.
Lord Brexley whirled around just as she spoke. Shock and horror ran across his face as he took in his audience. “If you’re there then who is—” he trailed off as Emma turned around. She was wearing Leda’s clothes. “It’s me, my Lord.”
Anger replaced his features. “You tricked me,” he bellowed.
“You confessed your truth, you vermin,” Ariadne said, spitting at his feet. “May you rot in hell.”
“You! You’re responsible for all of this,” he said. He took rapid strides toward Ariadne, his hands outstretched as if he wanted to throttle her but Edward caught him by his neck before he could reach her. Ariadne didn’t even flinch.
Edward caught him by his collar and snarled, “If you ever think to lay a hand on her or even touch a single strand of her hair, I’ll throttle you with my bare hands. In fact, I should just do it now.”
“Edward, don’t,” Ariadne said. “He’s not worth it. Besides we have all the proof we need now.”
Edward reluctantly let go of him and stepped back.
“You have nothing against me,” Lord Brexley said. “Nothing I said incriminates me in any sort of offenses viable to produce me in front of a court.”
“I know everything you did,” Emma said. “Everything you made me do while dangling a carrot in front of me that once you succeeded, I would have every imaginable riches in the world.”
“Do you think they will listen to my word over a whore’s?” he said, chuckling. “I’m a philanthropist. My reputation precedes me. Nobody will believe you over me.”
“Maybe not,” Edward said, “but they will believe me.”
“And me,” Jack said. He went out of the room and when he came back, the little boy was with him. As soon as he saw Lord Brexley, his eyes widened. “That is him. I remember his scar. I was scared of it.”
