∞∞∞
The former Earl of Ruteledge was not even cold in his grave before the new Earl made his appearance at the country seat. Although Simon Linfield made an effort so show at least a little sorrow, the household staff agreed the look in their new master’s eyes was anything but grief stricken.
Establishing himself in his cousin’s former study, Linfield helped himself to a brandy, then sat behind the desk and gave himself a toast. The good doctor had fulfilled his part of the bargain – and much quicker than Simon could have hoped. In truth, a little more time might have been helpful, but thankfully, he’d managed to get his hands on the runaway chit.
All that remained now was for him to slit Georgiana’s throat and arrange for his blackmailing wife to have a nasty accident. He took a sip of his brandy and grinned. The nastier the better.
A knock on the door brought him out of his reverie. ‘Come,’ he called, swallowing the rest of his brandy.
‘My lord, the solicitor is here.’
‘Ah, show him in,’ Linfield answered, fighting a sudden unholy urge to laugh. ‘We’ll do the will reading in here.’
‘Very well, my lord. Should I send someone to fetch Miss Victoria?’
Simon Linfield frowned. Bloody hell, he’d forgotten about the twin. He sighed and nodded his head. Watching the butler depart, he mentally added her to his list of nasty accidents waiting to happen
∞∞∞
‘My threats no longer have any power,’ Judith concluded. ‘He’ll kill both of us at the first opportunity. Somehow we have to escape before he gets back from Ruteledge Hall.’
‘What about yer father?’ George countered. ‘Won’t he ‘ave somethin’ to say about his daughter bein’ ‘ushed?’
‘Not if it’s made to look like an accident,’ the older woman retorted. ‘Once Simon is confirmed the new Earl, no one will give a damn what he did beforehand – including my father. Any leverage I had disappeared the moment Edward Linfield died.’
George shook her head, hardly able to believe the fantastical tale she’d just been told. In truth, since Anthony’s death, she’d felt numb inside. Mayhap her detachment would subside with time, but at this very moment, she hardly cared whether she lived or died.
Except that she had a sister. ‘You say Victoria don’t know nothin’ about me?’
Judith shook her head. ‘She has no idea she was born a twin. Indeed, I think Victoria out of everyone has perhaps been dealt the cruellest hand.’
‘’Ow so,’ George demanded harshly. ‘She’s ‘ad a bloody roof over ‘er ‘ead ain’t she, and food in ‘er belly?’
‘She’s been a prisoner for the whole of her life,’ Judith answered simply. ‘Confined to three rooms at the top of that house. Seeing and speaking to no one. At least you had your freedom.’ She paused before adding, ‘And I doubt she will live much longer than you and I.’
‘You reckon ‘e’ll ‘ave ‘er done in?’
‘Oh I don’t doubt she’ll have a tragic accident,’ the older woman sighed. ‘Probably in about six months.’
George grimaced and shook her head. ‘Bloody families. Better off wi’out ‘em I reckon.’
‘When money and a title are involved.’ Judith shrugged and they sat in silence for a few seconds.
‘So where are we anyway?’ George asked suddenly.
‘My husband’s house in Topsham.’
‘That near Exeter?’ George quizzed, frowning. Judith nodded.
‘About three miles as the crow flies.’
‘So are we likely to be given any breakfast?’ George queried at length. The older woman gave another nod.
‘We might be locked in, but the staff here are loyal to me. I’m certain I can persuade one of them to let us escape.’
‘Well, wi’ yer ‘usband’s reputation, I’d be surprised if any of ‘em’ll take a risk in lettin’ you go,’ George scoffed.
‘I’ve sent word to my former maid,’ Judith continued. ‘She will take us in once we are free of this place.’
