“Then the plot goes forward,” she said bleakly.“If I have not you, I have no alternative.And,” she added sadly, “you and your wife will have to die.Her little friend also, I suppose.”
He could feel his heartbeats.“And if I agree to your whims they will go free?”
“Of course.”She caressed his face.“Am I a vicious woman, Nicky?You know I hate violence.If the plot is exposed and we are gone there is no danger from them.Once I know she hates you I will fear no threat from your wife and child.I will own you forever.”
Her words chilled him.God help him if she demanded he make love to her tonight.Not even all her amorous skills could achieve it.
“Do not be angry with me, my darling.”
He took a risk and pushed her away.He walked to the fireplace, stealing time to think.He could overpower her and take the papers, though she was supple as a snake and always kept a small knife on her body.What would that achieve?One of her guards was always stationed outside the boudoir door, and Eleanor would still be in their hands.
He could take her hostage, but that would be less easy.It would also put an end to their supposed grand passion.Any slip from there would see them all dead.
No, the only safe course was to comply with her mad plans.Which meant, of course, that Eleanor would be hurt again and any chance of happiness for them would be diminished.Still, he believed he could make it up to his wife once he had a chance to explain.Just a few hours more.
He turned around, making no attempt to pretend fondness.He just hoped she wouldn’t touch him.“Tell me again what you wish me to do.”
“Go to her.Tell her it is I you love.”She came closer, a picture of womanly gentleness.She was an amazing actress.“It is kinder so anyway.Then she will make a new life with someone else.We can stage your death, you see, and she will be a rich widow.But first you must cut her free of you, for I know how you affect women.Do not think such a plain, boring woman is immune.They are the worst, but even they have their pride, tell her you are to go with me and will not return.Be angry with her, then she will be angry in return.”
As if the idea had suddenly come into her mind, she clapped her hands.“Pretend you believe she came to me of her own free will, abusing me for having won your affections.Show disgust for her behavior.She will hate you and be free.Then I will know you love me and only me.”
He allowed some of his true feelings to show.“If anything could kill my love for you, Therese, it would be this insanity.I adore you, but I respect my wife.”
Her eyes suddenly lit with fire.“So.You do not respect me!”
Bleak amusement filled him.“Not in the same way, Therese, no.”
“You do not love me!”she shrieked and hurled a china figurine, which crashed into the wall by his head.
Hell, he’d gone too far.He steeled himself for one last effort.He swept her into a crushing embrace.“I wish to God I did not!”he groaned.“But Therese, you are asking me to behave dishonorably.No woman should do that.”
“What do I care for honor!”she cried.“I am willing to sacrifice all for you.Can you not do such a little thing for me?”
He sighed his acceptance and kissed her.“And afterward she will go home safe?”
She was all sweet compliance again.She kissed his hands in tender reverence.“I give you my word, my golden child.”
She could well call him so.She was in command here and they both knew it.
“Very well,” he said.“Take me to her.”
She led him up the back stairs to a locked door, in front of which stood a man with a pistol.“She is in here.By the way,” she said as if it were of no consequence, “there is a spy hole.I will see and hear all.”
He watched her go.Anger burned fiercely inside him but he could control it.He always controlled things.Or so he had thought.
“Open the door,” he curtly ordered the guard, longing to smash his fist into his face.He walked into the room.
Amy!My God, did he have to put on this performance in front of her?
The two women leaped up with cries of joy when he came in, but he broke in quickly.“What do you mean by coming here?”he snarled at Eleanor.“And bringing Amy to such a place.”
They both paled.“What do you mean?”protested Eleanor.
“I was under the opinion you were at least well-bred,” he snapped.If he could prevent them speaking he might get through this.“To come charging in here, where no decent woman would ever go, creating ugly scenes with my mistress!You should not even know of such matters.If you were not breeding, I’d beat you.”
Eleanor simply stood and stared but Amy sprang forward.“Nicholas, are you mad?We were brought here by force!”
He pushed her away.“Don’t support her foolish schemes!”
