“I see I have shocked you, Miss Brown. But what you need to understand is I am aware of everything you have done with Lord Raine.”
“I-I don’t understand.” Dimity felt cold all of sudden.
“I expect not. After all, you never really saw me, did you. But as you were nice to me, when others ignored me, I will not kill you if you do as I say.”
His voice was different. Stronger.
“Diard—”
“Is a fool, and merely does as I tell him to.”
“What do you want with me?”
“Your use is twofold, Miss Brown. You are to lure the earl to your side. Like any man wanting to be the hero for the woman he loves, he will come.”
“Then whatever plan you are hatching will fall down,” Dimity said. “He does not love me.”
“I have observed Lord Raine for a long time, Miss Brown. He tried to kill me, you see, and nearly succeeded, so it was important I understood the man I am to return the favor to. I, however, will not fail.”
“No!”
His smile was sinister.
“Yes. And he does love you. It is quite clear for anyone to see. But that love will come to nothing, as very soon he will be dead.”
Dimity bit back the sob. “I will not let you kill him, and neither will his brothers.”
He made a tsking sound. “Miss Brown, I am a ruthless mercenary who is paid by powerful men to destroy your king. I have killed many and will do so again. One week from today, your country will be plunged into uncertainty and despair, so you will not be alone in your grief. Killing the earl is a personal vendetta of mine, not something I am being paid for.”
“You will not kill him!”
“All will not be lost, as you will have your new family to care for you.”
“Who?” The word was hoarse, desperate.
“Time will reveal all, Miss Brown. But placing you back into the bosom of your family will bring me a great deal of money. Now, I suggest you eat your meal and rest. Your love will find my clue, and I estimate he will be here in the early hours of the morning.”
Dimity said nothing as he left, locking the door behind him.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Dimity was in the hands of a man who was a cold-blooded murderer. Gabe was ice-cold at the prospect. Now he’d admitted his love for her, he felt different. Exposed in some way. His need to see her, hold her, was fierce. She would stay safe until he got to her; he would allow no other option to enter his head.
“I cannot believe she is the Comte Saint-Bonnard’s sister,” Zach said. “She is your equal now, brother.”
“She was always my equal; I was just too foolish to see it. None of that matters now,” Gabe said. “I just want her back.”
“We will see she is returned to you safe,” Nathan said.
“Ombrage will not make it easy,” Zach said.
“I will get her back,” Gabe said. “No matter what it takes.”
“Aye,” his brothers agreed. “Now read what the letter really said.”
Gabe had no need to pull it from his jacket; he had memorized the words.
“‘Come alone to Broad Clunsden if you want Miss Brown back, or should I say Charlotte Elise Saint-Bonnard.’ It is signed Ombrage.”
