“Six years,” Amelia answered.
“Six?” The housekeeper rolled her eyes. “That’s plenty o’ time to put the past to rest. And if the man hasna had much of a romp in six years, he’s like to burst open.”
Amelia’s face flushed even hotter. “I’ve taken matters into my own hands.”
The old woman cackled. “Ye should takehiminto yer own hands, lass. I promise it willna take long for him to be coaxed.”
“Mrs. Larson!” Amelia was appalled to hear the woman speaking so plainly.
“Ah, but ye’re married now, my wee dove. Bed yer husband every night, and all will be right again. And he’ll do your bidding when it comes to the servants.”
Amelia wasn’t so sure about that. The earl had made it quite clear he didn’t want her interference. But then, she was far too wary about letting things be the way they were. She was not a shy flower to wilt in the face of adversity. No, she intended to stand up for herself and make all the necessary changes.
“I’ll…take care of it,” she said at last. “And in the meantime, we’ll leave a note for Christine that she can now enjoy this place of her own.” Amelia had often wished for a retreat from her sisters, a place where she could be alone and dream. The attic space would be perfect for her stepdaughter.
Mrs. Larson opened her arms and offered a warm embrace. “Don’t fash yerself about yer husband. He’ll love ye, sure enough.”
Amelia wanted to believe it, especially after she’d stood up toLord Castledon last night. His fierce kisses twined around her imagination, making her long for more. “He’s leaving today.”
“Then what on earth are ye doing here? Go on now, and interrupt him before he goes.” The housekeeper shooed her off, adding, “I’ll finish here.”
Amelia ventured a quiet smile, though she suspected the earl had other plans.
Chapter Twelve
Sarah was beginning to wonder if she’d done the right thing in delaying her journey. Although Brandon had been released from the asylum after he’d proven that he understood their questions, she sensed a darkness in him. He’d spoken on several occasions about killing everyone in the Andrews family—starting with Paul Fraser and his wife, Juliette.
Her earlier relief at his recovery had now turned to fear. She didn’t know her brother anymore, and he appeared emotionless, as if he frankly didn’t care about the consequences of his actions. Though she didn’t want to believe he would go through with his plans for murder, his calculating demeanor gave her pause.
She’d found a scrap of paper among his belongings, with every Andrews name listed upon it, including the other three sisters, Lady Lanfordshire, and her husband, the baron.
A coldness settled in her bones, for her brother spoke of killing in the same manner as disposing of an irritating insect. Brandon knew exactly how to appear calm and composed, speaking the right words to the authorities, until he’d reestablished his claim upon the title and entailed lands.
If she remained here with him, she could be implicated in whatever crimes he committed. Sarah closed her eyes, trying to think of how she could slip away. She still had the funds and jewels Amelia had given her, but it didn’t sit well on her conscience to disappear without warning them. But how? She couldn’t very well travel to Scotland. Perhaps it was best if she wrote to them. She could—
“You seem nervous, Sarah,” came Brandon’s voice.
She took a breath and faced him. With a false smile, she said, “Not at all. But I was thinking we should return to Strathland and see what’s happened to the estate there. Our cousin took control while you were…away…and I don’t know what decisions he made in your absence. And there’s the estate in the Highlands as well.”
“As it happens, Idointend to travel to Scotland,” he said. “I’ll be visiting Edinburgh first.”
The blood drained away from her face, for that was not far from where Juliette and Dr. Fraser lived. For many years, her brother had obsessed over Juliette Andrews, but the young woman had run away and married the Scottish doctor. Brandon had never forgotten it.
“Oh?” She tried to act as if it were nothing. “And how long will you be gone?”
“That doesn’t matter to you, for you’ll be accompanying me.”
No. She could play no part in this. “Brandon, I have plans of my own. I’m leaving within the week.”
His expression curved into a smirk. “No. You won’t.” He made a hand motion for someone to enter, and when Sarah turned around, she saw a tall man approaching. He closed in on her, seizing both of her arms until she cried out in pain.
“You’re going to pay a call on Juliette, on my behalf.”
“Why would I want to?” she gritted out, well aware that the man behind her could easily break her arms.
“Because if you don’t, I’ll let Richardson have you. You can spend the entire journey to Scotland in a coach with him, and I’ll wager he’ll enjoy it more than you will.”
The man’s hot breath made her skin crawl, and Sarah demanded, “Release me.”
