Jenna nodded.
“I want this nonsense dispensed with at once. This marriage will take place. You can be assured your father will hear from me when he has returned.”
A dark scowl marred his beefy jowls, and his face reddened as his words became more and more pronounced. His fists were clenched in agitation, and Jenna noted the perspiration that dotted his forehead.
What made this marriage so important? The viscount’s stature ensured Stuart would be well received by any number of prestigious families. There were certainly more notable families than hers.
A perplexed frown wrinkled her brow even as she prepared her response. “I will not reconsider my decision,” she said softly. “No matter what you or my father may say otherwise. I will not marry Stuart.”
“Don’t be a nitwit, girl,” the viscount seethed. “You’ll do as you are told. I don’t know what silly notions you’ve gotten into your head, but you will honor the agreement between your father and me.”
“I have said all I intend to say on the matter.”
The anger disappeared from the viscount’s face and in its place a slow, oily smile spread across his plump cheeks. “Come now, my dear. It would be a shame for your parents and the rest of London to learn of youractivitieswouldn’t it?”
Bells of alarm sounded in her head as she took in the viscount’s meaning, but still, she would not admit so easily her affair. Had Stuart told him? Of course, he would have. “I don’t know what you are referring to, my lord.”
“Don’t you, now? Your nightly excursions to your lover’s. Come now, you didn’t really think you were that circumspect?” His expression was triumphant, and his eyes glittered in victory. “The marriage will take place, Lady Jenna, or I will take great pleasure in recounting your exploits, not only to your parents, but to society as well.”
Anger, red and hot, exploded in her head spreading to every single part of her body. Were she close enough to him, she may well choke him. She had been right to be wary of him. He was a snake of the first order. But she would not be bullied by him or anyone else. Not now.
Drawing herself up, she stared unflinchingly at him. “I will not marry him.”
The viscount faltered, blatant indecision rolling across his face. Clearly he had not expected her to refuse in the face of discovery.
“You may do your worst, my lord. I have already faced up to what I know will happen as a result of our broken engagement. Your idle threats will not sway me.”
His face purpled in rage and his eyes bugged precariously from his head. He started to speak, but choked and resorted to a violent coughing spell. “You bloody bitch,” he finally managed in a raspy voice. “You will marry Stuart or else.”
“I’ll not marry a murderer,” she spat. The words were out before she could recall them, and she immediately regretted her hasty outburst.
A remarkable change came over the viscount. Gone was the uncontrollable anger. His eyes became cold, and his expression became hard. “What are you mouthing off about, girl? That is a very serious charge indeed.”
Knowing she had no choice now, she decided to be direct in what she suspected. No, what she knew. The viscount might be an arrogant boor, but surely he would understand why she couldn’t marry a murderer.
“What I have to say is, well, it will come as a shock I’m afraid. I dare say you’ll not believe it, but implore you to listen to all I have to say.”
The viscount’s tone became cajoling, his earlier acidity completely replaced by a softer demeanor.
“You certainly have my attention. Let’s not bandy words. Out with it. What would make you say such a thing about Stuart?”
“I must begin with the letter from the late Viscountess Dudley.”
“What letter?” he asked sharply. He smiled quickly. “You must pardon my tone, my dear. It’s just that what you’ve said is painful. Her death is still fresh in my memory even four years later.”
Somehow, his attempt to placate her just heightened her anxiety. She strove to state her case as delicately as possible so as not to incite him further. “My apologies then, my lord. For what I have to say will bring you even more pain.”
He looked keenly at her, his eyes boring holes through her.
“I recently found a letter from the viscountess hidden in the locket she gave me for my sixteenth birthday. In the letter she bade me to retrieve a box from her sister, and she asked me to guard it with my life.”
“What box? What was in it?” he demanded. “What did the letter say?” He advanced toward her, closing the distance between them.
Jenna stood rigidly against the window, her breathing shallow. “When I retrieved the box, I found more letters. Letters which lead me to believe that Stuart is a spy, a traitor to the crown.”
The viscount reeled as if he’d been struck. “Watch your tongue, girl,” he puffed. “You obviously do not comprehend the ramifications of such a charge.”
“Indeed I do, my lord. Furthermore, I have reason to believe that Lady Dudley was murdered.”
