“That last part is a lie.”
Every head turned toward the doorway where Henrik stood, one arm in a sling, his face pale but his jaw set with determination.
“You should be resting,” Frau von Ostenfeld said, starting toward him.
Henrik waved her concern away with his good hand.“I went into your house, Friedrich.I spoke with your man.Clausen, isn’t it?I identified myself clearly, announced who I was and why I’d come.Still, he shot at us.Not because he thought we were robbers, but because you told him not to let Lise leave under any circumstances.”
The silence that followed was absolute.Lise watched Friedrich’s mask of innocence slip for just a moment, revealing the cold anger beneath.
Then he recovered, offering a thin smile.“That is speculation on your part.”
“Do you realize she might have been shot, and died on the street in front of your ill-gotten house?”Henrik moved toward him, bristling with anger.
Friedrich had the grace to look shocked.Perhaps he hadn’t wanted any of them dead, least of all her.But that didn’t excuse his selfish behavior.
“I count myself among the most fortunate of men that she was not injured.After all, we have an agreement,” he reminded them.
Lise gasped at his ridiculous assumption that there was any agreement left.
But Friedrich carried on.“A contract between our families that, despite her atrocious behavior, I will honor.”
“Have you been to see your parents yet?”her father asked.
The question seemed to catch Friedrich off guard.“I ...No, not yet.I planned on going there shortly.”
“I do not believe they consider that we have an agreement any longer.In fact, I think your father tore it up, as soon as he learned you were a collaborator.”
Friedrich’s jaw tightened.“I’m on my way to my parents’ home now to straighten everything out.”
“What about your brother?”Henrik asked.“Have you spoken to my commanding officer?”
Friedrich’s expression hardened.“I have no idea where Captain Albrecht is currently stationed.I don’t keep track of the KGL.You would know better than I.But eventually, I shall write to him.He won’t be pleased to hear of this dishonorable breaking of the contract between our families.You may find yourself in bad bread when —”
“Are you threatening my son again?”Herr von Ostenfeld asked, steel in his voice.“You need not worry about him, any more than you should think about my daughter becoming your wife.There will be no marriage.The agreement is dissolved.You will leave this house immediately.”
For once, Friedrich fell silent.Then he looked directly at Lise and softened his gaze.“Lise, my Lise.Surely you still have feelings for me.We can have a splendid life.I have already made so much money.”
She felt physically ill, thinking how close she came to being his wife.
“Don’t ever speak to her again,” Henrik said, his tone so low and frightening, even Lise took a step back.“If you don’t get out immediately, I’ll remove you myself.It won’t take but my one good hand and the sole of my boot.”
For a moment, Lise thought Friedrich might refuse.His face flushed with anger, his hands clenching at his sides.But then he nodded.
After straightening his coat with deliberately unhurried movements, he strode between Henrik and her father.At the door, he couldn’t help himself from showing his true nature.
“You’ll regret this discourtesy.All of you.”
“I think not,” her father muttered.
Only when they heard Hans closing the front door did Lise release the breath she’d been holding.
“He’ll cause trouble,” her mother said quietly.“He’ll report to the French again.Make accusations.”
Lise’s father crossed the room and took his wife’s hand, drawing her down on the sofa with him.His grim expression told Lise he feared his wife was correct.Henrik sat in the nearest chair, wincing slightly.
“I’ve already written to Captain Albrecht, by the way.I believe he is a man of honor, unlike his brother.I’ve told him everything that happened.Friedrich may think he has the support and backing of his family, but I highly doubt it.And I don’t think my captain will do anything to punish me for protecting my sister.”
“And his parents?”Lise asked, speaking for the first time now that the lump of fear was no longer lodged in her throat.
