A thunderstorm settled in Jack’s chest. Here was the moment of truth. “You’ve been inside this house?”
“Yes, many times. My friend—”
“Many times!” Jack snorted. “Just as I thought.”
“Lady Astyr was—”
“Don’t say another word. I know all about your friendship with Sir Richard.”
“My friendship with Sir Richard? I have no friendship with Sir Richard.”
“Do you deny knowing him?” Jack demanded.
“I know who he is,” she said with a dismissive shrug.
“Have you met him?” Embittered anger rose in Jack’s chest.
“Briefly,” Ottilie said.
“Yet, he pays you.”
“Paysme?” Her voice turned sharp. “Have you gone mad?”
“Do you think me naive, Miss Hamilton? Sir Richard has been sending large sums to your ladies’ college for years.”
“That has nothing to do with me. Lady Astyr was a generous patron of the school and remained one until she died.”
“How convenient,” he smirked.
Ottilie’s face hardened. “There is nothing convenient about it. She believed in our cause. She helped build the school along with—”
“Stop!” Jack refused to listen to more lies. “The charade is over, Miss Hamilton. I know you’re colluding with Sir Richard.”
“Colluding?” She laughed. “You’re not making any sense.”
“You’ve taken me for a fool, haven’t you? Throwing yourself in my path and securing a tight grip on my heart two weeks before Sir Richard returned to Mayfair.”
“Throwing myself in your path? What do you mean? May I remind you that it was you who begged me to be your muse?”
“You were looking for me the night you appeared on Madame Baudelaire’s portico, weren’t you?”
Ottilie hesitated, and Jack knew he’d guessed correctly.
“Every interaction between us has been contrived, hasn’t it? I see now what a coincidence it is that you were attacked in the park at the exact moment I happened to be walking there.” Jack’s fury spurred his irrational thoughts.
“How clever you are,” Ottilie snapped. “Do you imagine I conjured up the summer rainstorm as well? You really have lost your senses, haven’t you?”
“Quite the contrary, I assure you. And you may tell your master, Sir Richard, if he wants his wife, he may look for her in my bed.”
His words appeared to have the effect of a sharp slap. Ottilie blinked at him in stunned silence. “I see. You intend to use the new Lady Astyr to settle whatever ridiculous quarrel you have with Sir Richard.”
“Precisely. And nowyoumay earn your keep by delivering that information to your master.”
His words seemed to drain her spirit, and she paled. “My aunt was right about you,” she said quietly. “You are mad, and you belong in the likes of Bedlam with Madame Baudelaire.” She picked up her reins and made to go.
“Tell me one thing before you depart my company for good, Miss Hamilton. Did you manipulate Hudsyn too, or is he a willing participant in your scheme?”
“How dare you! Henry has done nothing but be a friend to you, as have I.” Her bottom lip trembled, and Jack’s stomach wrenched in spite of himself. Then he remembered that Miss Hamilton was a consummate actress and hardened his heart against her wiles.
