“Beulah and Elma would be an asset to us, Gideon,” Leopold began. “And before you argue, know that both of them shoot better than I do, at least when Elma’s wearing her spectacles. I can guarantee they’ll come in handy with distracting Victor if it comes down to that because I highly doubt he’d expect two ladies who are somewhat advanced in years to be the threat they’re perfectly capable of being.”
Beulah smiled. “That was lovely, Leopold, and so, with that out of the way . . .” She caught Owen’s eye. “What say we go and get your girl back?”
Owen didn’t neglect to notice that Margaret’s eyes widened directly after Meemaw called Camillahisgirl, but since Aunt Elma was already heading out of the room, followed by Lottie and Bernadette, he decided now was hardly the moment to declare any intentions he might have toward Camilla to her parents, instead sending Meemaw a nod, which had her readjusting her rifle before she headed out of the room.
Thirty-One
Annoyance was becoming Camilla’s constant companion, a direct result of Victor neglecting to remove George from her near vicinity, which meant she’d spent the past hour listening to that irritating man list a variety of preposterous reasons why he was convinced she was still in love with him, and apparently thought she was only denying that love since he’d hurt her tender feminine sensibilities when he’d been forced to marry Eleanor.
“Forgive me, George, because this is going to come across as beyond rude, but would you please stop talking,” Camilla finally said, unsurprised when George simply blinked owlishly back at her.
“Do you want me to stop talking because you’re finally ready to admit you’re absolutely delighted by the fact I’ve returned at long last to marry you?”
It took a great deal of effort to remain sitting with her hands folded demurely in her lap. “No. I want you to discontinue rambling on and on because I’m precariously close to giving in to the most compelling urge to throttle you, something I doubt you’d enjoy, although I’m sure Victor, who’s most likely spying on us through one of those holes in the wall, is being vastly amused by your continued pontifications.”
George blinked again before he smiled. “Ah, I believe I’m beginning to understand where your overly fraught emotional state is coming from. You’re obviously concerned you’ll come across as too eager to reclaim our long-lost love, and thus, lose my respect for you. Since I’ve never held any respect for the feminine set to begin with, there’s no need for you to worry about that.”
“I’m going to have to truly beg my father’s pardon for ever arguing with him about his honest opinion of you,” she muttered, which elicited another blink from George just as the door opened and Bernadette strode in, all but clinging to Victor’s arm.
Camilla’s sense of annoyance was immediately replaced with temper.
She’d been so certain she’d misjudged Bernadette, but instead, the woman had played her for a fool and was the reason she was now sequestered in Victor Malvado’s lair, waiting for him to divest her father of a million-dollar ransom—not that her father couldn’t afford it, given he was worth over a hundred million dollars, but still. It was inexcusable to think that a woman she’d employed, and then offered to set up in business, had turned out to be nothing more than an opportunist of the worst sort.
“Miss Pierpont,” Bernadette trilled, “I bet you’re not happy to see me, given that Victor has evidently apprised you of my role in this, well ... distasteful business.”
Camilla lifted her chin and merely stared back at the woman, unwilling to give Bernadette the satisfaction of an answer.
Her temper went from simmering to boiling when Bernadette laughed before she released her hold on Victor’s arm and moseyed over to the coffee cart. “I see Victor’s chef has provided you with a variety of delicacies. I daresay I’m famished, but...” She refocused her attention on George. “We haven’t met. I’m Bernadette, and you are, of course, Lord Shrewsbury. Shall I make you up a plate before I launch into the many, many questions I have about you and Miss Pierpont?”
George waved the offer aside. “I don’t make it a habit to converse with aspiring actresses.”
“Suit yourself,” Bernadette murmured before she took a second to plop some shrimp canapes onto her plate, then turned and settled a smile on Victor.
“I’m pleased to report, Victor, that the manager of the Eastern Theater Company was thrilled to offer me a position. He told me that you personally asked him ever so sweetly to give me a job. I truly must thank you for arranging such a sensational opportunity, as well as thank you because the manager also told me that you told him I possess remarkable acting skills.”
“I would have to agree about those skills,” Camilla grumbled.
“What’s that?” Bernadette asked as she ambled Camilla’s way.
“You heard what I said, and yes, your acting skills are quite extraordinary, as you were certainly able to deceive me.”
“You have no—” was all Bernadette was able to say before she suddenly stumbled, the contents of her plate landing directly into Camilla’s lap. “How clumsy of me,” she exclaimed as she began plucking shrimp from Camilla’s skirt, bending close to Camilla’s ear in the process.
“Get ready,” Bernadette whispered as something heavy plopped into Camilla’s lap, something that turned out to be her derringer.
As she caught Bernadette’s eye, who immediately sent her a wink, Camilla palmed the derringer as Bernadette straightened, set aside her plate of ruined shrimp, then sent a nod Victor’s way. “I suppose I should get on my way, given that I know you’ll be leaving just as soon as your men return with the ransom.”
Victor inclined his head. “I certainly won’t be lingering, but ...” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his billfold. “I believe a bonus is in order before you go.”
“A bonus?” Bernadette all but tittered.
“Let’s say it’s for putting your incredibly impressive acting skills to such lucrative use.”
As Victor opened his wallet and began pulling out bills, Bernadetteglanced over her shoulder, mouthed “Now,” and then pulled a pistol from the pocket of her cape and pointed it at Victor, who froze and narrowed his eyes on her.
“What are you doing?” he demanded.
“Obviously putting those acting skills you complimented me on to good use,” Bernadette returned. “I’m afraid I’m now going to have to insist you put your hands in the air and stay that way until reinforcements arrive.”
