If she ever needed investigation skills, it was right now. She had to get out of this, or talk Matthew into letting her go.
She glared. “I take it you don’t know your nephew very well. Nash doesn’t care about me. He will go about his business now that I am out of the way.”
He arched a brow. “Indeed? Then why did he risk his own life to save yours on several occasions?”
“Where have you learned this, may I ask? Because you have been given false information.”
“Oh, I think not, my dear. I am well informed in matters of importance.”
Inwardly, she cursed. How could she sway him? Obviously, she couldn’t. But she couldn’t give up, either.
She let out a heavy sigh. “Believe what you will. I just thought to let you know your effort in kidnapping me was a waste.”
Chuckling again, he stood and walked closer to her. She withdrew as much as she could against the mattress, but it would not hide her from his touch. Bile rose to her throat.
“Ah, Miss Littleton. The things I do are not a waste of time. And I trust the men in my employ. It might come as a shock to you, but Nash’s manservant, Peter, was not whom he appeared to be.”
She gasped, her chest clenching. Immediately, she ached for Nash. When he discovered this, he would be livid.
“That is correct, my dear. This is how I know Nash’s feelings. I suppose I should also let you know that Carolyn’s maid, Sally, was also on my payroll.”
“You lie!” Maxey snapped. “Why are you saying such things?”
“You have no idea how many people I can sway with jewels or money. Sally didn’t want to be a maid any longer, so I helped her start a new life.”
Tears of betrayal burned in Maxey’s eyes. “Sally would never do that. She was devoted to Lady Wentworth.”
Matthew shrugged. “Perhaps at first, but she changed her mind quickly when I gave her money.”
“Forgive me if I don’t believe a word you say.”
Shaking his head, he moved slowly around the bed. “Think back to whose idea it was to go to the soirée that evening when you first met Nash. Was it not the maid who mentioned she had talked with someone who thought Ignatius Burke was the opera singer?”
Through her pounding head, Maxey recalled the conversation she’d had with the maid. Her throat tightened and she wanted to scream with frustration. How could Sally have done that?
“If Sally was on your payroll, then why did Peter add a sleeping draught to her drink?”
Matthew laughed. “Because Nash instructed him to do that, and Peter follows directions well.”
She wanted to cry, but refused. Sally didn’t deserve Maxey’s sorrow. “Regardless, you shall just have to get accustomed to the idea that Nash is long gone. He left me asleep at my mother’s house. He never wanted me to follow him anyway.”
Matthew gave her an evil grin as he touched her leg. “Even if my nephew doesn’t come for you, I will make use out of you one way or another.” His focus slid down her neck to her bosom.
“Over my dead body.” She jerked away from him and glared, her heart still breaking from the startling news about two people she’d thought she could trust.
“No, my dear woman. I will kill you after I tire of you. For now, I will enjoy your company and the attributes you were blessed with. I enjoy toying with women before I please them.”
She lifted her chin. “I’m quite certain you will be a great disappointment.”
He narrowed his eyes and balled his hand into a fist. He raised it to hit her, and she cringed, but he didn’t follow through with the threat.
“Iwillget that ring one way or another. Before the month is over, I will be rightful heir to Wentworth Manor. Mark my words, Miss Littleton.”
He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. She allowed her tears to break free and run down her face. Sobbing, she turned and buried her head in the dirty mattress. Silently, she prayed Nash would come for her, but as each minute turned into hours, her hope deflated.
Lying on her back, she stared at the shadowed ceiling as the waves slapped against the side of the ship. Her heart still ached from Sally and Peter’s deceit, and for the pain Nash would experience when he discovered the horrid news.
Soft footsteps stopped at the door. The knob turned and the door cracked open. A head peeked in, and then out quickly. Seconds later, the head returned, followed by a man’s body. Excitement leapt inside her. Even in the shadows, she could see it was Nash.
