Vincent reacted quickly. He grasped Augusta’s hands and pushed her aim away from Edgar. She cried out again and struggled, but just like Edgar, she was no match for Vincent. He finally yanked the weapon out of her hands. She crumbled beside Edgar, sobbing.
The floor behind Vincent creaked. He swung the pistol in that direction, ready to protect himself, again. Lord Calvin rushed inside, holding a pistol as well. His gaze left Vincent and dropped to the two on the floor before he pointed his gun at Augusta and Edgar.
Seconds later, Ellie hurried into the shack. When she looked at Vincent, she sighed tearfully and ran to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
“I was so worried. Thank the good Lord you are all right.”
“Alexander Claremont?” Augusta gasped, pointing a finger at Lord Calvin. “What areyoudoing here?”
Confused, Vincent frowned. Why did the duchess just call Calvin a different name?
Lord Calvin grinned. “Yes, Augusta, it’s me, although that’s not my name. I lied to you about my identity.”
“But…you are dead.”
Vincent arched an eyebrow. How many times did Adam have to fake his own death?
“As you can see,” Calvin said, motioning up and down his body, “I’m very much alive. I made you think you killed me so that I could keep an eye on you. Too bad you disappeared before I could stop you from marrying Ellie’s father.” Tsking, he shook his head. “I see you didn’t learn your lesson the first time.”
Vincent gasped. There were other times?
“Calvin.” Ellie pulled away from Vincent and looked at the other man. “What is she talking about? You had another identity?”
“Yes. I’ve had many, in fact.”
“Wh-what more has Augusta done?”
“My dear Eleanor,” Calvin said, frowning as he shook his head. “Your stepmother has married many men for their money and become a widow within a year. I took on the name Alexander Claremont, pretending to be a close friend of one of her husbands. She thought she had killed me, too.”
Ellie gasped and slapped a hand over her mouth. Shaking her head slowly, she glared at her stepmother. “You…you are a liar and thief!”
Augusta rolled her eyes. “I tell men what I think will help me win them.”
Ellie rubbed her forehead. “Is there anything else you haven’t told me?”
“Yes. Probably.” Augusta shrugged.
Vincent moved to Ellie and wrapped her in his arms. She turned and held him, pressing her cheek against his chest.
“Augusta,” she said in a tight voice, “I have never approved of you, and I’m happy to know my first instinct of you was correct. I will do everything in my power to ensure my father divorces you.”
“He won’t do that.” Augusta snickered. “I have him wrapped around my little finger. He’s my puppet now—not yours.”
“Actually, that’s not accurate.”
A man’s strong voice boomed through the shack. Vincent snapped his attention to the door. Ellie’s father walked inside, folding his arms across his chest as he aimed a glare at Augusta. She gasped and fell back, looking upon the duke with wide eyes.
“Lord Calvin has enough evidence against you to have you thrown in the gaol. And I will arrange it with the Crown to have the proper documents written up to start our divorce.”
“Father!” Ellie tore away from Vincent and ran to her father. “I’m so sorry you had to witness this.”
“Not as sorry as I.” He cupped his daughter’s face lovingly. “Forgive me for not listening to you sooner.”
“There’s nothing to forgive.” Ellie smiled as her lips quaked.
The duke took a deep breath before turning his focus on Calvin, and then to Vincent. “My lords, if you don’t mind, please tie these two traitors up and take them to the magistrate. I need to return home with my daughter. We have a wedding to prepare.”
Vincent smiled and nodded. “I’ll be very happy to assist, Your Grace.”
