Vexing the Viscount

“But now that I have his money, I can do whatever I want. Once the war is over, I can leave the country and start a new life as a wealthy heiress, while you are stuck with a title and an estate that was poorly managed.” Tia knew she was getting under the woman’s skin.

“What do you really want?”

“I just want to hear you admit it.” She shrugged. “I would even be willing to pay for the privilege.”

Constance looked out toward the hall as her husband’s voice boomed from the study. “How much?”

“How much do you need to settle what you owe Mr. Adams?”

She blinked and stared at Tia with her gaped, bow-shaped mouth. “I thought you didn’t know who he was?”

Tia tilted her head with a smile. “My late betrothed was a partner at the Red Door. Yes, I know Mr. Adams. And seeing your reaction to his appearance here, I can only assume you like to gamble.”

“Whore,” she whispered.

“Bitch,” Tia retorted. “How much, Lady Bunworth?”

“Five hundred pounds.”

Tia couldn’t imagine anyone wagering that kind of money. “Done.”

“Yes, I hired someone to kill Middleton, my brother, and Mr. Tavers.” She leveled Tia a smug grin. “And you would be right that Mary is upstairs brushing out my gown for tonight’s soirée. But the fire was nothing to do with me.”

“Thank you, Lady Bunworth. That was worth every pound.” Tia rose. Noting Adams and Bunworth in the hall, she inched to the side so Constance wouldn’t see them. “Tell me, did you not wonder why I wasn’t wearing black?”

Constance shrugged. “I assumed you were already looking for your next keeper.”

“No, my lady. I have no need to grieve for a man who is still alive.”

Her eyes widened. “What are you talking about?” she demanded.

The front door opened and the gentlemen walked inside. Alistair glared at his sister. “Will you not welcome me back from the dead, sister dear?”

Braden and Hart walked back into the salon, where Tia and her sister sat drinking tea. It had been a very long day, but he was so happy to be home again. Soon he and Tia would refurbish some of the rooms and make this truly their house.

“So what will happen to Lady Bunworth?” Mia asked. “Will she hang?”

“My, what a bloodthirsty wife you have, Hart,” Braden said with a laugh. He sobered, remembering poor Bunworth’s face. “No, she will not hang. Bunworth is having her sent to Bedlam, which may be worse.”

“Oh my,” Mia said with a shiver. ?

??That is a horrid place.”

“But at least now, you and Jonathon and Alistair will be safe,” Tia said. “That woman needs whatever help Bedlam might be able to provide her. I have never seen such an evil look in a person’s eyes before today.”

“How is Alistair?” Hart asked. “It can’t be easy to live with the fact that your own sister tried to have you killed.”

Braden nodded. “Louisa is with him. We will check on him before we leave on Wednesday.”

“How is Jonathon doing?”

“Not well,” Braden admitted. “Hearing that Eldridge forced Emily back to his home sent him over the edge this afternoon. He went to see Dr. Simmons. Jonathon is afraid he might be tempted to go back to the opium.”

“Very wise choice,” Hart said. “That is where we took Charlie for his opium problem. We visited him yesterday and he is doing so much better.”

“It’s only been a few weeks, but already Charlie looks clearer in the eyes and mind,” Mia added. “I hope they both do well there.”

They went silent when they heard a knock on the door. Nelson said, “Your Graces, I am certain they will see you in the salon.”