Something Scandalous

“No, so this official document says.” Will pulled out the document that Somerton had given him.

Caroline pressed her lips together. “This only proves that he was not here. She might have been with him.”

“She was at the Langford country party. And my father happened to be one of the Langfords’ footmen,” Elizabeth said proudly.

Will squeezed her hand. He’d told her she should not feel compelled to tell anyone about her father as long as they had the document from Somerton.

She looked at Will and said, “I am sick of the lies. If you do not care who my father is, then why should I?”

Will smiled as love filled his heart almost to bursting.

“Call for the surgeon!” A voice shouted from the top of the stairs. “Hurry! She’s bleeding again. She might not make it.”

Will knew that voice. Why would Mr. Mason be here? “What the hell is going on?”

“Nothing that concerns you.” Caroline tried to get up but her bulging belly hindered her progress.

Will took Elizabeth’s hand and they raced out of the parlor. He looked up to see Mr. Mason’s face paler than a piece of linen.

“What is wrong?” Will asked.

“Abigail is bleeding. It’s everywhere.”

Will turned to the footman. “Get the surgeon now.”

He released Elizabeth’s hand and took the steps two at a time. He followed Mr. Mason into Abigail’s room. The dark room held the stench of death. Will looked at Abigail’s gray face and was certain there was nothing the surgeon could do.

“What happened to her?” Will demanded.

“It is none of your concern.” Mr. Mason clutched his daughter’s hand.

Blood seeped from between her legs, soaking through the sheets. Elizabeth entered the room and gasped.

Abigail blinked her eyes open for a minute. She focused on Will. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I did this for you.”

After one last shuttering breath, she closed her eyes for good. Will stared at her still body wondering what she might have meant by her words.

Mr. Mason turned on him. “This is all your fault!” he screamed.

“What did you do to her?” Will demanded.

“She only wanted to be your wife. She made a deal with the devil just to be a duchess,” Mr. Mason ranted.

“What happened?”

Richard entered the room with a look of disgust. “She got what she deserved. They both did.”

Richard quickly explained the scheme Mr. Mason had planned in order for his daughter to become duchess. Caroline stood there, staring at the body.

“Richard, get out of London. Take your wife to your estate and do not let her out of your sight.” Will turned to Mr. Mason. “I am quite certain the constable will want some words with you.”

Unable to stand any more, Will escorted Elizabeth out of the house. Once in the carriage, the reality of what they had done sank in.

“Why?” he mumbled.

Elizabeth was there, holding him. “Do you remember I told you that some women would do anything to become duchess?”

Will nodded slowly, remembering her lessons.