The Convenient Felstone Marriage (Whitby Weddings 1)

‘What do you mean, performance?’

‘All this.’ He waved a hand in her general direction. ‘Little Miss Prim and Proper. But you can stop pretending to be quite so innocent, my dear. I know all about what happened in Bournemouth.’

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘That’s what your former fiancé said too at first. Fortunately, he was persuaded to talk.’

‘Albert?’ She gasped in horror. ‘What did you do to him?’

‘Oh, nothing violent, I assure you. There was no need to resort to such measures. He sold you out quite cheaply, I’m afraid. Foolishly, too. I was prepared to pay a lot more for the information.’

‘He’s a liar.’

‘I don’t think so.’ He gave her a vaguely pitying look. ‘He wasn’t the only one I spoke to. His mother was mo

st forthcoming, too. I have all the facts. Now I just have to decide what to do with them. Which brings me to why I’m here.’

Ianthe swallowed painfully. After all these months, she’d thought that he’d given up on pursuing her, but now she realised the truth was far more chilling. He’d been using the time to find out about her, plotting blackmail behind her back, returning just when she’d thought she was safe from him.

‘I wonder what your husband would say if he knew?’ He said the words lightly, as if he were making a simple query, not a threat.

‘He already knows,’ she tried bluffing. ‘I told him before we got married.’

‘I think not. The upright and honourable Mr Felstone married to a woman with your background? I can’t see it somehow. If he knew the truth, I doubt you’d be taking seaside strolls together.’

‘Seasi—!’ She inhaled sharply. ‘Have you been watching me?’

‘Not personally, but I have associates. They tell me the two of you make quite a charming couple.’ He stood up and stalked slowly towards her, smiling wolfishly. ‘Of course, even if your husband did know the truth, it wouldn’t matter. The rest of Whitby doesn’t. And somehow I doubt he’d want the story getting around. As to whether it does or not...that’s up to you.’

‘What do you want?’ She felt nauseated.

‘What I’ve always wanted. I thought that would be obvious.’

‘You want me to be your mistress? I’m married!’

He placed a finger under her chin, tilting it upwards. ‘An inconvenience, my dear, not an obstacle.’

‘You’re despicable!’ She jerked her chin away in disgust. ‘What if Robert found out?’

‘I should imagine he’d be somewhat displeased. Though perhaps not as much as he’d be at having the rest of Yorkshire know the truth about you. In any case, I want more than that. You’re leaving with me, Ianthe. Tonight.’

‘I’ll do no such thing!’

He ignored her protest. ‘You can write a note if you like, informing your husband of the transfer of your affections. That should be enough.’

‘Never!’

‘Then we’ll wait here for him together. I’m even prepared to let you do the honours and tell him everything yourself. It should be amusing to watch.’ His expression hardened. ‘You might be glad to come with me after he throws you out.’

‘I’ll never come to you.’

‘We’ll see about that.’

Ianthe gritted her teeth, about to retort when she heard the chime of the front doorbell. The Harpers! She felt a surge of panic. It had to be them—Kitty was never so punctual!

‘Tomorrow, then.’ She grasped at the only idea she could think of. ‘I’ll come to you tomorrow.’

‘I’m not so gullible, Ianthe. Do you think I don’t know about your husband’s business plans? When I mentioned the rest of the world knowing the truth, naturally I included Mr Harper.’