“I don’t understand.” I suddenly find firm feet and plant them securely enough to allow me to look up at the younger Cavendish brother.
“Nicholas doesn’t want to marry Elizabeth. He’s in love with you. The baby isn’t his either. He’s never slept with Elizabeth. It’s our father’s.”
“I don’t understand. Why’s he marrying her then?”
“The Duke made him watch you, during your trial. When you went wrong, and your father’s security were coming, he agreed to marry Elizabeth, so my father would save you.”
I gasp and reach behind me to steady myself on the table that I was strapped to, moments ago. “He loves me.”
“Yes.”
“Your father’s been playing games with us all along.”
William nods.
“I think he still is. Nicholas said to me that once he’s done what the Duke wants and married Elizabeth, then our father will allow you and him to disappear.” My friend swipes at his worry spot on his face —it’s something I’ve come to recognize as a part of him.
“But the fact that the Duke handed me to Laird McGuire for sport and execution suggests otherwise. He’s going to kill him.”
William turns pale, but I spring into action. I push past him again and head for the door.
“Where are you going?” he asks.
I turn back to him.
“Well, firstly I’m going to get some clothes on. Then secondly, I’m going to Scotland. I’m going to rescue the man I love and, hopefully, kill the bad guy.”