Page 106 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

“Oh, but she does.” Felicity’s eyes glittered in the dim light. “Her husband isn’t the gallant protector she believes him to be. He’s a coward who sacrificed love for duty, who chose his title over happiness.”

Marina made a muffled sound of protest against William’s palm. Felicity laughed.

“Still defending him? How touching.” She leaned in, her face inches from Marina’s. “William was the only one brave enough to choose love over duty. When Leo cast me aside, his brother recognized my worth.”

William’s body tensed behind Marina. “We need to hurry,” he muttered. “Just take the money, and let’s go.”

Felicity ignored him, her focus entirely on Marina. “We lived well for a time,” she continued. “The money we took lasted longer than Leo probably imagined. But your husband is persistent. He chased us across Europe, forcing us to move whenever we settled anywhere for too long.”

Marina’s eyes widened as understanding dawned. The missing silverware, the strange sense of being watched, the displaced items in her study. It hadn’t been her imagination after all.

“Yes,” Felicity nodded, reading her expression. “William has been visiting your home, taking small items to sell. Family silver is so valuable after all.”

William’s chest expanded against Marina’s back as he took a deep breath. “I had to,” he mumbled, his voice tight with shame. “We needed money. It was only pieces no one would miss.”

“But it wasn’t enough,” Felicity sighed dramatically. “Which brings us to tonight’s arrangement. Your ransom, Duchess, will provide us with enough funds to leave England permanently and well beyond the reach of your husband’s obsessive pursuit.”

Marina twisted her head, breaking free of William’s grip just enough to speak. “Leo will never stop looking for you.”

Felicity’s smile turned cruel. “That’s exactly what I’m counting on. His pursuit of us will occupy him completely and leave you just as abandoned as I was.”

The realization hit Marina with brutal force. This wasn’t just about money. It was about punishing Leo by taking her from him, continuing a cycle of pain and loss that had begun a decade ago.

“You’ve miscalculated,” Marina said, her voice steadier than she felt. “Leo and I are already estranged. Taking me will accomplish nothing.”

“Do you truly believe that?” Felicity laughed. “You underestimate his possessiveness. He may have withdrawn from you emotionally, but he will never allow anyone to take what belongs to him.”

William shifted uncomfortably behind Marina. “Enough talking. Take her purse and let’s be done with this.”

“Always so impatient, William.” Felicity’s voice carried a note of disdain. “Very well. The money first then we’ll decide what to do with our new duchess.”

The pistol pressed harder against Marina’s spine. “Give her the purse,” William ordered, his voice strained.

Marina’s fingers fumbled with the clasp. As she extended the purse toward Felicity, her mind raced for a means of escape. The theater was vast and dark. If she could break free, perhaps she could lose them in the maze of corridors and passageways.

Felicity snatched the purse and opened it, her expression souring as she counted the contents. “This is barely enough for passage to the continent.” She looked up, eyes narrowing. “Where is the rest?”

“There is no more,” Marina replied honestly. “That’s my entire savings.”

“Lying doesn’t become you,” Felicity hissed. “You’re the Duchess of Blackmere now. Your husband is one of the wealthiest men in England.”

“A title doesn’t grant me access to his accounts.” Marina’s voice remained calm despite her racing heart. “Leo controls his own fortune.”

Felicity’s face hardened. “Then we’ll need to ensure he pays handsomely for your return.”

William tensed. “That wasn’t our plan. You said we’d take the money and leave.”

“Plans change, darling.” Felicity tucked the purse into her cloak. “Your pistol, please. I believe it’s time our duchess and I became better acquainted.”

Marina felt William hesitate, his grip loosening slightly. Taking advantage of his momentary uncertainty, she drove her elbow hard into his stomach. William doubled over with a grunt of pain, the pistol wavering from her back.

Before she could break free completely, Felicity lunged forward, seizing Marina’s arm in a grip that belied her delicate appearance.

“Stupid girl,” she snarled, wrenching Marina away from William. “Did you honestly think you could escape us?”

William straightened, his face pale. “Felicity, stop this. We have the money?—”

“It’s not enough!” Felicity’s voice rose sharply, echoing through the theater. “It will never be enough! Leo took everything from me, and now, he’ll pay the full price!”

---