Page 60 of His Unforgettable Bride
“If I don’t give her what she desires or an equal amount of money, she’ll seek revenge.”
The sisters said nothing, probably stunned into silence. But Livy’s face had turned two shades paler, and Tabitha had barely moved a muscle. Then she raised her chin. “Did this Ruby character send you a letter about her plans? Or have you known about them since you arrived in Everly?”
The grandfather clock struck ten o’clock, reminding Juliet she’d put off this conversation as long as possible. Too bad she couldn’t have postponed it forever. “She delivered her message by hand shortly before dawn yesterday.” Juliet dug into her pocket, then handed Tabitha Ruby’s note.
“Miss O’Reilly was here?” Livy’s voice brimmed with disbelief as she leaned closer to her sister, trying to read over Tabitha’s shoulder. “At our home?”
If Livy thought Ruby’s trespassing on the property was worrisome, wait until she learned the blackmailing details. Juliet wiped her hands on her skirt. “We spoke outside, and Gray stood in the yard the whole time.”
“In the middle of the night?” Tabitha stood, and the items in her lap clattered onto the floor.
Gray quickly retrieved the book and eyeglasses. “Daylight was breaking, and nothing untoward occurred.” He then set the items on the coffee table as they returned to their seats.
Juliet could feel Gray’s eyes upon her, but she didn’t look at him. She’d purposefully avoided gazing at him directly since the kiss yesterday. Although most of their interactions had been casual and as teasing as she could make them, she sensed something had shifted between them—something charged and intense.
Instead, Juliet forced herself to keep going despite her insides trembling. She feared she was about to lose everything in Everly. And she desperately wanted to hang on to every last bit. “I don’t know whatuntowardmeans, but Cy saw us out there, and he will vouch for Gray and me.”
“Cy is involved with this…mess too?” Livy’s voice screeched. Surprisingly, the man didn’t come rushing in from the sitting room based on her high-pitched voice.
Tabitha waved the tattered paper in the air. “According to this message, Miss O’Reilly came specifically to unveil her threat. Now would be a good time for you to tell us exactly what that looks like.”
This was it, the moment Juliet dreaded most. She inhaled twice. “If I don’t do what Ruby wants, she’ll steal your valuables.” She squeezed her eyes shut. “And maybe torch your tearoom.”
Someone gasped, probably Livy, or maybe the woman had fainted. Juliet opened her eyes and found the sisters holding hands, staring at one another. “Go ahead and fire me if you want. If I was you, that’s what I’d probably do.”
Gray shook his head firmly. “How could you leaving possibly help this situation, Juliet? It would not, and again, you have done nothing wrong.”
Her chest had grown so tight it was difficult to breathe. “I brought trouble to the sisters’ doorstep. If I disappear, maybe the Ruby problem will too.”
Tabitha rose and moved to the secretary against the wall, speaking over her shoulder. “Not for a minute do I believe Miss O’Reilly will get away with her scheme. Although this news is alarming, I respect that you trust us with this information, Juliet. You could have fled and not said a word.”
A pinch of relief stirred inside her. The last thing she’d expected was Tabitha to express gratitude. But had the elder sister ever held a grudge? “How could I not tell you? She threatened your home and your livelihood. It’s…wrong.”
Livy sipped her tea, undoubtedly lukewarm by now. “How shall we proceed?”
“Step one,” Gray said, “is to alert the legal authorities.” When Juliet opened her mouth to protest, he extended a feather-light touch to her sleeve. “Now that you have informed the sisters, it is time to involve the law. Shall I collect the constable or accompany you to his office in the morning, Juliet?”
“Shouldn’t we all be present for this conversation?” Livy asked. “At this point, we’re all involved.”
Tabitha returned to stand beside the sofa, holding a brass magnifying glass. “Why don’t you and I speak with Mr. Blake first, Liv. He has a firm hand and reputation for upholding the law, and people consider him fair.”
The good Lord knew she didn’t want to accompany the sisters to the law office, but maybe she should. “Won’t he want a description of Ruby?”
“Most likely,” Tabitha said. “However, you’re our charge, and I prefer we speak with him first.” She bent over Ruby’s note and examined it more closely.
“Whatever are you doing, Tabby?” Livy was watching her sister with wide, curious eyes.
“I’m intently examining Miss Ruby’s note. I’m hoping to find a clue, perhaps.”
Livy nodded. “The good news is we have a gun on the premises, should anyone need it. It’s cleverly tucked inside our piano stool.”
Odd, but so be it. Juliet leaned back, but relief refused to flow. Telling the sisters about Ruby had gone better than she’d expected. As usual, they were understanding and kind, almost too good to be true…Yet they were genuine through and through.
It might kill her to put them in harm’s way. But how could she keep them safe? Should she leave and never return? Even if that was the best plan, how could she walk away from them forever, not to mention Gray?
Nineteen
Indeed, one of the essential characteristics of courtesy is good nature, and an inclination always to look
