Page 60 of The No Good Irresistible Viscount Tipton
“What if I ran away? Maybe Mr. Hawkpit could shelter me until they gave up and—”
“No.” She softened her voice. “You have been denied so much because of who you are.” And for that she would never forgive Tipton.
“You make it sound as if he has starved us. We may not be the richest family in the parish, or current on the latest fashions, but we have done well without him playing the bountiful protector.”
Jocelyn closed her eyes. Madeleina did not remember her father or the life they had lived before Tipton had taken up his inheritance and begun ruling their lives. They could have been the richest family in the countryside. Madeleina could have hired two dozen gardeners and created an entire house out of trees and flowers if that had been her desire, if it had not been for Tipton and his interference in their lives.
“You are my daughter, Madeleina,” Jocelyn vowed.
Confused, the girl gave her a sleepy-eyed blink. “Of course, Mama.”
She pulled her up and gave her a shake. Startled, Madeleina clung to her, trying to find balance and understanding. “The serpent is taking you to his breast, my child. When you rest your head each night, study him. Learn his weaknesses. I thought it was another—” She stopped before she revealed too much. “Perhaps you will be his downfall.”
Her eyes shining bright like morning dew, she held her daughter to her breast while dark wishes were murmured into Madeleina’s hair. The dawn broke, streaking purple and red into the night sky. Such beauty. In Jocelyn’s mind it was Tipton’s life’s blood spurting from his black heart.
