Page 80 of Wickeds Scandal
Miranda nodded in approval. “Hewill return, Alexandra, and when he does I expect you to give him hell.”
***
Alexandra walked down the hallway towardsher study, ready to do battle with a stack of letters from London and thenever-ending ledgers. Miranda had received a note yesterday that apackage awaited her. Since her sister-in-law’s arrival a month ago,Miranda seemed determined to re-stock the Helmsby Abbey library with every bookThrumbadge’s offered. Delighted that her latest batch of tomes hadarrived, Miranda commandeered a groom to take her into the village and assisther in picking up the package. Miranda chattered non-stop to the groom asshe seated herself in the Cambourne carriage. The groom, Michael, sentAlexandra a look of suffering before he snapped the reins.
Alexandra plopped herself down in theancient, overstuffed leather chair and wiggled her feet. They were terriblyswollen. Mrs. Cowries soaked them every night, but it didn’t seem tohelp. The size of her stomach certainly gave credence to Mrs. Cowrie’stheory that Alexandra carried twins. One hand rested on the mound whileher other hand picked up freshly sharpened quill. Her hand hovered overthe paper. The curtains of the study were drawn. Someone was in theroom with her, hiding in the dark far corner.
“Hello, niece.” Oliver Burkeemerged into the dim light and waddled towards her. He lookedawful. His skin sagged around his chin and his eyes held a yellowcast. The bit of gray hair left on his head hung to his shoulders ingreasy strands.
Alexandra felt bile rise in herthroat. Horror and revulsion filled her. Her uncle! Here!
“My, but you’ve been busy. Renovatingthis pile of manure and managing Cambourne. But I see you have a vestedinterest.” His hooded eyes took in her swollen form. “That must be theheir to Cambourne. Pity we won’t need him. We’ve found another.”
Alexandra’s heart raced. “Mrs. Cowries!Jameson! Derek!”
“Oh, that won’t do any good, mydear. Besides the fact that your servants are so decrepit that theycouldn’t give you assistance if they tried, I’ve locked them in the barn.Mrs. Cowries in particular was not pleased to see me. I always did findher a bit above herself.” Her uncle leaned over the desk, his fetidbreath making her gag. “No matter, we’re going to set the barn on fire.”
Alexandra paled. “Miranda –“
“Will meet with an accident in thevillage.” He shook his head at her shocked look. “Just a carriagewheel. But she will be delayed.”
“Get out. Get out of myhouse! You vile, horrible man.”
Odious Oliver flinched. “I’d becareful, girl, what you say to me.”
A carriage rolled into the courtyard.
Alexandra looked expectantly towards thedoor, praying for help.
“Why couldn’t you have just marriedRunyon? Now things are going to go much harder for you.” Odious Oliverlaughed as Alexandra flitted from behind the desk and moved to put the wall ather back.
Alexandra regarded her uncle withshock. Her breathing quickened. She needed a weapon. Cold metaltouched her skin. Her grandfather’s sword. Eyes never leaving heruncle’s face, she slid the sword into the folds of her skirt.
The sound of the front door opening mether ears.
Oliver shot a worried glance at thedoor. Sweat ran down his cheeks.
“Who is here?”
“It’s a surprise.” Odious Oliverregained his composure. “Speaking of surprises, Alexandra, did I evertell you what a surprise it was for your aunt, when I returned unexpectedly?”
Alexandra trembled, sensing what heruncle would say.
“She wrote to Mr. Meechum and told himthat the entire Dunforth fortune was to be given toyou. Sherevised her will revoking the guardianship. I was not pleased.”
Alexandra swayed against the wall.Her aunt hadn’t lied to her.
“Stupid woman, Eloise.She told me about the change to her will thinking I would just fade away.Not bloody likely with the duns beating at my door everyday. Shebarely made a sound. Well – she may have. Couldn’t hear herthrough the pillow.”
Alexandra clasped the swordtightly. He’d killed her aunt so he could control Alexandra and theDunforth money. He’d sold Helmsby Abbey. He’d traded her to thatdepraved cur Archie Runyon to pay his debts.
“You filthy, disgusting…”
“Now, Alexandra, is that anyway to talkto your beloved uncle?” He smiled widely, but not at her, at someone whohad just entered the room.
“Hello, pigeon.”
She nearly fainted dead away. Panicthreatened to make her black out. Archie Runyon! Here?“Help!”
