“She brings out the best in me.” His voice was soft, almost as if the revelation surprised him. But god help him, beneath his calm exterior, the knowledge of his deception gnawed at him.
Adam took a deep breath. “She’s been through so much lately. Hastings’ rumors, the pressure of the clinic… I’m worried about her.”
Rockford’s expression softened. “I share your concerns, Adam.” He brought the glass to his lips. “She certainly has a mind of her own.” He sipped the cognac, hoping to find some solace.
Adam nodded, his gaze steady. “Yes, I am well aware. Hastings is dangerous, and he’s targeting both of you. I know you can handle him.”
Rockford’s jaw tightened with conviction. “I won’t let Hastings harm her. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.” He paused. “Did you doubt that I would?”
The question hung in the air, and for a moment, Rockford’s composure wavered. Was Adam subtly implying he knew more? The thought gnawed at him, a flicker of fear that his loyalty and honor were being questioned, or worse, Adam had discovered his plan.
“No. Not at all. If Father were in Sommer-by-the-Sea, he would be here asking you these questions. He and Mother left after our gala for London. I knew your answer, but I could not speak for you.” Adam emptied his glass and held it up. “This is really fine. We never would have appreciated it when we were younger.” He put the glass on the small table between the two chairs and stood. “I can’t wait to welcome you to the family.”
Rockford stood, the realization of his deception making it difficult for him to breathe. Adam’s unwavering trust should have been a comfort. Instead, it felt like a noose was tightening around his throat.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
At Stonefield Inn,Hastings leaned back in his chair, a smug smile playing on his lips. The dim light cast shadows that danced around his room, mirroring the dark thoughts swirling in his mind. Across from him, Greene sat, his fingers drummed lightly on the armrest, a barely noticeable tension creeping into his posture.
“It’s all coming together, Greene.” Hastings’ voice was smooth and confident. “Rockford is becoming a thorn that needs to be plucked out. Once he’s out of the picture, Lora will be mine. It’s a wonder thetonhas the wealth and power they do. They are meek lambs that are so easily led. A word here, a whisper there, and poof, Lady Lora’s friends have abandoned her, left her all alone in this storm. As soon as Rockford is gone, as tragic as it will be.” Hastings put his hand over his heart. “The poor girl will be desperate for comfort, and I’ll be there to provide it.”
“Tragic?” Greene froze.
“Not my doing, of course. But I will mourn his demise. He is the type that would come back from the dead out of spite. No, my friend. He has crossed too many people for his own good.”
Greene nodded, a flicker of unease crossing his face.
Hastings’ smile widened. “And then there is the money, Lady Lora’s inheritance. Her wealth. Her legacy. Soon, it will be all mine. But more than that, Greene, I crave the power and influence that come with it. Lora and her wealth will elevate me to heights I’ve only dreamed of. Then she’ll look at me theway she hungers for Rockford.” His breath quickened slightly at the thought of her, and he clenched his fist, feeling a surge of desire. His eyes narrowed. “She knows what to expect…should she choose not to cooperate.”
He rose from his chair and walked to the window, looking at the fallow farm below. “Imagine it, Greene. The respect, the control. No longer will we be at the mercy of others’ whims. I will dictate the rules.” He spun around and faced Greene. “Did you deliver the information to Barrington?”
“I did,” Greene confirmed. “He and the others believe I’m helping them capture the highwayman and that he can be found at the old mill.”
A sly smile curled across Hastings’ lips. “Excellent. He’ll walk right into my trap.”
Greene swallowed hard. “Rockford, sir? How do we… remove him?”
Hastings’ eyes gleamed with ruthless determination. “Rockford has made many enemies. A whisper here, a nudge there. In time, he will fall, an innocent carriage accident, and we will not be responsible.”
Greene shifted uncomfortably. “Accident?”
Hastings shot him a sharp glance. “Doubting me, Thomas?”
“No, of course not,” he replied hastily. “I just… They’re becoming suspicious.”
“Let them suspect,” Hastings sneered. “By this time tomorrow, they will realize the extent of our plans. And it will be too late.”
He paused, his mind savoring the thought of Rockford’s downfall. “As for Lora, her spirit may be strong now, but isolation and despair have a way of breaking even the toughest of hearts. She will come to me, seeking solace. And I will give it to her on my terms. You’ve done well for today.” Hastings bent back to work on the documents.
Greene understood that he was dismissed. Yet, as he turned to leave, a sliver of doubt gnawed at him. He had pledged himself to Hastings’ plans, but how far was he willing to go? He nodded, though unease flickered in his eyes before he slipped out of the room.
As Hastings continued to plot, his mind drifted to Lora. The image of her, vulnerable and alone, filled his thoughts. She was a woman of strength, but even the strongest could be broken. He could almost see her, eyes filled with tears, turning to him for solace. The mere thought sent a shiver of pleasure through him.
He could feel the money in his hands, the power coursing through his veins. The wealth she would inherit would be his to command, giving him the means for the influence and control he craved. With her at his side, he would dictate the rules, bending the world to his will.
Greene may have his doubts, but he’ll come around. Fear is a powerful motivator, and he knows what’s at stake.
Hastings returned to his chair, already wearing the mantle of his successfully on his shoulders. The plan was perfect. The pieces were falling into place. Soon, Rockford would be out of the picture, and Lora would be his.
