Page 77 of The Unfortunate Debutante
In response, Stone gave him a sadistic smile as he released the arrow.
Turning his head, Simeon saw the flaming arrow hit the wicker basket. “What have you done?” he exclaimed. “You will kill hundreds, if not thousands!”
Stone’s voice was hard, unyielding. “Now it’s your turn.”
Simeon turned around to see that Stone was now holding a pistol in his hand, and it was aimed at his chest.
14
Emma had just steppedinto the dining room when she heard Luke shout, “Well done, Emma! Your article made The Morning Post.”
“Congratulations,” Rachel said at the same moment.
Her steps faltered. “It did?”
“And these two letters were delivered this morning for you,” Luke said, extending the missives to her.
Emma eagerly accepted the letters and sat down next to Rachel.
As she tore open the first envelope from the editor at the newspaper, Rachel reached over and placed her hand on her sleeve. “We’re so proud of you. I knew the paper would accept your article.”
“I had my doubts,” she replied honestly.
“You should never doubt yourself, Emma. You are far too clever for your own good,” Luke remarked from the head of the table.
“Thank you,” she murmured as she removed the letter and a five-pound note.
Taking a moment to read the missive, she couldn’t help but let out a squeal of excitement. She brought her gaze back up to Luke and Rachel.
“The editor was so impressed with my article that he has asked me to write three subsequent articles on the Anti-Corn Law rebels,” she reported. “He’s even offered to pay me £5 per article.” She brought the letter to her chest. “Can you imagine £5 an article?”
“That’s an impressive sum,” Luke replied. “The editor might even be willing to pay more per article. Would you like me to negotiate a higher price for you?”
A laugh escaped her lips. “No, I consider £5 to be more than an adequate sum.”
“As do I,” Rachel said.
Feeling overwhelmed with joy, Emma brought the letter and placed it on the table. “The editor also informed me that they received a tip about a rally for the Anti-Corn Law rebels at Grange Gardens this morning.” She looked over at Luke. “May I attend, since it’s only a few blocks away?”
“Absolutely not,” he replied decisively. “A rally is not appropriate for…”
“…for a young woman such as myself,” she said, finishing his thought for him. “I understand.”
“What’s in the other note?” Rachel asked, glancing at the other white envelope on the table.
“In all the excitement, I almost forgot about the other letter,” Emma remarked, picking it up and tearing the top of the envelope off.
She unfolded the one piece of paper and started reading it, her joy being replaced by horror with each word. It wasn’t a missive; it was a threat from Peter. More accurately, a very detailed set of threats.
“Whatever is wrong, my dear?” Rachel asked, her voice sounding very far away. “You’re growing increasingly pale.”
She heard Luke push back his chair, and the next moment, he ripped the letter from her clenched hand. He read:
“You are not assafe as you think you are. I see you reading in your bedchamber, and I have watched you sleep from your window. You belong to me, and I will punish you for…”
His voice trailed off,but he continued reading silently.
Luke turned towards a footman and shouted, “Go and retrieve the bloody constable.Now!”He turned to another footman.“I want my coach prepared and waiting out front.Move!”
