A Study In Seduction(96)

He doesn’t want Jane.

Lydia’s greatest fear, the one that had haunted her for the last decade, eased a little. She didn’t care what he wanted, what he did, as long as he didn’t try to take her daughter away.

“If you get the money, will you go away?” she asked. “For good?”

“Perhaps. Though I will require the acte de naissance to ensure I can control the situation. With that document in my possession, with you knowing I have proof of Jane’s true birth, I will know you cannot renege on your word.”

“You cannot blackmail me forever.”

“Actually, I can.” Cole tilted his head as he studied her. “Why did you agree to marry him, Lydia? For the title and money? You’ve put both in jeopardy, haven’t you?”

Lydia didn’t respond, her throat constricting so hard it was difficult to draw in a breath.

“I will not let you touch Lord Northwood.” She steeled her voice and loosened her hold on Jane in the hopes her daughter would run. “Tell people whatever you want, Dr. Cole. I’ll take full blame. You’ve no idea how things work, how they can be manipulated. Northwood can emerge from scandal intact if I’m the one who is vilified and liable. Then how effective will your blackmail be?”

Her words didn’t appear to disconcert him in the slightest. “Suppose the revelation doesn’t destroy Northwood. What do you think it will do to Jane?”

Lydia flinched. Cole smiled.

“I’m not a fool, Lydia. I know how much you want this kept secret, though I suppose your willingness to sacrifice yourself for your fiancé is admirable.” He leaned forward to peer into Jane’s face, lowering his voice to a gentle cadence. “It’s quite simple, my dear. I will have either that document or you. Which shall it be?”

“You will not have Jane.” A cold, deep voice lashed into the growing darkness. “Ever.”


Alexander.

Lydia’s mind registered his presence, his voice, even as her heart refused to believe it. And yet he emerged from the shadows, an ice-cold rage emanating from him.

“Lord Northwood.” Cole raised an eyebrow, his expression wary but unafraid—as if he knew he was the person in control. “Perhaps you’re the one who will prove sensible. The female mind is prone to emotional decisions, I’ve found.”

Alexander moved closer, pulling Jane away from Lydia. He pushed her behind him to shield her from Cole. Without taking his eyes from the other man, he said, “Lydia, the carriage is at the Langley entrance. Take Jane and go.”

Before Lydia could take one step toward her daughter, Cole moved as swift as a wasp, his hand clamping around Lydia’s arm. Jane shrieked.

A gasp stopped in Lydia’s throat, her body tensing to fight. The cold muzzle of a pistol pressed against her neck. Cole pinned her to him and dragged her toward the gallery railing.

“Miss? Miss!”

A flood of workers swarmed the floor below, staring up at the sudden commotion. Several men started up the stairs.

“No one move!” Cole shouted. “No one! I’ll kill her.”

The men froze. Alexander cursed and started forward, but Cole pushed the muzzle harder. Fear swamped Lydia.

Alexander stopped, his muscles bunched with tension beneath his coat. Behind him, Jane looked at Cole wide-eyed, then turned and ran. Relief over her daughter’s escape overwhelmed Lydia’s fear.

“Let her go, Cole.” Alexander held up his hands in a placating gesture. “Whatever amount of money you want, you will have.”

“No.” Lydia flinched. Sweat trickled down her back, Cole’s breath hot and harsh against her ear.

“Who’s worth more to you, Northwood, the girl or Lydia?”

“They are of equal value.”

Cole laughed. “Are they? Suppose I leave Lydia with you? Take Jane with me? I’d have myself quite a trump card, could bring her out any time as the daughter of Viscountess Northwood, the eminent—”

“Stop!”

Cole whirled, turning as Jane hurried along the length of the gallery, her hand outstretched. A piece of paper fluttered in her grasp.

“Let her go.” She thrust the paper toward Cole. “And I’ll give you this.”

Cole stared at the girl, then gave a low laugh. “Perhaps I underestimated your intelligence, Jane. Even among this illustrious group, you might well be the smartest one here.”