Sabrina Jeffries - Wed Him Before You Bed Him (The School for Heiresses)

C harlotte could not breathe. The look of guilt on Davids face gave her pause. And why would Mr. Pinter have wanted him here at Mr. Bainess office? She knew Mr. Keel in passing, but what possible story could he have to tell? Unless David was Cousin Michael

No, how could he be? She had already dismissed the possibility for obvious reasons.

Mr. Pinter took over, bidding them to sit with a politeness that belied the cool calculation in his dark eyes. After everyone else took a seat, he sat down where he could see everyone.

Mr. Keel, he then said to the night clerk, I would be most obliged if you would repeat for our benefit what you told me earlier.

The clerk looked none too eager to speak. Begging your pardon, Lord Kirkwood, Mr. Keel said as he worked his hat through his trembling hands, but I didnt think it right that you should be accused of murder when you were here with me the night Lady Kirkwood died.

Charlottes immediate relief that David was exonerated was very brief. Why was David so chummy with Cousin Michaels solicitor that he would come to his office at night? A painful knot formed in her belly. Especially since David would not even look at her, but stared blindly at the wall.

And why was his lordship here with you? Mr. Pinter prodded.

Though Charlotte now suspected what the mans answer would be, it still rocked her when he said, He was delivering a letter for Mrs. Harris.

Only one person sent letters from Mr. Bainess office. She could feel Mr. Pinters assessing gaze on her, but she did not care. All she could do was stare at David, hoping for him to deny it, to say this was a huge mistake and she had misunderstood.

But it explained too muchhis sudden reappearance in her life, the codicil to the will, the way she kept sensing that he was holding something back from her. It explained why he had said his alibi involved protecting a friend.

Because his so-called friend was his own alter ego.

You are Cousin Michael, she whispered.

He squared his shoulders, then nodded tersely.

And her heart broke. All this time, he had been lying to her, deceiving her, manipulating herWhile she had been too much a fool to see it. I-I considered that it might be you, but it made no sense. Why would you do it? I deserve to know that, at least.

He met her gaze with one so haunted that it made a fist close around her heart. Which part do you want to know?

All of it! Why you lied to me, when you knew how desperately I wanted to know the truth. Why you continued the role even after I As she saw Mr. Pinters eyes narrow, she caught herself. After I learned there was no bequest from Sarah. And why you started the cursed masquerade in the first place.

Why you made me fall in love with you all over again.

No, she did not love him. How could she love such a liar?

When you approached me as my husbands cousin, she went on, it was only four years after that stupid letter of mine went to the papers. I cannot imagine why you would have let me rent your valuable piece of property

Ah, but the property doesnt belong to him, does it, my lord? Mr. Pinter broke in.

She had almost forgotten that the Bow Street runner was there, but clearly he had learned everything about her association with Cousin Michael. Of course it belongs to him, she told Pinter, then glanced at David. Doesnt it?

Actually, Mrs. Harris, Mr. Baines put in with a pained expression, the property belongs to Mr. Pritchard. His lordship won a lien on it in a card game and is allowed only the rents for a period of fifteen years.

She shot the solicitor a glare as she realized how very much the man had kept from her. Then his words sank in. Fifteen years. It had been nearly fourteen and a half years since

God help her. She felt another blow to her heart.

She shot David an accusing glance. Is that why you invented the codicil and approached me about moving the school? Because you knew you would no longer be my landlord?

Look here, Charlotte

Answer me, curse you!

He nodded, his eyes dark with guilt. Pritchard has said hell evict you when the fifteen years is up. I could think of no other way to

How about telling me the truth? she bit out. Instead of all this folderol about finding another property? If you had told me I was about to be evicted, I would not have vacillated about moving the school.

But you would not have taken my money either, would you? he pointed out. You would have been trapped, unable to get past your pride and unable to afford moving to another location. I couldnt risk that. I didnt want you to lose your school.

Do not blame this on me, she said, unable to keep the hurt from her voice.

David threaded his fingers through his hair, distractedly. I didnt mean to. I justdidnt want you to suffer. He released a shuddering breath. And I didnt want to reveal why I started the masquerade. I didnt want you to know the truth.

That you were a friend to me? That you gave me money to start the school all those years ago and helped me with the rents? Charlotte said in bewilderment.

David flinched. Glancing at Mr. Pinter, he hesitated, as if considering what he should say.

But right now, Charlotte didnt care about Pinter or Sarahs death or any of it. Tell me all of it, curse you, she bit out. Why did you become Cousin Michael?

Because I wanted to revenge myself on you. He gave a bitter laugh. Godwin was right, damn his eyes. He just got the timing wrong.

Revenge . The fist around her heart tightened painfully. I dont understand.

I know. Why do you think I didnt tell you? He leaned forward, his eyes alight with remorse. I was so angry at you back then. When I heard you were teaching in that expensive school in Chelsea, it infuriated me that you were on the road to pursuing your dream while my life was still in a shambles. So I thought

He dropped his gaze. I thought Id offer you a loan and a cheap rent so you could establish your academy. Once you had it going, Id intended to demand full payment on the loan and raise the rents beyond your ability to pay. Then I could watch you fail. Watch you suffer. The way you made me suffer with your letter to the papers.

Why do you keep talking about a letter to the paper? Mr. Pinter demanded.

Both Charlotte and David ignored him.

She reeled from the idea that he could have set out to destroy her in such a calculating manner. Youyou hated me that much? she choked out. You thought it acceptable to publicly humiliate me?

The way you did me? Yes! As if realizing how heated his words were, David let out an exasperated sigh. Remember, back then I didnt know the truth of what had happened that night at my estate, Charlotte.

I can understand your wanting to strike at me, she said, tears clogging her throat. But your plan would have hurt others, too. I had students, teachers, people who depended on me

As my family depended on me, before you ruined my hopes of a decent marriage! When she recoiled, he groaned. Damn it, I am only explaining how I felt then. How I justified my stupid plan to myself. At the time it seemedfair.

When did it stop seeming fair? she whispered in a hollow voice. Or has the past month just been the culmination

Dont be ridiculous, he said in a low, aching voice. The last month was heaven for me. And hell. I wanted to tell you, especially after I realized He broke off with a frustrated glance at Mr. Pinter. But I knew what youd think.

That I do not know you at all? She couldnt hold back her tears any longer. As they trickled down her cheeks, she shot him an accusing glance. That the man I thought was my friend was merely a figment of my fancy? Instead, I find he is exactly the sort of cruel and manipulative man my father was.

He recoiled. No! I never carried out my plan.