Chapter Twenty-Seven
A t 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 the ton has 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 the way 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.
*
Rockford rode up the drive of Rockford Manor. He dismounted and tossed his reins to the groom. He took the front steps two at a time. As he came to the door, it opened. Mr. Turner was standing beside it.
“Welcome back, Your Grace.” Turner took Rockford’s gloves. “Mr. Greene has been waiting for you for several hours. I’ve put him in the drawing room with some refreshment.”
Rockford’s brow furrowed. “Greene, you say?” He looked toward the drawing room.
“Yes, Your Grace. He seemed quite insistent and… anxious.”
“What could be so urgent?” he murmured. Rockford nodded, handing his coat to Turner. “Thank you. I’ll see to him at once.”
He turned and headed for the drawing room, his mind racing with possibilities. What could have brought Greene here with such urgency? As he entered, he found Greene standing by the fireplace, his posture relaxed but his eyes focused with intent.
“Greene.” One look and Rockford was more curious and concerned. “What brings you here?”
Greene turned to face him, his expression serious, but his fingers twitched against his coat, betraying his unease. “Your Grace, we need to talk. It’s about a rumor.”
Rockford’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What about a rumor? There appear to be many. I cannot keep up with all of them.”
Greene took a steadying breath. “Someone has planned an accident. You are their intended victim.”
Rockford’s heart pounded, a cold chill running down his spine. “What do you mean?”
Greene’s gaze was unwavering, his tone firm. “There’s no time to explain everything. Trust me, you need to avoid Mill Road. The plan is already in motion. It could happen today, tomorrow—there’s no telling exactly when, but soon. Too soon.”
Rockford hesitated, his mind racing. The determination in Greene’s eyes, however, was undeniable. Despite his usual wariness, something about Greene’s demeanor was different today, more urgent, more focused. “Alright. Let’s discuss this further in my study.” He was ready to hear what Green had to say despite the dread creeping into his thoughts.
As they moved to the study, Rockford’s thoughts churned. Hastings’ ambition knew no bounds, and now, more than ever, he realized the extent of the danger they all faced.
Once inside the study, Rockford closed the door behind them. “Now, tell me everything you know.”
Greene leaned in, his expression resolute. “There isn’t more I can tell you. I spent a few hours trying to substantiate it. The answers I’m not getting lead me to believe the rumor is accurate. Even Hastings knows about it. I don’t know when or exactly where, but it will be on one of the carriage routes you frequently use. He’s hired men to ensure it looks like a tragic mishap.”
Rockford’s jaw tightened. “And you’re certain of this?”
Greene nodded. “As certain as I can be without knowing the precise details. With time running out, I didn’t want to waste time trying to get more details. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t warn you. Hastings and his accomplices have created an atmosphere that welcomes this action. They know nothing of the details but sit back and wait for it to happen.”
Rockford studied Greene for a moment, evaluating the gravity of his words. There was determination in Greene’s eyes, along with a flicker of something else, perhaps guilt or a desire for redemption. That was a feeling he knew well.
“I see.” Rockford took his time, his mind working through the implications. “Hastings and his friends have gone too far.”
Greene looked away briefly before returning his gaze to Rockford. “I thought I could handle this—just gather information. But Hastings’ obsession with Lora has driven him past the point of reason.”
Rockford’s head flew up. Once again, his closeness with Lora has drawn her into this mess. “Very well. I’ll avoid the carriage routes, for now. Hastings and his allies think they’ve won. It’s time they learn what happens when they overplay their hand.”