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“So, you do not love her!” Juliet cried hysterically.

“Juliet...” Duncan sighed. “I am sorry that things have transpired this way, truly I am. But I must ask that you leave me and my wife alone --”

“She deserves to know the truth!” Juliet cried hysterically. “That you do not love her.”

“I did not say that.”

“You did not have to. I can see it!”

“Juliet…” Duncan growled. “I suggest that you calm down.”

She shook her head and took a step back. “She does not love you like I do – and you know it!” Her eyes flashed zealously, as if she had been taken over by a demonic force hellbent on destruction. “But if you will not admit it, she will have to for you instead.”

“Juliet!” Duncan strode for her, but she spun about and stormed from the room.

At least that was her aim. But she reached the door which led from the kitchen, only to find her way blocked.

“Who are you!” Juliet barked. “Out of my way.”

“I am not going anywhere. Not if you mean to try and ruin my sister’s marriage.” It was Louisa of all people, arms folded, face set in a way that was reminiscent of her sister.

“Miss Gouldsmith!” Duncan gasped.

She grimaced. “I am so sorry, Your Grace. I saw the two of you come in here and I followed and...” She grimaced further. “I may or may not have overheard what you were saying.”

“How dare you!” Juliet cried.

“Me!” Louisa was back on her. “You are the one who is trying to destroy my sister’s marriage. Her reputation! And if that is what you mean to do...” She unfolded her arms and held them up as if she meant to tackle Juliet. “You will have to get through me.”

“Is that so?” Juliet cast her eyes about the kitchen, landing on a stray knife lying on the bench. She snatched it and held it before her. “I suggest that you move.”

“Juliet!” Duncan cried and lunged for her.

“I love you!” Juliet screamed as she leapt at Louisa.

“No --” Louisa cried out as she reached for Juliet’s arms to hold back the knife.

It all happened so quickly. Three bodies coming together in a glorious clash. Knife flailing. Legs kicking. Bodies writhing. And as was to be expected, blood splattering...

Chapter Thirty

"What are you looking at?” Isabella’s mother asked her. “Isabella?”

“Hmm?” Isabella responded vaguely, without turning to look at her mother.

“Isabella, I am trying to have a conversation with you. What are you – oh, for heaven’s sake, girl!” She threw her hands in the air. “What has gotten into you today?”

Still, Isabella was not paying her mother any attention.

Her attention was all for the Stoneside manor, which she had been staring at for the past three minutes, ever since she saw Duncan disappear through the back door. That was not interesting. What interested her, what confused and worried her, was seeing Lady St. Vincent follow him inside a moment later. More interesting still, they were yet to return.

To keep the confusion coming,because why not at thisstage, her own sister was then quick to follow Lady St. Vincent just a few seconds later.

They were still inside the manor. All three of them. And the longer that Isabella watched and waited, the more her mind spun and turned and drifted toward thoughts of what it might mean... and why she was suddenly beginning to feel sick.

“As I was saying,” her mother continued. “You and His Grace seem rather happy. More than happy, in fact. And to think, you were against this marriage.” She chuckled. “As I have always said, a mother knows best.”

What are they doing in there?