Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Cressida looked into her mirror, pleased at what she saw. Her complexion looked good, and her maid had dressed her hair into an elaborate coiled arrangement.

She hoped that simpering baggage, Lady Olivia Sherwyn, was already on her way back to that country estate where she belonged. She'd wondered if a direct letter of warning might be a step too far, but it could not be traced back to her, and would reinforce the message on the gossip sheet which was circulating around the drawing rooms of society.

I don't believe I'd want Lord Hatfield now, if he was offered to me on a silver salver, she laughed, almost a cackle.

A new development in the form of Sir Jonathan Ellington had been a surprise. When the poor man visited, he had been seething with anger at Lady Olivia's refusal of his offer of marriage. She listened, and worked out that beneath his calm appearance, lay a desperate man who faced ruin if he didn't find money soon.

As he'd shared his story, she had realized this would feed the gossip mill. Poor little Olivia would be finished this time.

If all went to plan, she might end up marrying Sir Jonathan and he would pay Cressida for her time and effort in manipulating the situation.

He faced ruin and humiliation in the ton and access to Olivia's fortune would allow him to settle his debts. He owed money to many people and some of the names he'd mentioned were unsavory characters, even in the seedier corners of the underworld. Cressida's web of influence spread far into the criminal underworld, and Sir Jonathan seemed to have got himself into a scary corner.

She detected a rage towards Olivia which even she thought was excessive. He'd jilted Olivia and now he complained that she refused to give him another chance.

She had supported him in his determination to drive Olivia and Marcus apart, and the gossip mill was turning at top speed, spreading lies about Olivia and Jonathan. The letter had been a stroke of genius, a flourish on her part. And the dead roses? An effective message instilling fear, and making Olivia pull away from the Earl of Hatfield.

Once she had wanted Marcus for herself. That time was long past. It had become a personal vendetta.

Her only slight concern was that Sir Jonathan had been able to work out her identity.

If he could locate her then so could others? She had no intention of being caught, as the consequences for her position in society could be devastating.

She liked the feeling of having this power over the lives of others. Maybe she did take after her French grandmother, who had known how to make love potions, and cast spells changing the direction of the lives of others.

Also, she was having far too much fun.