Read By the King's Design for Free Online Page B

brother shared the profits from this shop with her and had every interest in the gig mill being a success. Unless—
    She wheeled around on her sibling, still pointing the pistol forward in her wrath. “So, tell me, Wesley, my dearest brother. Is this little celebration of any surprise to you whatsoever?”
    â€œOf course! I knew nothing about it!” Wesley straightened his back in indignation.
    â€œAnd so how did Clive manage to obtain this piece of cloth from our shop to wear to this little gathering that you knew nothing about?”
    â€œHe must have stolen it.”
    â€œIndeed. Your closest companion made it his business to break into our shop when no one was here to steal a piece of cloth to wear in his plan—that you knew nothing about—to obliterate the item in the shop that holds our livelihood. Is this what I’m supposed to believe, Brother? ”
    Beads of sweat broke out on Wesley’s forehead. “Sister, surely you wouldn’t consider using that weapon on me.”
    â€œI’m really not sure what I would consider doing. Right now I’m waiting to hear what your part in this was.”
    â€œI, well, I, er, you see ...” Wesley looked helplessly at Clive, who stepped back into the conversation.
    â€œSweetheart, you must realize that although I certainly supported this instructive lesson for you, it was actually Wesley who instigated it. He has long desired to gain control of the shop back from you, and this was an ideal way to scare you into handing it over to him.”
    Belle could scarcely believe what she was hearing. Her own brother really was the source of this destruction?
    â€œHow could you do this?” she asked him.
    â€œI didn’t! Clive is lying. It was his idea to do it. He wanted to scare you into giving up the shop so that you would be a proper wife. He told me you’d be the better for it. Besides, he’s the one who has been an active leader with the Luddites.”
    Belle was confused. Was this Wesley’s scheme, or Clive’s? Either way, they were in collusion against her.
    But her attention was diverted once again by Mr. Wood stumbling noisily into the shop. “What ho!” he said. “I heard there was some trouble here. Who are you men, wearing disguises like that? Show us your faces as God made them.”
    The remaining miscreants with kerchiefs still around their faces pulled them down. No one dared disobey a man of the cloth.
    The vicar noticed Clive. “Ah, Mr. Pryce, I see you got here ahead of me. Took me some time to run over here after I got word at the rectory that there was a disturbance. I suppose you have things well in hand.” He looked at the destroyed mill. “Or perhaps you got here too late.”
    Belle spoke up. “Actually, Mr. Wood, I’m afraid my former fiancé does not have things well in hand. In fact, I’ve just discovered that he, or my brother, or both of them together, are responsible for this mess.”
    â€œSurely you must be joking, my dear. Why, Clive Pryce is an upstanding citizen of this community. His father has been a city alderman for years, and Mr. Pryce is destined to follow in his footsteps. You’re talking nonsense.”
    â€œI never talk nonsense. You know that. And my brother and Clive would be well served to hear what I have to say, for I am deadly serious. I despise you both. How dare you consider for one moment doing such a thing to me? If either of you loved me, it would never have crossed your pea brains to do this.”
    Wesley interjected, “But Sister, it was only because we loved—”
    â€œSilence!” she thundered so loudly that everyone in the room jumped. “You’re my own blood, but you betray me as easily as the turncoat on his own country. And you!” She now addressed Clive. “Mr. Pryce, our wedding is officially called off. I suppose I should thank you for showing me your colors