The Widow's Fate They Chose Was My Escape Plan novel · Chapter 9 of 24

Chapter 9: No Tenderness

Rory's POV

I heard every word she said to Bennett Slingsby through the open window.

I had been standing behind the curtain for ten minutes, because my wife was in the garden and I wanted to watch.

"I'd rather be Rory Keane's widow than your mistress."

It was a good line.

It was loud enough for the kitchen, and it left Slingsby with his mouth open.

It was also the plan she had told me the first night, in plain words.

She had married me to bury me.

I told myself that was fine.

I told myself it was convenient, because a woman who counted the days would never fall in love with a dying man.

Then I watched her walk back up the path with her mother's pearls at her throat and her chin up.

I thought: I would like to be worth more than a widow's settlement.

The door behind me opened.

I got into the bed before I turned around.

It was Desmond, with his hands folded, wearing the face he used on sick people and clients.

"My boy. Bad news."

"What?"

"Your mother had a turn at lunch," my uncle said. "I've sent her to the clinic on the north side. Nothing to worry about. She'll be back in a week or two."

My mother had not been to a clinic in fifteen years.

She had not left the east wing, because the door did not open from the inside.

"Thank you, Uncle," I said weakly.

I let my head fall back.

He watched me for a count of five and went out.

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