Serena shook her head. “I fear I must decline. There is no point.”
Dominic held still for a moment, and then gave a single nod. “I regret you feel this way, but I understand and appreciate your position.”
Serena was surprised and pleased that he did not try to give her an argument. He merely walked her to the door and called a servant over. “Henry, please assist Miss Blanford to pack. She will be leaving this morning.”
Serena gazed at him in disbelief. “Why are you doing this?”
“There is little point in your remaining if you refuse to fulfill the terms of your contract.”
“I originally came here to serve as my cousin’s companion. Why can’t I remain with her as such?”
“We have an abundance of servants to see to your cousin’s needs, Serena. There is no need for you to remain on in that capacity, and as your cousin appears to listen to you, your interference could jeopardize all we are trying to accomplish here. It would be best for all if you were to take your leave as quickly as possible. Henry here will be more than happy to assist you in this endeavor.”
Trapped by her own strategy, Serena realized he had out maneuvered her. She couldn’t protect Allison from the danger Westcroft represented if she was sent away, and unless she remained, she would never learn the truth about Felicity’s death. She owed both her sister and her cousin that much at least. Blinking back angry tears of frustration, Serena lifted her chin and confronted the man who certainly had the ability if not the desire to murder all of them. “It would seem that I have little choice but to comply with your wishes in this matter. What is it you would have me do?”
