"Of course. I'm more than happy to help out. I wouldn't wish either of them to be hurt by that bastard."
Lachlan eyed the lad again, across the room. "Has she told you anything yet?" Lachlan gave Rebbie an inquiring glance.
"Nay, but he looks damn near exactly like me." Rebbie blew out a harsh breath and glanced around. He was glad to see his father was not in the room. Without doubt, as soon as he got a good look at the lad, he would notice the resemblance. "I need to talk to her in private forthwith."
"Use the solar if you wish." He glanced back at Jamie, then grinned. "Och, would you look at that? He's already off to play with the other lads."
Rebbie nodded, glad to see Jamie was getting along with Lachlan's two sons, Kean and Orin, as well as Angelique's wee half-brother, Timmy, and Gwyneth's son, Rory. They were all near the same age.
Seeing Calla alone moments later, Rebbie moved toward her. "Can we talk?" he asked, trying to keep the edge out of his voice.
"Aye." She swallowed hard and avoided his gaze.
"I'll meet you in the solar in a quarter hour."
"Very well." Her skin pale, she pressed her lips tightly together.
She looked terrified and he was unsure how he felt about that. He didn't want her to fear him—he would never harm her—he but wanted the truth.
***
Calla's stomach ached so severely with anxiety, she near felt sick. She hadn't wanted to hurt Rebbie, nor anger him. Her life was in such disarray, she didn't think it would ever be normal again, or happy.
Stiffening her spine, she strode into the solar and closed the door, seeing that Rebbie was already there, pacing before the cold fireplace.
He stopped and watched her, his glare pinning her to the spot. "What the devil is going on, Calla?" he demanded.
Having never seen him so angry, she remained by the door. "What do you mean?"
"Don't." He pointed, then apparently forcing himself to remain calm, he inhaled deeply and clenched his jaw. "I want the truth. Either I'm completely daft or that lad is my son. Now which is it?"
Fear prickled through her like needles of ice. He didn't know; he was only guessing. "Why… why would you say such a thing?"
His sharp glare speared into her. "He has eyes the same color as mine."
"Stanbury had dark brown eyes."
Rebbie clenched his jaw. "The lad looks exactly as I did at that age."
"Surely you cannot remember such a thing." Her breathing grew shallow and she knew she was grasping at straws.
"My father had portraits of me commissioned. Several of them. Once my father sees him, he'll know the truth of it as well."
Oh heavens.LairdKilverntaywas the last person on earth she wanted to know about Jamie. What would he do? Report it to the other members of parliament? Ruin her and Jamie? She clutched her jittery hands together. "I must go see to Jamie."
"Calla," Rebbie growled. "I'll tolerate no more lies from you! Did you… choose me that night because I have dark eyes? Was your intention to…? Hell, I don't even want to say it. You used me. Did you not?"
Her soul stripped bare, she had naught left but the truth. "He was going to kill me," she whispered, tears stinging her eyes.
"What?"
"Stanbury was going to kill me if I didn't produce an heir for him," she said louder and swiped at the tear that escaped.
"What do you mean? He threatened you?"
She nodded. "He said he had no need for a barren wife. That I would find myself flying from the third floor bedchamber window. He told the staff to watch me, that I was distraught, and he feared I would throw myself out the window.'Twasnot true but they all thought I was half mad. He gave me one month's time, and if I hadn't conceived before then, he would've pushed me out the window himself."
"That bastard," Rebbie growled through clenched teeth.
