"When will you be back?" Lachlan called.
"I don't know." As soon as he could think clearly, instead of wanting to throttle someone.
***
Knowing Jamie was safe in the children's wing, playing with the other lads under the watchful supervision ofMornaand some of the other servants, Calla closed herself in the chamber Angelique had moved her things to after Elena had gotten angry with her. Barclay, his wife, and Elena hadn't left yet because of the rain earlier that day, and the packing their servants had to do. Their plan was to leave in the morn.
Calla didn't know what her plans were. Rebbie would never forgive her for keeping the truth from him, and she couldn't blame him. Maybe she should've told him the night before, but she hadn't been able to bring herself to. The fear overshadowed all else, and the longer one kept a secret, the harder it was to reveal.
She had hoped and prayed Rebbie wouldn't recognize Jamie as his son. 'Twouldhave been the best for everyone. But, of course, Rebbie was far more intelligent than Stanbury had been. She had never wanted to trick anyone, nor lie, but that had been her only option if she wanted to live.
Rebbie would obviously not pay off Claybourne now, nor would he speak to her again, she was certain. The Barclays and Elena hated her and she couldn't keep her position with them. She would have to find herself another job. Doing what, she didn't know.
She slumped on the bed and let the tears slip from her eyes. She'd known it would come to this. Though she'd expected it, 'twas no less painful.
A knock sounded at the door. She shoved herself up, dried her tears and opened the door.
Angelique waited outside. "Oh, Calla, are you well?"
She nodded.
"Lachlan said Rebbie left in a fury. What happened?" Angelique came in and closed the door.
"'Tisa long story." She noticed a letter in her friend's hand. "What is that?"
"This missive came for you." Angelique handed it to her, then embraced her. "What can I do to help?"
"I thank you, but there is naught to be done."
"Mayhap Rebbie will return soon."
Calla shook her head. "He'll never forgive me. I thought I was doing the right thing but…"
"I'll be honest with you,monamie. Lachlan has told me some of what happened, but not all of it."
"Do you promise to keep it a secret?"
"Of course." Angelique drew her to sit on the side of the bed.
"Jamie's future depends on it. You must tell no one."
"I vow, I will not."
Calla started with the day Stanbury had threatened to kill her if she didn't provide him an heir and told Angelique the whole story. By the time she finished, they were both in tears. Angelique wrapped her arms around Calla and rocked her. "Shh,monamie, we will find a solution. Do not give up hope. Rebbie will return soon and help you."
"My problems are notRebbie'sresponsibility. I've asked too much of him already. I must take care of my son and myself by finding a new position. Barclay will never allow me to remain as Elena's companion."
"Would you truly want to be?"
"Nay, but I must have a way to earn money."
"You will stay here with us. Claybourne cannot touch either you or your son here."
Calla shook her head. "I thank you but I cannot be a burden to you."
"I do not see it that way at all."
"But I would." Calla couldn't take advantage of her friend's good nature.
