"You could work for us here, as tutor to the lads," Angelique said.
"I thought you already had someone in that position."
"We do, but he could use the help. There are three of them, after all, and they are quite rambunctious. Or you could help me with Hannah if you prefer."
"Again, I thank you, but I'll not have you creating a position for me. I refuse to become a charity case."
While Calla truly appreciated her friend's generosity, she was ashamed of herself and her situation, that her friend felt the need to make such offers.
After Angelique left, Calla noticed the missive lying on her bed, where she'd placed it earlier. She picked it up, broke the red wax seal and opened it. Her gaze went immediately to the signature at the bottom.Claybourne.
Icy chills covered her. "What? Nay," she whispered.
Chapter Nineteen
Calla stared at the missive in her trembling hands, unable to believe it was from that knave Claybourne.
My dear Lady Stanbury:
I hope this letter finds you and your son in fine health. As you know, I'm owed a great deal of money from your husband's estate, and now your son's. I hope you will reconsider my offer. You but need work here atBonnyridgefor two weeks in order to pay off the debt. Failure to keep your end of the bargain will result in your son being exposed as the fraud he is. I have spoken at length with Daniel Kerns and his wife. You will remember they used to be in your employ. The information they have given me was quite shocking and I'm certain the members of parliament will be most interested to hear what I've learned. If you wish me to keep your secret and want your son to keep his title and estate, you must come toBonnyridgewith all haste. I will also sweeten the deal and return theCrambyEstate to you. Your husband told me it was your dower property when he wagered it. Do not breathe a word of this to your friends. If anyone shows up at my gates other than you, or if I am attacked or killed, the missives will be sent from elsewhere to the proper authorities.
Kindest Regards,
Claybourne
"Oh dear God," Calla breathed. Claybourne had talked to the Kerns? They had always been loyal to her. Why would they do this? She'd thought her maid, Betty Kerns, would've never given up her secret. Seducing a stranger had been Betty's idea. Surely, her maid had been trying to help at the time, since she knew the earl had threatened her life. The woman had sworn she would never tell a soul.
Her husband, Daniel, had acted as guard that night inStirlingand protected her. He'd also vowed he would tell no one. How could they betray her? Didn't they know this would ruin her life as well as her son's? Claybourne must have offered them a large sum of money. She closed her eyes. They must have been in desperate need. She hadn't wanted to let them go from their positions, but she'd had no other choice. In truth, she couldn't blame them. They were doing what they had to in order to survive, the same as she'd always done.
Calla knew what Claybourne would demand as payment. Good Lord, she could not endure it, especially now that she'd fallen so deeply in love with Rebbie and shared some amazing nights and days with him.
What other choice did she have? She would have to allow Claybourne to use her body for two weeks. She cringed with revulsion. Would it be enough for him, or would he demand more?
She was tempted to kill him, but obviously he had set up his scheme to protect himself from that. Even if she succeeded in killing him, her secret would be revealed. Besides, she was not a murderer. Nor could she get away with such a deed, considering how many men worked for Claybourne.
Though she grew nauseous at the very thought, she would have to go to him. She had enduredStanbury'sattentions for the first two years of their marriage. After she was with child, he hadn't touched her again. If she could tolerate that, she could bear anything. Besides, she would do whatever it took to preserve her son's future and reputation.
Claybourne had also mentioned theCrambyEstate.'Twasa small working estate she'd inherited from her mother where she and Jamie could live without depending on others for handouts. Of a certainty, 'twas something she wanted. She wouldn't have to take a position as a companion or governess.
She could depend on no one else to help her with this. Rebbie had left and, considering how angry he was with her, he would not wish to assist her. She trusted her new friend, Angelique, but she could not ask for her or her husband's assistance in this. Besides, there was naught they could do to stop Claybourne in his quest. Even if they loaned her the money to pay off the massive debt, Claybourne would not be satisfied. He would still want her in his bed and threaten her with exposure if she didn't comply. She knew all too well how vile and vindictive he was. She was out of options.
***
"I cannot believe you are leaving already," Angelique told Calla the next morn in the great hall.
"I'm sorry. I wish I could stay longer, but I have a new job offer.'Twaswhat the missive was about. And I must appear immediately." Calla's chest ached with the lie she had to tell her friend.
Angelique frowned. "What job? Where?"
"As a… um… governess, in Angus. I'll write to you when I'm settled in."
"But Jamie only arrived yesterday," Angelique said.
"Aye, I'll have to take him back to his guardian."
"I am certain Rebbie will return today," Angelique whispered.
"It won't matter. He'll never forgive me for what I've done, and I don't blame him."
