His father dismounted and followed him. "None of this would've happened, Robert, if you wouldn't run off like a madman when you get yourarsein a twist."
"Don't concern yourself with it," Rebbie growled. "I thank you for coming, but you shouldn't have."
"You're my son and I want to help. Does that shock you?"
Rebbie didn't need his da on his back, poking and prodding, along with everything else going on. But Rebbie had to admit, hisdawas proving more helpful and supportive during the past few days than ever before. "Nay."
"Well, I noticed something this morn, and it all made sense," his father said.
"What made sense?"
"You. Your anger."
Rebbie frowned. Oh, hell. Surely his father hadn't figured out the secret, too.
"The lad. LadyStanbury'sson." His father shook his head, looking stricken. "Is there something you neglected to tell me?"
"Like what?" Rebbie tried for a blank, confused expression. Calla hadn't wanted his father to know, and with good reason.
"Damnation, son, the lad is the spitting image of you at that age. How long have you known Lady Stanbury?"
"Does it matter?"
His father narrowed his eyes. "You're holding back on me. I want the truth."
Rebbie glanced around to make sure no one was close enough to hear. "She doesn't want anyone else to ken. Do you vow to tell no one?"
His father's intense dark eyes bored into his. "Of course. You have my word."
"The lad is the Earl of Stanbury. If word gets out, the title and land will be stripped from him. His future will be ruined."
"How the bloody hell did this happen? You knew her that long ago and while she was married?"
"'Tisa long story, Da. And I don't wish to embarrass the lady further."
"But he is your son?"
"Aye. I saw the resemblance immediately, and she's confirmed it."
His father cursed. "You cannot claim him."
"I'm well aware."
"I knew yourwenchingwould get you into trouble one day."
"I'm not the one in trouble. Calla is. Claybourne has somehow come by this information and is no doubt blackmailing her into doing whatever he wants."
"Hell-hated whoreson."
"I'll have to kill him for this. You know that, don't you?"
"If you don't, I will," his father growled.
***
Claybourne watched Calla as she picked at her food in his elegant dining hall.'Twasan early supper, but he'd heard her stomach growling earlier. He didn't want her hungry and her stomach rumbling when he was having his fun. Nay, he was going to make her enjoy being under him whether she wanted to or not.
"Have more wine." He topped off the red wine in her silver goblet.
