"Eh." The man's gaze darted about.
"Exactly. When are you to meet her next?"
"Eh… um… in a week's time,m'laird."
"Excellent. Now, I'm going to make you a deal you cannot refuse." For if he did, he would find himself at the bottom of the river. "I will give you hospitality in my dungeon and then next week, I'll give you your freedom, after you lead me to Lady Stanbury."
Hobbs blanched. "But… sir… she'sdoin' her best on paying back LairdStanbury'sdebt. 'Tweren'tnone of her fault what her husband done."
"You misunderstand me. I don't blame her."
Hobbs frowned.
"But I do hold her accountable." Claybourne smiled, growing excited at the prospect of receiving hispaymentfrom the voluptuous, fair-haired beauty next week.
Chapter Three
A knock sounded at the door and Calla startled awake.Blast!She had only just fallen asleep after dawn. Having almost been caught by Rebbie and Lachlan the night before had frayed her nerves terribly, and she had gotten little sleep. How daft of her. She should've never spied on them.
Thankfully, when the two men had gone into the secret passages to investigate, she had been able to leave the nursery and return to the chamber she shared with Elena. She was greatly relieved the men had not caught her. She could only imagine what they would think. Rebbie, no doubt, would discern the truth, because he would surely recognize her.
She wished the mattress would open up and swallow her. No such luck.
At the door, a louder knock pounded this time.
"Who is it?" Calla called.
"'Tisonly me, m'lady." Constance, one of Elena's maids, entered. "I'm here to help you both dress for breaking your fast."
Ugh.Calla's stomach revolted at the very idea of eating. She knew it couldn't be morning sickness, for she hadn't been with a man in years.'Twassimply the anxiety from having almost been caught in the secret passages the night before, and the realization, once again, that she couldn't avoid meeting the earl.
"Rise and shine, both of you." Constance turned to Calla. "Laird Barclay says you need to accompany Lady Elena this morn, for her mother is going to rest a bit longer in her chamber."
Well, Calla had gotten out of supper; she supposed she couldn't escape breakfast as well. She was going to have to grind her teeth and do what had to be done, as she had been doing since her sixteenth year.
She arose from the bed and splashed cold water on her face and puffy eyes. How grand; she would likely look atrocious when she again met Laird Rebbinglen. If her eyes were too swollen, mayhap he wouldn't recognize her at all.
If only she could be so fortunate. But, nay, he was a highly intelligent man and would likely recognize her immediately.
Would he embarrass her outright?
She tried to put it from her mind, but her stomach ached as she followed Elena down the steps to the great hall a half hour later. Once in the large room, she searched but did not see Laird Rebbinglen as of yet. She released a sigh of relief, though she knew it would be short-lived. If only she could wear a cowl or veil, but everyone would think her mad.
Glad to see Angelique would be joining them for breakfast, Calla spoke to her briefly before her friend rushed off to speak to the housekeeper. If Rebbie were to cause a scene, Calla would at least have someone on her side.
Moments later, Rebbie entered the room with Lachlan. The two were conversing and chuckling over something, and though she tried not to stare, she could not help but noticeRebbie'sheart-stopping grin. How many times had she seen the same grin on her wee son's face?
She and Elena were directly in his path.Oh, dear Lord help me!She averted her gaze and stared at the floor.
Please do not let him remember me.
"A good morn to you, Lady Elena." He gave an abbreviated bow and did not kiss her hand, Calla noted.
"Laird Rebbinglen, good morn," Elena responded with a curtsy. "This is my cousin and companion, Lady Stanbury."
"My laird," Calla mumbled and curtseyed, still not looking up at him.
"Lady Stanbury?" The tone he used was more than a courteous greeting. It held a question and much curiosity.
