Page 25 of Mistress of Misfortune

“Including my faith in God.” She took in a deep breath, and felt lighter than she had in weeks. She also realized they had been using each other’s given names, something that warmed her heart. “Thank you for listening, Mr. Naveya.”

He bowed to her. “It is an honor to know such a woman as you, Miss Branwen.”

He walked back to the carriage with her. At the door he stopped and faced her. “My master did not make the wood fall on your cousin, or cause her rig to overturn. I know you are thinking this, but he could not do such things. He has no reason to hurt Miss Meredith. He is nothing like Lord Carlton. I swear this.”

Lucetta felt astonished by how well he had guessed her thoughts. It also made her feel rather uncomfortable. Was she so easy to read? “I will trust in your faith in the colonel, then, Mr. Naveya. Please take me home now.”

When they reached the parsonage, before stopping Harshad had to go around a large, grand carriage sitting directly in front of the entry. As soon as Lucetta glanced back she saw the black lion crest on the side door of the other conveyance, and her throat tightened. Lord Carlton would only have one purpose in calling on her brother.

As soon as Harshad halted Lucetta sprang from the carriage and marched up to the front door, which opened before she reached it. Her former employer, coldly elegant in pale blue and silver, stopped short as soon as he saw her. His thick lips spread into a gloating smile before he walked past her without a word.

Dread swamped Lucetta as she watched his lordship drive off. Whatever he had told Jeffrey, it would cast her in the worst light—of that she had no doubt. But she consoled herself with the knowledge that he would not have told her brother the full truth. Carlton dared not expose himself to Jeffrey as he had to her. A penniless governess’s charges might be dismissed as feminine confusion or vengeance against an employer; a respectable vicar’s word would carry more weight.

“Sister.” Jeffrey emerged from inside, his expression bleak. “I have had a visitor and, well, we must talk now.”

“Yes, I think we should.” She would tell him everything, Lucetta decided, and let him advise her as to how she should deal with his lordship. She should not tolerate any further harassment, and Jeffrey might be willing to help her seek some protection from the villain by obtaining counsel, or perhaps even taking him to court. There his lordship would not be able to tell his web of lies.

Once they had retreated to Jeffrey’s study, he gestured for her to sit and went behind his desk. There he drew from an envelope a letter, which he handed to her.

“Lord Carlton has written to the bishop. It seems his family has done a great deal for the church over the years,” he said slowly. “He brought a copy of the letter so that I would know its contents, and act accordingly.”

Lucetta quickly read what her former employer had written. In addition to accusing her of thievery, he claimed she was an unrepentant atheist who had poisoned his wife and children with her profane notions. So damaging was her influence, in fact, that Carlton claimed his family had been torn apart by it. While her crimes might be forgiven by a loving brother, her wanton disregard for the sanctity of faith rendered her unfit to occupy the parsonage at Renwick. He implored the bishop to see Lucetta removed from the household or, if the vicar was unwilling to turn her out, to ban Jeffrey from the exercise of ministry.

“Carlton is quite convincing,” she said, handing the letter back to him. “Of course, after I refused to return his property, he swore to ruin me.”

“He is keeping his word, then, my dear.” Jeffrey sat back and rubbed his eyes before he met her gaze. His eyelashes looked wet now. “I must ask you some questions now.” His expression changed to the one he put on in front of the parish. “Are you in fact an atheist?”

Lucetta went still as what Carlton meant to do finally sank in. The letter posed a direct, serious threat to her brother’s position. The church expected their vicars expected to uphold the highest standards of Christian behavior, most especially at home. By having Lucetta at the parsonage, Jeffrey would be harboring an enemy of his own faith.

Belatedly she realized she hadn’t answered him. “I no longer believe in God, so yes, I am.”

He leaned forward, his eyes filling with sorrow. “Did you cause this rift between Lord Carlton and his family, as he claims in the letter?”

“Not by spreading atheism, but yes, I did cause his lordship to become separated from his wife and children.” She rose to her feet. “As I told you before, I also stole from him. It is all true.”

If she fought Carlton on this, his lordship would not rest until her brother lost his position. Jeffrey might eke out a small living in some other, limited capacity for the church, but he and Deidre would suffer greatly reduced circumstances. He would also be forbidden from holding services or ministering to a parish. Lucetta knew that her brother’s faith was more than a job, it had always been his one, true calling.

By ruining Jeffrey, Carlton would exact a very fine revenge on her indeed. That made her decision simple.

“You need not worry about me, Brother.” She smiled at him. “I will go at once.”

“I would do anything for you, Lucy, you know that. But I must think of my wife, and our parish. I am first a man of God.” He took from his desk drawer a small purse, which he held out to her. “This is all the money I can spare. I’m afraid it will not keep you more than a month. If you need more, perhaps–”

“I don’t need it, thank you,” Lucetta said before she left for her room.

Packing her few belongings took little time, and when she emerged she found her sister-in-law waiting in the hall.

“That Indian gentleman is still waiting outside for you,” Deidre told her. “He refused to leave until he knew you were well, and perhaps he may… Ah, here.” She handed her a satchel. “I know you do not care for my cooking, but here are some provisions. Cucumber sandwiches and apples and a bit of ham. I did not put any fruit in the scones, and the flask of tea is only once-brewed.”

Lucetta’s eyes stung. “I am sorry I have been such an ungrateful guest.”

“You spoke only the truth.” Her sister-in-law hesitated before she said, “But that Lord Carlton, he is a lying snake. May he get what he richly deserves for his wickedness.” She pressed her fingers to her mouth, as if shocked by her own words. “Forgive my outburst, Miss Branwen.”

“My name is Lucetta,” She reached out and hugged the astonished woman, kissing her on the brow. “Thank you, Deidre.”