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Amelia looked down, ashamed that her crimes were brought up in the light of day, with her mother so close by.
“I am sorry, again.” She whispered.
William said, “Donald is a bleedin’ bastard. He thinks only of himself and money and power. He has naught tae provide for the clan. I am certain he did not tell ye of his evil ideas when he asked ye tae help him. He will get his comeuppance, of that, ye can be sure.”
“Thank you, William.”
William bid farewell to the ladies, his gaze lingering on Marianne briefly before turning to go out the door.
Marianne let out a breath of relief once she heard the door shut.
“I have had Sophie boil some water for you as well, so you can take your bath as well. I will bathe in the bedroom,” Amelia said.
She grabbed the bucket and went inside.
An hour later, once both Marianne and Amelia were bathed and dressed in fresh clothes, another knock sounded at the door.
“Who could that be now?” Marianne asked.
Amelia chuckled, “Perhaps it is William, with more flowers?” Sophie answered it and allowed the guest inside. At the bedroom doorway appeared none other than Donald Kinnaird.
* * *
“Greetings, ladies.” He practically slunk into the room, and the two women froze, shocked at his arrival.
Amelia was the first to respond. “And what are you doing here? Have you not done enough to me and my family as well as your own?” She felt anger begin to rise again, but she did not want to give him the satisfaction of an emotional reaction.
“Och, lass, donnae spin tales. I have done naught but take what is truly mine, and that is thanks tae ye. Ye have served me well.” A wicked smile played on his lips.
Amelia stood, hoping that it would give her more strength to face this devil. “Come, let us meet in the parlor.” Marianne spoke, “I will watch Henrietta.” Amelia smiled at her friend, and then walked in front of Donald to stand by the windows in the main room. “Well, if I have done so well, then why do you continue to plague me?”
“I plague ye, my dear, for I have a solution tae all your pecuniary problems. But, ye will need tae take a walk with me tae learn this solution.” He pulled a large bag from his pocket that clinked as he moved it. Coin.
Amelia hesitated, staring that the bag. Perhaps he was going to give her the rest of the money?
“Let us walk then.” Amelia stood and grabbed a plaid from the hook before leaving the room. Donald followed her out the door and offered Amelia his arm. As they walked, Donald drew out his idea of a solution.
“Ye need money, yes? Tae save yer father who wallows in debtor’s gaol?” He took pleasure in pricking Amelia’s wounds.
“Yes. And now my mother is ill and would only recover if she knew my father would be released.”
“Excellent. Here is my solution. Now that I am Laird, I have the key to all the Kinnaird fortune. And I would be happy tae pay ye what ye are owed as well as the rest of yer father’s debts.”
Amelia was filled with disgust. “So, you hadn’t enough money before you claimed this lairdship?” Her blood boiled. “It feels like blood money after what you had me do to boost your position. But, even so, you would never pay without a price.”
Donald laughed. “Ye are quite right, my dear. My price is this: Marry me. Marry me and all yer problems will be solved.”
