"You know how people love to talk about each other in these small towns."
"I won't swear to anything Belinda does," I said. "I'll believe it when I see it. Why?"
"She . ."
"What?"
"Asked me for a job when she graduates this business college next month," he revealed.
"What?" I started to laugh.
"She said she would rather not work for you."
"I'd rather not have her work for me."
"I thought I'd tell you," he said.
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know. What should I do?" He looked like he was hoping I would give him permission.
"In light of the past, don't you think it might be an indelicate situation?" I asked.
"It might be indelicate to turn her down," he said gazing at the window.
My heart stopped and then started with a machine-gun rhythm that nearly took my breath away.
"You mean to say Belinda threatened you? Blackmailed you?"
"Not in so many words. Maybe she's changed," he said. "Maybe I should give her an opportunity."
"Do what you want," I said. "You men always do anyway," I added.
He started to laugh and then took on a very serious expression.
"We'll see," he said. "I'll call on you again and send those papers over tomorrow, if that's okay."
"Perfectly," I said turning away from him now. How could he even consider having Belinda around him? It made me furious.
"Have a good day," he said and left.
I felt like tearing up the room, raging like some wild animal. I wanted to swing my arms, pound the walls. This damn confinement drove me mad. I hated it; I hated being pregnant. It was as if Samuel had locked me up and thrown away the key.
"Loretta!" I screamed. "Loretta!"
She came charging up the stairs, rushing to my room. She stopped in the doorway, her hand on her chest, her shoulders heaving.
"Yes, ma'am. What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. Help me get up and get dressed," I ordered.
"But . ."
"This instant!" I cried. Had I lost my authority in the eyes of everyone, even my servants?
"Yes, ma'am," she said and went to the closet to fetch the clothing I selected.
Lying in bed so long had weakened me more than I had anticipated. Twice, I had a spell of dizziness while I dressed, but I fought it off. When I was ready, I sent for Raymond, who helped me leave the house and get into the car.