The Libertine (Taskill Witches 2)

He moved one hand to her throat, where he stroked her.

The way he acted chilled her. “You’re my cousin and my guardian, it did not seem right.” She tried to remain calm and not inflame him further.

His palm was clammy against her skin, his fingers shaking with withheld emotions, dark emotions. “Yet you let him touch you, didn’t you?”

She closed her eyes, reaching for the right thing to say. “I am grateful for your protection, and for the good marriage you arranged for me.”

When she mentioned her marriage he shoved her away from him.

Chloris gripped the back of a chair to save herself from toppling over.

“If you are so grateful,” he spat, “you would not have risked bringing shame on our family. If this is made public my good reputation will be ruined.”

Turning to him, she shook her head. “I had already brought shame on my husband because I am barren. I was trying to right that wrong.”

He looked at her in disgust. “Go back to Edinburgh, Chloris. You’re a fool and I will not let you ruin my good standing in Saint Andrews.”

It would harm him if it came out, she saw that. Would it work in her favor? “I will go, but on one condition, that you leave them alone, the people at Somerled.”

Tamhas stared at her, his expression filled with disbelief. “You attempt to bargain with me, you ignorant woman?”

Every part of her wanted to run away from him, for there was madness in his eyes, but Chloris strived to contain her doubts, drawing strength from her convictions. She met his gaze levelly, determined to face him. “If you do not agree, I will stay here and I will tell Jean that it was me you wanted. See how long she stays loyal to you when she knows you tried to bed your own cousin on the very day she announced she was pregnant with your third child.”

It was something she could never do, but it was her only bargaining tool.

It was also a great risk. He could laugh in her face, she wouldn’t be surprised.

He did not. Instead he looked at her warily and with mistrust.

Chloris tried to get the measure of him. He was angry, and she had seen too much of anger in men’s eyes.

“Make ready to leave at dawn,” he muttered. “The carriage will be waiting to take you back where you belong. Do not attempt to leave your room until then, your food will be sent up.”

Chloris nodded, turned away and walked as fast as her legs would carry her. She would return to Edinburgh because she had to. It was not where she belonged, not anymore. But she would do it to protect Lennox.

As she rounded the door she saw that Maura, the serving girl, waited outside in the shadows, observing the doorwa

y.

When Maura saw that it was Chloris and not Master Tamhas, Maura emerged and ran to her. “I’m sorry, mistress,” she whispered. “I tried, but he took the letter.”

Chloris took the girl’s arm, comforting her while encouraging her to move on. “Hush, it is not your fault. Come, help me prepare to leave.”

Maura looked woebegone.

“It is for the best,” Chloris added, “for everyone.”

That was the truth.

It was only her misguided heart that made her feel so wretched about it.

* * *

Jean appeared fretful.

Tamhas knew why, but he did not want to discuss the matter.

Then she gestured to the serving girl, who stood by awaiting Jean’s instruction to serve dinner. “Please could you go upstairs and rouse Mistress Chloris, I fear she must be unwell because she has not come to dinner.”